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I was happy to return to my domestic airport security after coming back through SFO. This type of "security" is alienating foreigners. I opted out of these sca

I was happy to return to my domestic airport security after coming back through SFO. This type of "security" is alienating foreigners. I opted out of these scanners at SFO and was hassled by security as to why I would want to do that and then they waited about five minutes before beginning manual screening, despite having staff on hand. I assume it's to discourage people from opting out. Nice city, nice airport, bad security.

calloc 15y ago
I love it when they start yelling "Opt-out" into their radio's to let some supervisor know and then they give you the scowling look while asking you why you'd want to opt-out.
1010011010 15y ago
Yes, they intend to make the screening as unpleasant as they can get away with to encourage use of the nakie-scanners.
ams6110 15y ago
These security procedures have got to be having a depressing effect on domestic air travel also. I know that I now fly only if I absolutely have to.
- jdp23 15y ago
  Yes it has; the specific amount isn't known. Back in the early 2000s when they changed the checked baggage search policy, it's estimated that it had a 6-8% affect on travel -- there are some nice papers from profs at Cornell who analyzed it. Somebody I know who's talked with airline CEOs confirms that they're concerned, but still hopeful that it will be transient. Airlines were ridiculously profitable in 2010; 2011 will be a tough year for them in any case because of fuel prices. When people ask me what they can do to help get rid of these policies, I tell them the best way to make an impact is to stop flying [or reduce as much as possible], tell your airline why, and suggest that all your friends, relatives, and colleagues do the same.
- rdl 15y ago
  Domestic security procedures are responsible for about 50k extra miles on my car in the past 24 months of driving. Anything from Vancouver, BC to San Diego to Colorado is pretty much in a driving radius from SF; Austin, DC, NYC, Miami, and Boston are the only CONUS destinations I'm likely to travel to which are beyond it.

calloc 15y ago

I love it when they start yelling "Opt-out" into their radio's to let some supervisor know and then they give you the scowling look while asking you why you'd want to opt-out.

1010011010 15y ago

Yes, they intend to make the screening as unpleasant as they can get away with to encourage use of the nakie-scanners.

ams6110 15y ago

These security procedures have got to be having a depressing effect on domestic air travel also. I know that I now fly only if I absolutely have to.

jdp23 15y ago
Yes it has; the specific amount isn't known. Back in the early 2000s when they changed the checked baggage search policy, it's estimated that it had a 6-8% affect on travel -- there are some nice papers from profs at Cornell who analyzed it. Somebody I know who's talked with airline CEOs confirms that they're concerned, but still hopeful that it will be transient. Airlines were ridiculously profitable in 2010; 2011 will be a tough year for them in any case because of fuel prices. When people ask me what they can do to help get rid of these policies, I tell them the best way to make an impact is to stop flying [or reduce as much as possible], tell your airline why, and suggest that all your friends, relatives, and colleagues do the same.
rdl 15y ago
Domestic security procedures are responsible for about 50k extra miles on my car in the past 24 months of driving. Anything from Vancouver, BC to San Diego to Colorado is pretty much in a driving radius from SF; Austin, DC, NYC, Miami, and Boston are the only CONUS destinations I'm likely to travel to which are beyond it.