4 ms·

My best guess as to why they changed this procedure is not to increase security (since they know body scanners to be ineffective), but because so many people we

My best guess as to why they changed this procedure is not to increase security (since they know body scanners to be ineffective), but because so many people were opting out that it was increasing delays. I always opt out and notice they try to incentivize me by saying "We're really busy right now, it'll be a while". I always politely wait. Sadly, now that they have this as an option, I doubt I'll want to do much flying anymore.

MCRed 11y ago
The hassle of a 2 hour flight is no longer "cheaper" than a 7 hour drive. I didn't even think about flying this holiday... never even looked up the prices. I know it would be monetarily cheaper, but I can't abide the abuse.
- belovedeagle 11y ago
  Joke's on you: It seems that when the TSA get really busy, such as at Seatac on 12/19 at 6am, they simply shut off the body scanners and switch to a single dog sniff and metal detectors. I didn't even have to take off my jacket or shoes! Which only serves as further evidence in my mind that the imaging devices are bullshit and the TSA knows it.
  - leesalminen 11y ago
    Same thing happened to me at DIA yesterday. Except, the dog got off-leash and chased a loose cat throughout the terminal. Hilarious.
jlgaddis 11y ago
I opt out every time and it's the same conversation every time. "Ok, we're gonna have to call somebody over here." "No problem." "Well, you might be waiting a while." "That's show I show up waaay early, I've got plenty of time." I think it pisses them off, but I don't care. I don't think I've ever waited more than two or three minutes, anyways.
- darkpicnic 11y ago
  Yep. They also have no system for it. I believe they intentionally don't create an area for you to wait in, so you feel awkward standing there. Your stuff often gets sent through the scanner WAY before you actually get a pat down, so you end up constantly searching for a line of site to the end of the scanner to make sure your stuff is still there.
  - dmitrygr 11y ago
    Put your stuff under the metal table. If they object, tell them to check their handbook. They are required to let you keep your eyes on your stuff, if you request this. When someone is ready for you, you put your stuff on the belt, and then go get groped.
    - nolite 11y ago
      You know where it is in the handbook so we can reference this? (or a link to an online version)
      - dmitrygr 11y ago
        I was once told to say this by a helpful agent and it's worked every time. Never seen the handbook or any proof of its existence.

MCRed 11y ago

The hassle of a 2 hour flight is no longer "cheaper" than a 7 hour drive. I didn't even think about flying this holiday... never even looked up the prices. I know it would be monetarily cheaper, but I can't abide the abuse.

belovedeagle 11y ago
Joke's on you: It seems that when the TSA get really busy, such as at Seatac on 12/19 at 6am, they simply shut off the body scanners and switch to a single dog sniff and metal detectors. I didn't even have to take off my jacket or shoes! Which only serves as further evidence in my mind that the imaging devices are bullshit and the TSA knows it.
- leesalminen 11y ago
  Same thing happened to me at DIA yesterday. Except, the dog got off-leash and chased a loose cat throughout the terminal. Hilarious.

jlgaddis 11y ago

I opt out every time and it's the same conversation every time. "Ok, we're gonna have to call somebody over here." "No problem." "Well, you might be waiting a while." "That's show I show up waaay early, I've got plenty of time." I think it pisses them off, but I don't care. I don't think I've ever waited more than two or three minutes, anyways.

darkpicnic 11y ago
Yep. They also have no system for it. I believe they intentionally don't create an area for you to wait in, so you feel awkward standing there. Your stuff often gets sent through the scanner WAY before you actually get a pat down, so you end up constantly searching for a line of site to the end of the scanner to make sure your stuff is still there.
- dmitrygr 11y ago
  Put your stuff under the metal table. If they object, tell them to check their handbook. They are required to let you keep your eyes on your stuff, if you request this. When someone is ready for you, you put your stuff on the belt, and then go get groped.
  - nolite 11y ago
    You know where it is in the handbook so we can reference this? (or a link to an online version)
    - dmitrygr 11y ago
      I was once told to say this by a helpful agent and it's worked every time. Never seen the handbook or any proof of its existence.