Airport Patdowns

[Tink]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TRAVEL/12/23/tsa.pat.downs/index.html

Back in 1994 at Heathrow I got a patdown by a female security guard that I felt was excessive. She felt all around by breasts and I thought it was creepy. I had HUGE boobs at the time, so I chalked it up to maybe they were suspicious of what was actually in my bra. I felt it was ridiculous though.

Nowadays, especially in light of the incidents where explosives were likely smuggled on board by women, I think it is indeed neccessary in *some* cases. However, what a fine line to walk for guards who have to perform these searches. I'm sure in *most* cases they're just as uncomfortable about doing it, as the person is getting it. I certainly think that whenever possible, they have female guards search females. Males search males. Not always possible though.

[Dmitri]

You know Tink I think I'll have to instill this at the shop for the next time you come down... :twisted:

[Dragonfly]

I went through the airport in Munich back in high school when I was over there for spring break.
Munich being a drawing point for many neo-nazis and Hitler-fans, I understood why they would check so thoroughly.
And thankfully they had a female guard...
But not only did she slide the wand between my legs, when she got to the top she LIFTED AND PRESSED IN. :shock:
I stood there, shocked, and in the back of my mind the thought trickled forth "I wonder if I"m still a virgin after that..."
I couldn't believe it. I still don't believe it. I was too surprised to raise any issue with it, and being young at the time figured probably that no one would listen or care.
If this means riding the train from here on out to get places, though, I will do it. No one gets to touch me that way EVER again... :x

[KissMeKate]

The US has not really dealt with big security for as long as other countries, but the craziness of the times has made it a necessity. It does feel like a violation because you know you're not doing anything wrong. It's a hassle to wait in line and have yourself and your personal posessions pawed through before you can get on your flight. But if the paranoia pays off by actually stopping a potential threat, then it's more than worth the effort. I'm sure some of the screeners are uncomfortable with the procedures, but it's their job, and I hope they are just as thorough with everyone in their queue. [But I also hope that their main priority is safety and not the thrill of being able to assault someone without consequences.]

[Phoenix McHeit]

My problem comes from the fact that I always wear an underwire - and those plastic fake wires just don't work for me. They have to be metal. So therefore, the wand always beeps. Which means, I always get the pat-down. Any guesses how long its been since I went on a plane?

[Ysobelle]

Imagine working at the airport and having to go through this almost every day. And my underwires ALWAYS set off the wands if they have to wand me. Once, even the clasps on my bra set it off. It just depends on how high they have the wands or walk-throughs set.

Thank G-d I'm not at the airport store for the Christmas season-- I'd never get to the store. I'd be stuck in security with everyone else.

[Tink]

You know Tink I think I'll have to instill this at the shop for the next time you come down... :twisted:

Dmitri darling are you attempting to hijack my thread for your own sick, perverted amusement? BAD BOY!!! Quit it before you end up on Santa's naughty list.

Who am I kidding? You've got a permanent place on it....

[KissMeKate]

I decided last time that I didn't care what I looked like on the plane, so I wore a sports bra (no underwire or hooks!), sweat pants (no zipper!), slip on shoes (no metal loops! - plus they have to go through the detector anyways), and my hair up in a scrunchy with no metal connector. Zoomed right through security! Then if you had room in your carry-on, you can change in the bathroom once you're actually in the terminal.

[Tink]

I decided last time that I didn't care what I looked like on the plane, so I wore a sports bra (no underwire or hooks!), sweat pants (no zipper!), slip on shoes (no metal loops! - plus they have to go through the detector anyways), and my hair up in a scrunchy with no metal connector. Zoomed right through security! Then if you had room in your carry-on, you can change in the bathroom once you're actually in the terminal.

That's the best bet. Be comfy on the plane and do thing to make security easier and quicker. Slip on shoes is a big one. So much easier than having to untie,remove, put back on, then , retie all while trying not to get trampled by the people behind you.

[Larkspur]

After flying my 8 yo back and forth from Jacksonville FL to San Antonio TX, I can completely empathize. I don't know how much of a risk I am, but this past week, I went to pick her up at the airport, upon scanning my purse, they confiscated my manicure scissors.

Since I can replace them easily and cheaply, it was really a non-issue for me. But you know that poor guy had probably been put through the wringer a number of times, he was so conciliatory towards me. I simply explained it wasn't a worry, wished a Merry Yule, and went on about my day. He was so relieved, I wanted to stand by his desk as the next 'offender' was brought up, and just tell them to grow up.

I don't know about the searches, but let's be nice to the people just following the rules, take a 'Don't kill the messenger' stance for the Holidays.

[Psyche]

Oh I know airport inspectors who get their jollies off their jobs... asshats.

When I fly, I wear jammies. I have been known to wear the slip on slippers too. I have been amused at how many come up and tell me how much they envy my comfort and wish they had the balls to do it too.

[mstarfire]

Everytime I've gone through security they've serched my bags for something.
Last year, my (plastic) tin whistle in my bodhran (drum) case, combined with all of my tippers set off the concern. This last time it was my house keys. The belt hook on them, combined with a gas Speed Pass spooked someone.
I was very gracious both times, saying of course they can go through the bags, and I would be happy to empty them if they would prefer (sometimes they do prefer, never know where you'll find a needle). Got good laughs from the officers both times. I also thanked them for doing a good job and seeing to my, and others, safety.

Yes, I think some get off on having the power to make life a little miserable for someone, but most are doing a decent job. If you feel abused or offended, then chances are you were. Make a polite and formal complaint. When enough has been said about a particular person, the situation will be corrected. You may just prevent someone else down the line from facing the same kind of abuse.

We all have the ability to make changes in the world around us. Even if we don't perceive that what we have done has made a difference. It takes a lot of twigs to dam a river, but it's done everyday.

[Isabelle Warwicke]

I fly either on passes or for business, so I have to dress nicely, no sweatpants for me....

However I have to tell you this...There is a rule that you may only fly with two lighters on an airplane. I swear to freakin' god! My Father just came back from a scuba trip to the Keys and he flew with a friend of his that smokes. The friend had three lighters on him. One in his jeans pocket, one in his coat pocket and one in his carry-on. They took ONE away from him after the search and wished him a happy day. Not kidding.

[Absinthe d'Accalia]

My hubby works for TSA, so he's right in the trenches dealing with all sorts of folks...he's actually one of the good ones who cares about the security of the airport & the passengers. You couldn't pay me to deal with the folks he has to deal with on a daily basis!

Isabelle - were they the 'torch' lighter variety? I know those aren't allowed, but I didn't know about the two lighter rule. What more havoc could be wreaked with three versus two lighters? :roll:

[Phoenix McHeit]

What more havoc could be wreaked with three versus two lighters? :roll:

Umm yeah - last time I checked, most people only had two hands... errrmmm... maybe I don't want to think about how that third one would be struck & lit. :shock:

[Absinthe d'Accalia]

I was thinking the same think Phoenix. Unless they were holding the lighters to share with their terrorist friends?

[Tink]

http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=183&content=09000519800720a4

If you can get the PDF file to open, you'll be amazed what they *allow* to be carried on.

[Psyche]

I have read that list before and was fairly shocked...

[justLori]

Imagine working at the airport and having to go through this almost every day. And my underwires ALWAYS set off the wands if they have to wand me. Once, even the clasps on my bra set it off. It just depends on how high they have the wands or walk-throughs set.

Thank G-d I'm not at the airport store for the Christmas season-- I'd never get to the store. I'd be stuck in security with everyone else.

Once my inside elbow set off the wand...she triple-tested the wand against her watch, and yet the inside of my elbow made it beep. :shock:

I turned my arm so that the bone was on top (where she wanded) and it stopped, so she let me through.

I make SURE to drink my water the day before now, and to "forget" to take my vitamin for the day until I get to my destination. Just in case.

just Lori

[Dedeley]

I was scheduled to fly on September 11 - from NY to Washington. Just the thought of what could have happened has made me a little more understanding of the security procedures. (Didn't help that the next flight I took was on the day that the US attacked Iraq. "How can you tell the Benoit family is going on vacation? A war breaks out.")

As someone said, Europe has been dealing with this type of thing for so much longer than we have. I was pulled over in Heathrow before 9/11 once because I had a one-way ticket, which was suspicious, I guess. I had missed a flight due to an accident on one of those little European roads, and taxi couldn't get through the road to the airport on time! They issued a one-way ticket, and luckily, put a memo into the computer so my story checked out when asked by Security.

I guess it just sucks that some people take advantage of their much-needed positions to do rotten things. Just human nature? Complain if that happens to you, and thank the good guys for doing their jobs.

[Jessa]

i hate to say it - but the only way we'll really be safe from other passengers is if they keep us all shackled naked in the cargo hold. Since we can't have and don't want that level of security, I'm willing to exchange a smidge of this new security for less hassle and better treatment.

Anyone remember the "Terror in the Skies Again" article? It turned out to be nothing - totally innocent - but it pointed out that someone who is determined (and you've got be to pretty determined to even attempt most terrorist attacks) could still smuggles plently of dangerous items aboard a plane. Talking away people's manicure scissors won't accomplish anything for our safety.

Over the past couple years, road trips have gotten far more attractive.