TSA and the art of misinformation.

[mcmxi]

I just got back from a business trip over the weekend which reminded me of the previous trip when I flew into/out of Knoxville, TN. The TSA had numerous photos of confiscated firearms, magazines and ammunition posted in the rat maze that funnels passengers through security. There were no photos of knives, scissors, drugs, liquids or any other confiscatable items, only firearms and related items. This had me wondering if TSA was trying to influence the public in some way.

Every poster had verbiage that sold the idea that the TSA employee was a hero and that a crime had been prevented that would have adversely affected other passengers. I found this to be disingenuous since the vast majority of firearms found in carry on bags are left there by mistake and not an attempt to hijack a plane or knowingly commit a crime.

This is not a political topic, at least I don't think it is.

 

[jyoutz]

I just got back from a business trip over the weekend which reminded me of the previous trip when I flew into/out of Knoxville, TN. The TSA had numerous photos of confiscated firearms, magazines and ammunition posted in the rat maze that funnels passengers through security. There were no photos of knives, scissors, drugs, liquids or any other confiscatable items, only firearms and related items. This had me wondering if TSA was trying to influence the public in some way.

Every poster had verbiage that sold the idea that the TSA employee was a hero and that a crime had been prevented that would have adversely affected other passengers. I found this to be disingenuous since the vast majority of firearms found in carry on bags are left there by mistake and not an attempt to hijack a plane or knowingly commit a crime.

This is not a political topic, at least I don't think it is.

I only have to say that someone has to be a fool to forget about a firearm in their carry on bag. They have confiscated my razor blades and a few pocket knives from me over the years, but who who try to slip a gun past security?

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I have no fear of flying, was an A@P mechanic so I know how safe they are, and I do understand that people have to fly for business.

But I hate being treated like a terrorist.

I stopped flying about 10 years ago due to people "barking orders" at me and basically "cavity searching me" and treating people like sh!t..............F That.

I had more fun, and was treated better, in Marine Corps Boot Camp than I was the last time I flew.

Now I drive, and if I can't get there by car, I find someplace else to go.

Back when "we were free" , I loved kicking back in the seat, reaching cruising altitude then firing up a Marlboro Red and telling the "hottie stewardess" to bring me a drink every 10 minutes until I start slurring my words,.......then bring them every 20 minutes.

Now it's some TSA/DHS/FBI/CIA/FEMA/EPA/FAA/FDIC/FDA/SEC/DOJ/FEMA.......etc..... Nazi yelling out "PAY ATTENTION.......TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES, BELTS AND PLACE ALL YOUR ITEMS IN THE THE BASKET.......WALK FORWARD AND PLACE YOUR FEET ON THE LINE......STOP, I SAID......SPREAD YOUR ARMS AND LOOK UP......HOLD STILL.........WALK FORWARD......." then you get your shit shoved at you, and walk around like a dipshit, trying to put yourself back together while looking for a seat to put your shoes back on.

Then you pass the "strip search area" where they have a lady that resembles "Aunt Bee" bent over a table as 4 thugs walk by because of their "DEI training".

On top of that they F'ing confiscated my "cheese dip" cause it was in a sealed Frito Lay container but was 3.2 Oz which is over their arbitrary 2.75 Oz limit for liquids.

I tried to explain that "cheese dip" is not a liquid, nor a solid really, but more of a "Non-Newtonian fluid"....but alas, she was not having any of that........ my "cheese dip" was gone......

Brings a tear to my eye.

 

[hagrid]

Pittsburgh International stops a gun every other week. With ammo.

 

[mcmxi]

I only have to say that someone has to be a fool to forget about a firearm in their carry on bag.

A fool? How about human. People forget things all the time. They forget kids in cars, they forget a pot on the stove, and on and on. Many things are forgotten in low stress situations, but catching flights is stressful for many. Getting up early, concern with getting to the airport, getting through security, flight delays, short connection times etc.

I doubt many intentionally try to get a firearm through security. If a firearm is in their carry-on it's typically an oversight. Even checking a bag with a firearm can lead to trouble. For example, if the there's a cancellation that results in the need to pick up bags from baggage claim at a connecting airport in a state that has more restrictive laws. Or in the case of a flight being diverted to such an airport where once again bags need to be picked up at baggage claim. This has happened and people have been arrested for such a violation.

 

[Henro]

My guess is it is because the fines and penalties that are suffered when you carry a firearm in your carry-on bag are probably much greater than any other offense you could make. Therefore, they probably want to give a maximum warning to people hoping that they may help them avoid a big fine.

Might be more than that, but probably not meaningful to emphasize carrying a tube of toothpaste that is bigger than permitted or something along those lines.

Just a guess…

 

[mcmxi]

My guess is it is because the fines and penalties that are suffered when you carry a firearm in your carry-on bag are probably much greater than any other offense you could make. Therefore, they probably want to give a maximum warning to people hoping that they may help them avoid a big fine.

That's an interesting perspective and one that I hadn't considered. For someone to walk past all of those signs and not realize that they have a firearm in their carry-on they must think that they're not carrying a firearm in their bag.

I was at the airport in Austin, TX a few years ago and standing in the TSA line when I realized that I had a knife in my pocket. I always carry a knife and simply forgot to put it in my checked luggage. I got out of line, found a kiosk that was set up to mail restricted items and sent the knife to myself with a reasonable USPS shipping charge. The other alternatives were having a $100+ knife confiscated, or throwing it away, and neither option worked for me.

 

[The Evil Twin]

Maybe they are trying to influence perspective. Maybe they are trying to jog someones memory. All I can say is this:
I have a good friend that works for a contractor of TSA. Their rate of identification is not that good. I'm probably not allowed to say the percentage, but it's not good. Meaning, when they are tested under live circumstances, the agents fail to identify a lot of items they should be finding.

 

[jimh406]

I don't fly that much. That being said, I can tolerate rules that don't make any sense to me. Of course, some airports are much easier to get through than others. It seems the rules can be quite a bit different depending on what equipment the airport has ... at least.

I'll say this though. I flew into/out of Paris and Seville this Summer. It seems their rules don't make a lot of sense either ... to me. Flying out of the US was no worries. Arriving into the US was a little crazy in that they were understaffed and a very slow process.

Personally, I don't think they are worried too much about efficiency in the US or France or Spain. I don't know about other countries.

 

[Tarmy]

Same as when they have drug dogs visibly posted to catch the bad guys using airports to smuggle. They do that all the time at San Diego. They have a job and they like to brag. Since they have a failure rate over 90% they gotta claim victory where they can

 

[rc51stierhoff]

I just got back from a business trip over the weekend which reminded me of the previous trip when I flew into/out of Knoxville, TN. The TSA had numerous photos of confiscated firearms, magazines and ammunition posted in the rat maze that funnels passengers through security. There were no photos of knives, scissors, drugs, liquids or any other confiscatable items, only firearms and related items. This had me wondering if TSA was trying to influence the public in some way.

Every poster had verbiage that sold the idea that the TSA employee was a hero and that a crime had been prevented that would have adversely affected other passengers. I found this to be disingenuous since the vast majority of firearms found in carry on bags are left there by mistake and not an attempt to hijack a plane or knowingly commit a crime.

This is not a political topic, at least I don't think it is.

I just got back from a business trip over the weekend which reminded me of the previous trip when I flew into/out of Knoxville, TN. The TSA had numerous photos of confiscated firearms, magazines and ammunition posted in the rat maze that funnels passengers through security. There were no photos of knives, scissors, drugs, liquids or any other confiscatable items, only firearms and related items. This had me wondering if TSA was trying to influence the public in some way.

Every poster had verbiage that sold the idea that the TSA employee was a hero and that a crime had been prevented that would have adversely affected other passengers. I found this to be disingenuous since the vast majority of firearms found in carry on bags are left there by mistake and not an attempt to hijack a plane or knowingly commit a crime.

This is not a political topic, at least I don't think it is.

Good day.

I understand what you are saying, and I don’t think this is a political topic but I can’t reply with out it heading that way. (I am not a fan of selective application of some of my favorite amendments and I’ll leave it at that…which of all the items that are non compliant contributed to 9/11? Box cutters and knives were legal then…so let’s stop large types of liquid / gel over 3.4 oz)

To me what is more troubling is that, before the boating accident(s), I used to frequently travel to visit family (especially to Texas, but other states too) to hunt with family and friends….for all the news and vilifying of guns by the mouth breathers in the media, seems strange anyone can go pick them up at the claim area…or that has been my experience anyway. (I’ve heard it all when opening up the case at the counter from other passengers in line as well as the airline staff at check in…oh the horror a rifle or pistol that can’t can’t fire and is locked…I thought one lady (passenger/virtue signaler) was actually going to faint. I have not traveled by air with a rifle for a couple years, but at least as of back then I’ve never been asked for a claim ticket when I go to pick up at my destination (maybe that has changed recently?). Expensive case sitting their for pickup (different area than the luggage…it’s same if you have music equipment or photography equipment) but I was always worried if I could get to the claim area to make sure my expensive case, rifle and optic not picked up by someone else. Not very hard to tell which ones those are either. After about the first time of that I’ve had relative meet me at the claim area to make sure they are there before me and know what to look for (at least last time family friends could get to the claim area without a ticket)

Then to make matters worse I am not sure if the handlers were playing soccer or kicking field goals with my aluminum case but I sure hope the handlers had steel toes on so they didn’t hurt themselves.

I hope before the next time I have to fly on a hunt trip there has been some check added on the outbound side of the flight.

 

[The Evil Twin]

Good day.

I understand what you are saying, and I don’t think this is a political topic but I can’t reply with out it heading that way. (I am not a fan of selective application of some of my favorite amendments and I’ll leave it at that…which of all the items that are non compliant contributed to 9/11? Box cutters and knives were legal then…so let’s stop large types of liquid / gel over 3.4 oz)

To me what is more troubling is that, before the boating accident(s), I used to frequently travel to visit family (especially to Texas, but other states too) to hunt with family and friends….for all the news and vilifying of guns by the mouth breathers in the media, seems strange anyone can go pick them up at the claim area…or that has been my experience anyway. (I’ve heard it all when opening up the case at the counter from other passengers in line as well as the airline staff at check in…oh the horror a rifle or pistol that can’t can’t fire and is locked…I thought one lady (passenger/virtue signaler) was actually going to faint. I have not traveled by air with a rifle for a couple years, but at least as of back then I’ve never been asked for a claim ticket when I go to pick up at my destination (maybe that has changed recently?). Expensive case sitting their for pickup (different area than the luggage…it’s same if you have music equipment or photography equipment) but I was always worried if I could get to the claim area to make sure my expensive case, rifle and optic not picked up by someone else. Not very hard to tell which ones those are either. After about the first time of that I’ve had relative meet me at the claim area to make sure they are there before me and know what to look for (at least last time family friends could get to the claim area without a ticket)

Then to make matters worse I am not sure if the handlers were playing soccer or kicking field goals with my aluminum case but I sure hope the handlers had steel ties on so they didn’t hurt themselves.

I hope before the next time I have to fly on a hunt trip there has been some check added on the outbound side of the flight.

This is why I transport in a nondescript hard case if it isn't in my checked bag. But, yes, very little chain of custody.
Last time I flew with my EDC, the TSA agent came to the counter and asked to inspect the case. I said "sure" and started to open it. She said "no, I have to take it back there". So I started to walk it around the counter. She said" oh, passengers aren't allowed back here". To which I replied "that's unfortunate because I cannot let it out of my sight while unlocked. It is a violation of the law". She goes " well, I can't check it at the counter". So I go "these are TSA rules. Not mine. I have to be present. "
This went round in a circle for a bit. I asked for the shift supervisor. He came by and took me back. Inspected it. Watched me lock it. And I watched it go down the belt (and took a photo of it) as it left.
They don't even know their own rules and the law

 

[lugbolt]

My ex-gf, or should I say ex fiance, was a TSA agent at the airport.

like the rest of the ABC agencies, their rules have some really dumb things built into them.

So, no it doesn't surprise me. You should've heard some of the stuff she talked about, some of the things that aren't on "the list" that get through just fine. That's all I'm going to say about it.

 

[Yooper]

I have no fear of flying, was an A@P mechanic so I know how safe they are, and I do understand that people have to fly for business.

But I hate being treated like a terrorist.

I stopped flying about 10 years ago due to people "barking orders" at me and basically "cavity searching me" and treating people like sh!t..............F That.

I had more fun, and was treated better, in Marine Corps Boot Camp than I was the last time I flew.

Now I drive, and if I can't get there by car, I find someplace else to go.

Back when "we were free" , I loved kicking back in the seat, reaching cruising altitude then firing up a Marlboro Red and telling the "hottie stewardess" to bring me a drink every 10 minutes until I start slurring my words,.......then bring them every 20 minutes.

Now it's some TSA/DHS/FBI/CIA/FEMA/EPA/FAA/FDIC/FDA/SEC/DOJ/FEMA.......etc..... Nazi yelling out "PAY ATTENTION.......TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES, BELTS AND PLACE ALL YOUR ITEMS IN THE THE BASKET.......WALK FORWARD AND PLACE YOUR FEET ON THE LINE......STOP, I SAID......SPREAD YOUR ARMS AND LOOK UP......HOLD STILL.........WALK FORWARD......." then you get your shit shoved at you, and walk around like a dipshit, trying to put yourself back together while looking for a seat to put your shoes back on.

Then you pass the "strip search area" where they have a lady that resembles "Aunt Bee" bent over a table as 4 thugs walk by because of their "DEI training".

On top of that they F'ing confiscated my "cheese dip" cause it was in a sealed Frito Lay container but was 3.2 Oz which is over their arbitrary 2.75 Oz limit for liquids.

I tried to explain that "cheese dip" is not a liquid, nor a solid really, but more of a "Non-Newtonian fluid"....but alas, she was not having any of that........ my "cheese dip" was gone......

Brings a tear to my eye.

View attachment 136604

Iron Eyes Cody. Actually an Italian immigrant

 

[jyoutz]

That's an interesting perspective and one that I hadn't considered. For someone to walk past all of those signs and not realize that they have a firearm in their carry-on they must think that they're not carrying a firearm in their bag.

I was at the airport in Austin, TX a few years ago and standing in the TSA line when I realized that I had a knife in my pocket. I always carry a knife and simply forgot to put it in my checked luggage. I got out of line, found a kiosk that was set up to mail restricted items and sent the knife to myself with a reasonable USPS shipping charge. The other alternatives were having a $100+ knife confiscated, or throwing it away, and neither option worked for me.

One time I was able to go back to ticketing and they gave me a small box to put my knife in and a luggage tag on. Then they checked the box.

 

[mcmxi]

I understand what you are saying, and I don’t think this is a political topic but I can’t reply with out it heading that way.

My concern was that TSA was somehow trying to make a connection that simply isn't there i.e. anyone who is caught with a firearm in carry-on luggage has criminal intent > firearms are bad > only bad people have or want firearms. It just seemed like there was an agenda with those photos at the security checkpoint.

A few years ago I was told by the VP of sales at Kimber that firearms would eventually become socially unacceptable and we're already seeing this in many parts of the US. This happened with smoking, which is a good thing since I can't think of a single benefit when it comes to smoking, but there are folks that have the same mindset about firearms. How many people in line at the airport see those posters and make a conscious or subconscious connection that firearms are bad.

 

[mcmxi]

Personally, I don't think they are worried too much about efficiency in the US or France or Spain. I don't know about other countries.

I fly quite often for work and I'm still amazed at the inconsistency at TSA checkpoints. Computers out, leave everything in, belts on, belts off, shoes on, shoes off .... it's a crap shoot these days as to the protocol.

I booked a ticket to England for Christmas and New Year so will be standing in long lines no doubt. At least passport control at Heathrow allows you to scan your passport to get into the UK which speeds things up a fair amount.

 

[jyoutz]

I fly quite often for work and I'm still amazed at the inconsistency at TSA checkpoints. Computers out, leave everything in, belts on, belts off, shoes on, shoes off .... it's a crap shoot these days as to the protocol.

I booked a ticket to England for Christmas and New Year so will be standing in long lines no doubt. At least passport control at Heathrow allows you to scan your passport to get into the UK which speeds things up a fair amount.

A lot of the discrepancies are a factor of the screening equipment a particular airport has. Some have newer equipment that allow for different screening procedures.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

My concern was that TSA was somehow trying to make a connection that simply isn't there i.e. anyone who is caught with a firearm in carry-on luggage has criminal intent > firearms are bad > only bad people have or want firearms. It just seemed like there was an agenda with those photos at the security checkpoint.

A few years ago I was told by the VP of sales at Kimber that firearms would eventually become socially unacceptable and we're already seeing this in many parts of the US. This happened with smoking, which is a good thing since I can't think of a single benefit when it comes to smoking, but there are folks that have the same mindset about firearms. How many people in line at the airport see those posters and make a conscious or subconscious connection that firearms are bad.

My concern was that TSA was somehow trying to make a connection that simply isn't there i.e. anyone who is caught with a firearm in carry-on luggage has criminal intent > firearms are bad > only bad people have or want firearms. It just seemed like there was an agenda with those photos at the security checkpoint.

A few years ago I was told by the VP of sales at Kimber that firearms would eventually become socially unacceptable and we're already seeing this in many parts of the US. This happened with smoking, which is a good thing since I can't think of a single benefit when it comes to smoking, but there are folks that have the same mindset about firearms. How many people in line at the airport see those posters and make a conscious or subconscious connection that firearms are bad.

It’s pretty simple…unless there was a trophy case / poster of all the dangerous tubes of toothpaste and bottled water they removed from people, then you sort of have your answer I think.

There will always be impressionable people who struggle to connect dots and see the truth. That’s why folks pander to them…because they lap it up so they don’t have to think for themselves. It’s good for their business model.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

I fly quite often for work and I'm still amazed at the inconsistency at TSA checkpoints. Computers out, leave everything in, belts on, belts off, shoes on, shoes off .... it's a crap shoot these days as to the protocol.

I booked a ticket to England for Christmas and New Year so will be standing in long lines no doubt. At least passport control at Heathrow allows you to scan your passport to get into the UK which speeds things up a fair amount.

It’s been a few years since I flew in/out of Heathrow, but last time I was there, everyone went to a common area / food court. From there wait for your flight to come on the board and then utter chaos (literal running) to the security check point to get to your gate. At that time you did not go through security until your flight called. Not sure if that is still the procedure but I thought that was a real mess. I could not believe as soon as flight came up, people threw cash/coin on the table and left all their food drink and took off running. What a shit show that was. I’ve not been to another airport before / since that was like that (and I travel a fair bit for my employer). Me being the rube from Ohio, I sat there watching not knowing any better. I was lucky I did not miss my flight.

Have a safe trip.