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The TSA can and does confiscate anything they want. If you happen to get the wrong agent on the wrong day, they may still choose to confiscate a technically com

The TSA can and does confiscate anything they want. If you happen to get the wrong agent on the wrong day, they may still choose to confiscate a technically compliant multitool.

NikolaeVarius 5y ago
One guy confiscated my lockpick even though they are allowed. Hate the TSA
ramses0 5y ago
...additionally, international security screenings can be arbitrary in different ways. A strange one to run in to is high-capacity rechargeable batteries.
interestica 5y ago
I had all my toiletry containers, specifically chosen because they were 100ml, confiscated because they "looked big" to the agent. The agent literally said they "looked like 110ml versions". I had like 4 total.
- OJFord 5y ago
  I had an almost-empty container clearly marked 150ml (or something) confiscated because it was.. marked more than 100ml. Also razor blades, I don't know if they're supposed to be allowed, being only about an inch long, but nope - shaving with expensive junk or growing a holiday beard are the only approved options!
  - sokoloff 5y ago
    > almost-empty container clearly marked 150ml (or something) confiscated That's correct according to the TSA rules. https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/liquidsrule_example-outlined.svg https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/liquidsrule_example-... (We can wrap ourselves around many axles debating the utility of these rules, but that's at least a correct interpretation of the rule.)
    - OJFord 5y ago
      Well it wasn't in (or travelling to) the USA, but sure, it may have been by whatever book was in use. I'm just saying it's nonsensical; that what we put ourselves through is quite detached from actual risks and what's reasonable. I can buy a >100ml container post-security, or even take an empty one through, and decant there, so what's that protecting against?
techsupporter 5y ago
> they may still choose Which is the biggest problem, the TSA does not have to follow its own rules. And if you dare point out the rules to them, you will be told that "for your safety and security" individual screening is "up to the agent's discretion" and asked "do you want to fly today" while also being loudly informed that you obviously "do not care about the security of others." This is why I am such a huge advocate for trains, though I imagine that if rail got more usable and widespread here the TSA would just infest it as well. Until that happens, I will always take a train for short regional trips. SEA to PDX might be scheduled for 45 minutes on the plane and 3 scheduled hours on the train, but the experience is so much better on Amtrak not having to put up with the sad mess our airports are.
- anonporridge 5y ago
  Institutional rot corrupts all of civilization. The TSA is an example of an institution that has largely become a malignant tumor, contributing very little while actively contributing to the relentless de-humanization of society. Like Gulliver tied down by hundreds of tiny strings. Death by a thousand cuts.
OriginalPenguin 5y ago
I've never had the TSA confiscate my bladeless Swiss Army Knife (it has scissors and a screwdriver). But I have had it confiscated abroad more than once. Many other countries won't allow scissors, or anything that looks like a knife, to fly.

The TSA can and does confiscate anything they want. If you happen to get the wrong agent on the wrong day, they may still choose to confiscate a technically compliant multitool.

NikolaeVarius 5y ago

One guy confiscated my lockpick even though they are allowed. Hate the TSA

ramses0 5y ago

...additionally, international security screenings can be arbitrary in different ways. A strange one to run in to is high-capacity rechargeable batteries.

interestica 5y ago

I had all my toiletry containers, specifically chosen because they were 100ml, confiscated because they "looked big" to the agent. The agent literally said they "looked like 110ml versions". I had like 4 total.

OJFord 5y ago
I had an almost-empty container clearly marked 150ml (or something) confiscated because it was.. marked more than 100ml. Also razor blades, I don't know if they're supposed to be allowed, being only about an inch long, but nope - shaving with expensive junk or growing a holiday beard are the only approved options!
- sokoloff 5y ago
  > almost-empty container clearly marked 150ml (or something) confiscated That's correct according to the TSA rules. https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/liquidsrule_example-outlined.svg https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/liquidsrule_example-... (We can wrap ourselves around many axles debating the utility of these rules, but that's at least a correct interpretation of the rule.)
  - OJFord 5y ago
    Well it wasn't in (or travelling to) the USA, but sure, it may have been by whatever book was in use. I'm just saying it's nonsensical; that what we put ourselves through is quite detached from actual risks and what's reasonable. I can buy a >100ml container post-security, or even take an empty one through, and decant there, so what's that protecting against?

techsupporter 5y ago

> they may still choose Which is the biggest problem, the TSA does not have to follow its own rules. And if you dare point out the rules to them, you will be told that "for your safety and security" individual screening is "up to the agent's discretion" and asked "do you want to fly today" while also being loudly informed that you obviously "do not care about the security of others." This is why I am such a huge advocate for trains, though I imagine that if rail got more usable and widespread here the TSA would just infest it as well. Until that happens, I will always take a train for short regional trips. SEA to PDX might be scheduled for 45 minutes on the plane and 3 scheduled hours on the train, but the experience is so much better on Amtrak not having to put up with the sad mess our airports are.

anonporridge 5y ago
Institutional rot corrupts all of civilization. The TSA is an example of an institution that has largely become a malignant tumor, contributing very little while actively contributing to the relentless de-humanization of society. Like Gulliver tied down by hundreds of tiny strings. Death by a thousand cuts.

OriginalPenguin 5y ago

I've never had the TSA confiscate my bladeless Swiss Army Knife (it has scissors and a screwdriver). But I have had it confiscated abroad more than once. Many other countries won't allow scissors, or anything that looks like a knife, to fly.