The members of Congress who decide our fate at the airport always make sure they personally receive the very best service while we, by default, receive the very worst.
I decided 14 years ago to remove myself from the very worst treatment Americans receive by permanently removing myself from America.
Since my home in Provence is off limits to Americans, my fate is decided only by my wonderful neighbors who come from all over Europe. We decided to create our own civilized niche in a hostile world.
The only requirement for admission to our neighborhood is that you agree to treat all your neighbors with courtesy and respect!
I decided 14 years ago to remove myself from the very worst treatment Americans receive by permanently removing myself from America.
Since my home in Provence is off limits to Americans, my fate is decided only by my wonderful neighbors who come from all over Europe. We decided to create our own civilized niche in a hostile world.
The only requirement for admission to our neighborhood is that you agree to treat all your neighbors with courtesy and respect!
2
Thank you for this, Republican members of Congress. You cut to the front of the line, with no care for the rest of us.
1
Conservative Republican Congressmen/women and Senators want smaller government, at less cost. This is the end result.
The answer is instead of letting them skip the lines like they do, because of their elected positions, make them wait in line with the rest of us. This is just another example of inequality in America.
Then we'll see change!
The answer is instead of letting them skip the lines like they do, because of their elected positions, make them wait in line with the rest of us. This is just another example of inequality in America.
Then we'll see change!
5
Are they going to hire people who know that the District of Columbia is in the USA?
No.
Isn't it time to close this whole theater show down? Yes.
Why even have it when the government's inviting the terrorists right on in anyway?
Yes, America is in a very bad mood and hiring some sub-contracted, clueless TSA agents on a power trip is not going to improve our mood.
No.
Isn't it time to close this whole theater show down? Yes.
Why even have it when the government's inviting the terrorists right on in anyway?
Yes, America is in a very bad mood and hiring some sub-contracted, clueless TSA agents on a power trip is not going to improve our mood.
1
Ok so does the TSA have some magic crystal ball that can predict who will commit a criminal act on a plane and who won't and thus determine who gets pre-check clearance? I venture to guess a big part of what TSA does is "ethnic profiling" because other than a criminal record, what other possible predictors can there be? I realize they can "better the odds" but odds are odds, not guarantees.
The only thing pre-check proves is that all the "security measures" we go through at the airports are largely symbolic and highly exaggerated. Otherwise, nobody would be exempt from the full treatment.
The only thing pre-check proves is that all the "security measures" we go through at the airports are largely symbolic and highly exaggerated. Otherwise, nobody would be exempt from the full treatment.
1
Couple of suggestions that could easily be implemented:
1. Segregate the screening line by a number on your boarding pass, where the number is the count of flights you've taken in the last five years. Voila: all the frequent flyers, who know the drill, get to move quickly, and all the once yearly vacationers can take their time without getting the eye roll from those of us who can do the whole belt-shoes-laptop dance in under 4 seconds.
2. Make the trays the same size as the overhead bin sizers that they have at the gate. If your bag doesn't fit, go away and check it. Removes the ridiculous dance on the plane when people try and squeeze a washer drier in the overhead.
3. Assign space in the overhead strictly by seat number. If you're in 12C don't go putting your junk in 10, buster. (The airlines need help, to not put their own stuff somewhere other than in the overhead space for row 1.)
4. Fill up the plane from the back and not the front. It'll go way faster without all the jostling in the aisle.
1. Segregate the screening line by a number on your boarding pass, where the number is the count of flights you've taken in the last five years. Voila: all the frequent flyers, who know the drill, get to move quickly, and all the once yearly vacationers can take their time without getting the eye roll from those of us who can do the whole belt-shoes-laptop dance in under 4 seconds.
2. Make the trays the same size as the overhead bin sizers that they have at the gate. If your bag doesn't fit, go away and check it. Removes the ridiculous dance on the plane when people try and squeeze a washer drier in the overhead.
3. Assign space in the overhead strictly by seat number. If you're in 12C don't go putting your junk in 10, buster. (The airlines need help, to not put their own stuff somewhere other than in the overhead space for row 1.)
4. Fill up the plane from the back and not the front. It'll go way faster without all the jostling in the aisle.
6
If a country can be crazy, America is crazy.
1
So now it's safer to pummel all the passengers into one nice, tight space so how attractive would that be a la Brussels Airport ??
Will we get any leadership to fix this ? We all know what the fix is. Private, accountable screeners without the ridiculous reactive TSA policies.
Will we get any leadership to fix this ? We all know what the fix is. Private, accountable screeners without the ridiculous reactive TSA policies.
3
Here's a thought: If you're going to force me to arrive at the airport three hours early (when one hour should suffice), then at least have the decency, generosity of spirit, gratitude for my putting up with your ineptitude, and good customer service to PROVIDE FREE WIFI.
At least give the monkeys something to entertain themselves with while you have them in your cage.
At least give the monkeys something to entertain themselves with while you have them in your cage.
7
When you cut the budget for a federal agency without any analysis, the agency will make the easiest possible cuts. In this case, rather than lay off the real bureaucrats who push useless paper between each other and have cushy retirement plans, they cut the screeners. Nice but exactly what you would predict if you thought about it for even an instant. The federal government has no such thing as standards when it comes to services that the public needs. Roads can be left in any condition, air traffic control can be absolutely antideluvian, no one cares. Time to privatize this TSA, the Post Office and everything else, not because it's somehow better, though. Rather it's because our lawmakers will not do their jobs.
4
I worked for a law enforcement agency for almost 30 years and traveled often.
In my opinion, TSA is mismanaged and their workforce is a mixed batch of individuals, some very professional, many who are inept. Their procedures and security behavior vary across airports. They simply manage workload and staff poorly as illustrated by having two lines open during peak travel times, staff standing around akin toe construction crews on the highway. Finally, their security procedures are questionable and superfluous in terms of their effectiveness (compare European security procedures with TSA's).
In my opinion, TSA is mismanaged and their workforce is a mixed batch of individuals, some very professional, many who are inept. Their procedures and security behavior vary across airports. They simply manage workload and staff poorly as illustrated by having two lines open during peak travel times, staff standing around akin toe construction crews on the highway. Finally, their security procedures are questionable and superfluous in terms of their effectiveness (compare European security procedures with TSA's).
6
If services such as pre-screen save time and therefore money, why charge for them? This isn't a for-profit venture seeking to capitalize on the inconvenience caused, is it?
...Andrew
...Andrew
9
Ban all carry-on and everyone must fly wearing only a Speedo.
9
At both JFK and LAX last week, (JetBlue terminal) TSA had CLOSED the precheck line because of staffing issues. So much for counting on faster clearance. How can you rely on pre check, when they do not even guaranty that the separate line will be operating when you reach the airport!
2
The solution, as my sister in law so intelligently said, is to charge people a lot for bringing their big bags into the cabin, except a brief case, purse or back pack, and to allow people to check their bags for free. The airlines would have to hire more people for unloading baggage and really improve that service and people would have to learn to trust that system again; but once it was working, it would make the whole in the airport experience fast, easy and efficient.
3
TSA is creating a security risk by leaving so many congregating outside of security.
8
...actually, airlines should stop charging for checked luggage. Airfare remains obscenely high even when fuel costs decline. Add to this flighs bereft of anything resembling food, it's a lot of money for little in return.
7
TSA gives the sense of security but it is only as strong as its weakest link.
What would prevent a low paid, not highly educated TSA employee(s) from taking a small bribe to look the other way during an inspection or screening?
How can the authorities know exactly who is applying for these positions and the possibility of them being a planted insurgent? For example a young woman without any type of negative record.
People very often change their minds, religions, loyalties and affiliations.
What would prevent a low paid, not highly educated TSA employee(s) from taking a small bribe to look the other way during an inspection or screening?
How can the authorities know exactly who is applying for these positions and the possibility of them being a planted insurgent? For example a young woman without any type of negative record.
People very often change their minds, religions, loyalties and affiliations.
3
Can someone explain why business and first class passengers get quicker security screening, if the screening is paid for by public taxes? Are the higher class passengers paying more taxes on their tickets to cover the quicker screening, or is it just a free government perk for wealthier citizens?
9
In NYC legislation regarding "poor doors" was passed for PRIVATE buildings. Why are there "poor doors" at PUBLICLY funded airports?
Let's keep paying billions in tolls and fees to the Port Authority so they can let the airlines treat the airports like their property.
Let's keep paying billions in tolls and fees to the Port Authority so they can let the airlines treat the airports like their property.
3
The tax is proportional to the fare, so yes, they are chipping in more money than someone flying on a less expensive ticket.
The "poor door" concept isn't based on how much you pay, but whether you should be entitled to the same treatment as others utilizing the same facilities. Public components of a public facility should not (and typically do not) offer preferential treatment for users.
If we were to apply this same logic to DMV, truck drivers would always go to the front of the line!
If we were to apply this same logic to DMV, truck drivers would always go to the front of the line!
Clearme.com, added to TSA precheck, I fly a lot and it is the most valuable tool I have. I fly through Denver 40+ times per year and if it takes more than 10 minutes to get through security, I am annoyed. There is a cost, but if you fly very often or refuse to spend much time in line, I could not recommend a better service.
3
The NYT could do everyone a public service by publishing the names of each of the members of the House and Senate budget committees who thought it would be a good idea if the TSA had fewer people.
9
I travel a lot for work and almost exclusively fly out of Minneapolis. The lines, including pre-check, have become egregious - but worse, there are often many agents standing around and chatting, looking at their phones and not screening passengers. At MSP there was also a massive, 20M redesign of the security lanes that reduced the ways to get through, eliminating a set of security lanes in the middle of the airport - but they did install pretty lights showing the pre-check line - which closes at 830 pm. . It's not that more people are traveling - it is that this agency doesn't have the funds or the leadership to make this system work.
10
Maybe there won't be as many travelers this summer since All airlines have almost tripled the cost of a ticket. That's a story the NYT should follow up on.
10
and oil at an all-time (almost?) low?
Global Entry has been worth every penny of the $100. Plus, it was easy to complete the application online and to get through the interview. We did have to make a special trip to the homeland security office in Riviera Beach, because there were no appointments available in Fort Lauderdale when we needed them, and there was no office in New Orleans, but it has been well worth the time and effort. Totally recommend it, or the PreCheck program for $85.
6
I am curious. If carry on luggage is a primary cause of the bottlenecks, then wouldn't an airport or terminal heavily used by Southwest (such as BWI Terminal A) or even JetBlue (terminal 5 at JFK) have quicker security lines? SWA doesn't charge for checked luggage and JetBlue doesn't gouge its passengers for checked luggage.
5
The TSA is referred to as Thousands Standing Around for good reason. Rarely has such a collection of lazy incompetents been brought under one organization.
14
thousands standing around--I love it
2
It may be time to revisit the idea of high-speed rail that's competitive with air travel between major cities within 300-400 miles of one another. If we want a safer, more environmentally friendly way to travel, we need to finally show that America can compete with China, Europe and Japan.
17
Think about what you are saying. How many flights are travelling between those two cities on a daily basis? Ten? That's one train with several cars. But not everyone wants to travel at the same time, so its eight trains running empty. And you have to build 300-400 miles of railroad tracks. And half of the people will still want to fly because it's faster. At an average speed of 100 mph, it is still a 3-4 hour trip compared to a 30 minute flight. So you'll have to charge a lower fare for the train, which actually has a higher cost per passenger mile than the airplane. Because of all of the empty seats on the train, it has a higher carbon footprint per passenger.
Not safer, not more environmentally friendly.
Not safer, not more environmentally friendly.
1
The TSA is a failure and most Americans understand that they do not, and cannot make us any safer.
Does anyone actually believe that they personally are at risk? The odds of anything happening are low, the odds of it happening to you are effectively zero. The sacrifices for privacy and comfort continue to grow.
Does anyone actually believe that they personally are at risk? The odds of anything happening are low, the odds of it happening to you are effectively zero. The sacrifices for privacy and comfort continue to grow.
12
The cost of the program is ~ $ 7 billion per year. It better be worth something.
Unfortunately, it looks like the TSA is using harassment to increase its budget by trying to get more people to pony up $ 100 for their preCheck program. $ 100 every 5 years, that is.
Unfortunately, it looks like the TSA is using harassment to increase its budget by trying to get more people to pony up $ 100 for their preCheck program. $ 100 every 5 years, that is.
1
Not $100. $85 and the whole process is really fast, less than 2 weeks. If you travel a lot it's the best $85 you'll ever spend
5
what r the odds anyway?
Back in college, I used to take the Boston-NY shuttle fairly regularly. I'd just show up at the airport about half an hour before the flight and get on the plane. These days, I would never fly for any driving distance under 6 hours. It's just not worth the hassle or the obnoxious additional fees. And in the end, it's faster to drive.
8
They estimate 2-3 weeks to get an answer to an e-mailed question about how long it takes to get approved for Global Entry. The phone calls don't go through. I depart in 3 weeks, so no help there. And they want us to join their pre-screened programs?
10
Telling passengers to arrive hours before their flight compounds the problem! No one should be allowed to get in line until one hour before their flight. Having people in the line three hours early means the lines have three times as many people as they should. The gates are teeming with passengers whose flight doesn't leave for another two hours. Every seat is taken and aisles are jammed, it's ludicrous!
7
Half of this article was written by one of your reporters. The other half was twittered by travelers. Both said basically the same things which effectively doubled the length of the article without adding anything substantive while wasting your readers' time.
Why?
Why?
9
To those of you commenting on the lack of funding I found a potential source. FDR created the Rural Electrification Administration back in 1936 as part of the New Deal. The objective was to bring electric power to farms. I'm sure you'll be glad to know it changed its name to Rural Utilities Service and was placed in the Department of Agriculture in 1994. its still around.
Take a look at all the little known federal agencies that exist and are funded for strange reasons. Maybe there is enough money available we're jus not spending it wisely.
Take a look at all the little known federal agencies that exist and are funded for strange reasons. Maybe there is enough money available we're jus not spending it wisely.
6
Does any government agency and the related bureaucrats that infest it ever really go away?
They are expanding their mission to include providing high speed internet service to wealthy people who live in rural areas. Running the lines is costing over $80,000 per household. How about if we just tell them to get satellite and the taxpayer can put it on their Obamaphone bill if they're poor.
2
The airlines have it backwards. As unpopular as it might be, they need to charge for carry-on luggage, and let checked bags fly 'free'. Watch how quickly travellers would rid themselves of all the luggage. The airlines have continuously retrained us over the last 10 years, to check in, print our boarding passes, use our smart phones instead of paper. Security and plane boarding would be smooter and faster without everyone dragging all their belongings. We just need the airlines to act in unison to make this happen.
22
The whole purpose of carry on luggage is to save the airlines the cost of paying baggage handlers!
No. The point of baggage fees was to increase revenue to the airlines who were losing money because of low fares and high fuel costs. Another year or two of low fuel prices, and they'll have made up their losses from the four or five bad years.
3
TSA officials are the biggest idiots in our bureaucracy and that's saying something. In Minnesota, people have been complaining for years to hire more staff. Even the officers on the terminal give cards out begging flyers to complain and it's just getting worse. All upper management officials should lose their jobs immediately for being so incompetent. Maybe that will shape them up. They certainly don't do anything useful.
11
I do not believe that any professional government bureaucrat who was not a political appointee was ever fired for incompetence.
3
The people who want more overtime to be authorized to increase their paychecks are having cards printed up telling you to contact the government and have their budget increased. They are spending their time lobbying voters rather than expediting the screening process. Has it occurred to you that they are being intentionally inefficient so that you will write your Congressman?
Have you ever noticed that when a school budget gets voted down and the school system goes on austerity, that they cancel sports, music, school buses except for children who live more than three miles from the school, but that there are still three assistant principals and two clerks per assistant principal at the high school?
Do you remember during the federal government shutdown when all non essential personnel were sent home, that Yellowstone and all the national parks were closed, but they still had four park police officers available to prevent 80 year old veterans in their wheelchairs from visiting the Viet Nam war memorial?
If a government department wants a bigger budget, all they have to do is cut the most customer facing services and it's a done deal.
Have you ever noticed that when a school budget gets voted down and the school system goes on austerity, that they cancel sports, music, school buses except for children who live more than three miles from the school, but that there are still three assistant principals and two clerks per assistant principal at the high school?
Do you remember during the federal government shutdown when all non essential personnel were sent home, that Yellowstone and all the national parks were closed, but they still had four park police officers available to prevent 80 year old veterans in their wheelchairs from visiting the Viet Nam war memorial?
If a government department wants a bigger budget, all they have to do is cut the most customer facing services and it's a done deal.
3
"The audit found that agents had failed to spot weapons and explosives in 95 percent of the undercover tests." All this, and we get to stand in line long enough to miss our flights, too!
Someone tell me how we'll know when/if the "terrorists have won."
Someone tell me how we'll know when/if the "terrorists have won."
12
I am a fairly regular traveller to the US from England. I usually have to make a connecting flight - last Thursday afternoon (i.e. not peak time) it was Chicago. The lines are already an international joke - but this was something you might see from a developing nation. Needless to say, we missed our AA connecting flights - 2 hrs is usually ample time. The next flight was 1.5 hrs later - and we very nearly missed that too because of the lines. 3.5 hrs is a long time to stand in line when you have just flown 8hrs across the Atlantic - and have another 4 hrs to fly. America is truly a great country, but is seriously being let down by the staff and system at its airports.
17
American exceptionalism at its finest.
I am so ashamed at how this country's innovation and infrastructure are crumbling before our very eyes. Whatever happened to taking pride in building great roads, bridges, dams, airports and other public projects?
Canada better start building a wall because many of us are contemplating the good life to the north.
I am so ashamed at how this country's innovation and infrastructure are crumbling before our very eyes. Whatever happened to taking pride in building great roads, bridges, dams, airports and other public projects?
Canada better start building a wall because many of us are contemplating the good life to the north.
11
" Whatever happened to taking pride in building great roads, bridges, dams, airports and other public projects?"
We might actually be able to get things done if the democrats did not demand that all infrastructure work be done only by "prevailing wage" union members who then kickback most of their union dues to the democrats. Naturally the GOP would be foolish to agree to any scheme that gives kickback money to the democrats.
As a possible compromise, why no let states with right to work laws use non-union workers for infrastructure repairs and limit the use of union workers to those states which do not have such laws. Then compare the quality and cost of the work done.
We might actually be able to get things done if the democrats did not demand that all infrastructure work be done only by "prevailing wage" union members who then kickback most of their union dues to the democrats. Naturally the GOP would be foolish to agree to any scheme that gives kickback money to the democrats.
As a possible compromise, why no let states with right to work laws use non-union workers for infrastructure repairs and limit the use of union workers to those states which do not have such laws. Then compare the quality and cost of the work done.
1
States that are right to work have unions, and closed shop states have non union craftsmen. All states should have the option of using competitive bidding and let the best value win.
The funny thing about competitive bidding of construction contracts is that the non union workers typically get slightly higher pay rates than the union workers but the work rules for the union contractors require more man hours, because the driver of the truck isn't allowed to gas it up because that work belongs to the fueler. So the driver has to wait around for the fueler to do his job.
That's why when you drive by a road project, there is one guy working and three guys standing around waiting for their task to be available. It drives up the cost of the work by 30-40%.
The funny thing about competitive bidding of construction contracts is that the non union workers typically get slightly higher pay rates than the union workers but the work rules for the union contractors require more man hours, because the driver of the truck isn't allowed to gas it up because that work belongs to the fueler. So the driver has to wait around for the fueler to do his job.
That's why when you drive by a road project, there is one guy working and three guys standing around waiting for their task to be available. It drives up the cost of the work by 30-40%.
1
arriving at OHare at 5am for a 6am departure, it is common to see hundreds and hundreds of similar passengers waiting in line to pass through the few security gates open. It is also common to see TSA staff in full view of these lines, standing around chatting and laughing , as they wait for their shifts to begin. It is apparent that neither they nor TSA management care at all about the impression created, to say nothing of responding to the situation by getting to work and opening more gates. So what if you miss your flight? It's neither their problem nor their "mission". Do I believe that if we all got their at 4 am or 3 am we'd all make our flights? of course not.
And of course this says nothing about the fact that the entire TSA screening process is merely expensive and wasteful theater and a failure to boot as evidenced by the test data.
And of course this says nothing about the fact that the entire TSA screening process is merely expensive and wasteful theater and a failure to boot as evidenced by the test data.
18
You are making a big assumption that they are waiting for their shift to begin. They've already clocked in, they're just schmoosing while they mentally gear up to go to work.
2
The only false note in this story is the implication that American Airlines actually cares about its passengers...
10
"cares about its passengers"
The airlines, at a minimum, seek the return business. The TSA, on the other hand, doesn't care. More, its budget didn't ebb and flow along with traffic volume.
What I don't understand, though, is how so many more can be traveling. Have the aircraft suddenly blossomed empty/available seats? Are larger aircraft being flown? Are flights being added?
None of these should be a surprise to the TSA. How can it be made more responsive?
...Andrew
The airlines, at a minimum, seek the return business. The TSA, on the other hand, doesn't care. More, its budget didn't ebb and flow along with traffic volume.
What I don't understand, though, is how so many more can be traveling. Have the aircraft suddenly blossomed empty/available seats? Are larger aircraft being flown? Are flights being added?
None of these should be a surprise to the TSA. How can it be made more responsive?
...Andrew
2
The airlines know almost to the person how many people are flying every hour of the day at every airport, and could easily work with the TSA if they were competently managed to make sure that they were properly manned for the anticipated volume level.
TSA wants a bigger budget.
TSA wants a bigger budget.
2
As a frequent traveler, this article is partisan and wrong. TSA employees in my city are the worst of the worst. They physically examine my 83 year old mother every time she passes through. They detained her so long in AZ that she missed her flight. It was done with malice and it took another TSA person to free her and try to get her to her flight, but didn't work.
I stand in line and have been for over 8 years, for at least 40 minutes before getting through security. While I stand there, dozens of TSA employees stand around and talk. They do not work, there is no sense of service whatsoever.
TSA thinks it is a protected entity and can do as it likes. They are rude and frankly, you will never get through the line if you even ask a question. I'm waiting for the day when I get to the final screen and they tell me I'll have to pay to get to the other end. In small, unmarked bills.
These jobs appear to be filled by the ill conceived concept of affirmative action and gender civil rights groups. Please don't think ill of me, but I do have eyes and ears.
I stand in line and have been for over 8 years, for at least 40 minutes before getting through security. While I stand there, dozens of TSA employees stand around and talk. They do not work, there is no sense of service whatsoever.
TSA thinks it is a protected entity and can do as it likes. They are rude and frankly, you will never get through the line if you even ask a question. I'm waiting for the day when I get to the final screen and they tell me I'll have to pay to get to the other end. In small, unmarked bills.
These jobs appear to be filled by the ill conceived concept of affirmative action and gender civil rights groups. Please don't think ill of me, but I do have eyes and ears.
13
It may be a management issue. Granted, Memphis is a much lower volume airport than Atlanta, but the TSA employees are always courteous and professional. Even when there is a long line, it rarely takes more than 15 minutes. On the other hand, La Guardia in NY takes forever even when it is a low volume time and there are a comparable number of lines open.
1
Airlines need to part of the solution. Don't they help fund TSA through traveler fees? If more people are traveling, why don't the fees we pay per ticket pay for more capacity? I am glad to see the mention that airline bag fee policies are a reason more people have switched to carry on. This also makes boarding and leaving planes obnoxious. Perhaps airlines should be sharing the bag fee windfall with TSA too.
5
Airports and airline travel are yet another infrastructure problem that we have ignored.
I utilize TSA Pre but like "premium" lines these lines are getting longer and longer at Newark. Often I opt out of the TSA Pre line for the regular line as it is shorter ...
The problem is not the bags being carried on. The problem is not the travelers. The problem is the TSA is yet another government run entity that is poorly staffed and run.
I travel often and I rarely see a TSA staff member that seems remotely engaged with travelers and if so is often rude. Just the other day on a flight to Indianapolis out of Newark (terminal A) the TSA agent checking the IDs and tickets was yawning and clearly could not stay awake. The person at the metal detector was "yelling" at travelers. It was a mess.
The old adage of "you get what you pay for" could not be more true for the TSA. What we need is a true professional organization that is combines the best of police and security professionals with the logistical expertise of Amazon and FedEx.
The we need to look at our airports and look to redesign them to meet the demands of this century
I utilize TSA Pre but like "premium" lines these lines are getting longer and longer at Newark. Often I opt out of the TSA Pre line for the regular line as it is shorter ...
The problem is not the bags being carried on. The problem is not the travelers. The problem is the TSA is yet another government run entity that is poorly staffed and run.
I travel often and I rarely see a TSA staff member that seems remotely engaged with travelers and if so is often rude. Just the other day on a flight to Indianapolis out of Newark (terminal A) the TSA agent checking the IDs and tickets was yawning and clearly could not stay awake. The person at the metal detector was "yelling" at travelers. It was a mess.
The old adage of "you get what you pay for" could not be more true for the TSA. What we need is a true professional organization that is combines the best of police and security professionals with the logistical expertise of Amazon and FedEx.
The we need to look at our airports and look to redesign them to meet the demands of this century
10
Has anyone else wondered what classified list a person gets placed on if he/she is the one who starts the chant "OPEN MORE LINES! OPEN MORE LINES!" while 5-12 TSA workers stand around chattting, laughing and sheepishly glancing at the long lines of people, while at least 3 scanner lines are completely closed?
12
Well, thank you NYT for explaining why I got to go through the pre-Check line the last time I traveled. I smiled at the nice doggie. I didn't know I was being sniffed!
3
I usually travel with my own little Boston Terrier. As a consequence. I almost always get ticketed with a PreCheck because they have to test your hands for explosives when you carry a dog it.
Signed up for Global Entry today! Can't wait to use it and rid life of the epic failure of the TSA "security" procedures.
3
I have a somewhat cynical view regarding the TSA and its preCheck program. I think the TSA couldn't care less serving the public and that program is primarily there to generate more revenue for the TSA by harassing people to buy it, i.e. pay for service. It is just another form of a "highway robber" tax and one which I wish our "conservative" GOP candidates would address on the campaign trail. It is clear that 99% of the public pose no danger, so there are pretty easy filtering mechanisms that can be applied to shift those 99% into the expedited screening lanes, without any need to leverage fees for those. But the very simple reason that makes it obvious that this preCheck system is a farce is the fact that frequently flyers sometimes get "complimentary" preCheck, because the TSA rightfully assumes that these passengers are no danger. However, on the next flight, one has to go through regular checks again. Clear harrassment. But it comes worse: Upon printing my boarding pass up to 24 hrs before my plane leaves, I will already know whether I am preChecked or not! I mean, seriously! If I had any nefarious intentions, I simply need to look at the boarding pass to decide whether today is the day to go ahead with my plot or not.
If that program were really about security, it would have to be consistent, one should not be able to game it.
Hence it is either not thought through at all, or merely a ploy to increase revenue. Either way is despicable.
If that program were really about security, it would have to be consistent, one should not be able to game it.
Hence it is either not thought through at all, or merely a ploy to increase revenue. Either way is despicable.
10
We have established that a person can hide explosives in their underwear, correct? So, since we are not and never will search passengers' underwear, that is obviously where the terrorists will hide their explosives. So why in the world are we still checking belts and shoes???
4
Yours is not to wonder why, yours is merely to comply!
That's why
That's why
11
There was that shoe bomber. We are always fighting the last war.
1
Flew out of O'Hare (to San Francisco, if it matters) this past Sunday night, and I'm SOOO glad I ignored my husband and went to the airport early!! I usually plan to indulge in some bookstore browsing. Instead, I got to dash for the plane!
Most notable to me was the absence of United (in this case) employees asking for "who is on the 4:35 to Miami?" (or whatever) and getting those folks through first. Am I dreaming, or didn't they used to do that when folks were in crazy lines to check in and get their bags onto the plane?!
Also, the lines can't be a surprise to the TSA schedulers -- everyone should know how many people are going to show up based on ticket sales!!
The pre-check idea is interesting, but I suspect it undermines security. Also, just on principle, I refuse to pay extra for this imposed "service".
Fix it!
Most notable to me was the absence of United (in this case) employees asking for "who is on the 4:35 to Miami?" (or whatever) and getting those folks through first. Am I dreaming, or didn't they used to do that when folks were in crazy lines to check in and get their bags onto the plane?!
Also, the lines can't be a surprise to the TSA schedulers -- everyone should know how many people are going to show up based on ticket sales!!
The pre-check idea is interesting, but I suspect it undermines security. Also, just on principle, I refuse to pay extra for this imposed "service".
Fix it!
12
PreCheck does not undermine security, it increases it by refocusing the available resources on those passengers that are unknown elements to the system. Seriously, the likelihood that upon my old days I am turning into a terrorist after flying close to 5 million miles on business is negligible. Doesn't matter anyway, if the TSA screeners don't find weapons in 95% of all test cases. But as you, I refuse to pay extra for this imposed "service".
Unfortunately, fixing it requires common sense and that is the primary criterion used to filter out prospective bureaucrats. Makes you absolutely unsuitable to become one. There's your reason.
Unfortunately, fixing it requires common sense and that is the primary criterion used to filter out prospective bureaucrats. Makes you absolutely unsuitable to become one. There's your reason.
3
There's little mystery about what's causing these lines. It's a shrinking budget for these absolutely essential federal employees.
I have rarely seen more than a single TSA security checker at the head of the lines (excepting, of course, all those various "gold check," priority, hi-class" premium, we matter more than you" lines, and they, too, wait. Just a little less.
The airlines need to put pressure on their right wing legislators who are determined to shrink ALL federal expenditures.
To call this situation a disgrace is an understatement.
.
I have rarely seen more than a single TSA security checker at the head of the lines (excepting, of course, all those various "gold check," priority, hi-class" premium, we matter more than you" lines, and they, too, wait. Just a little less.
The airlines need to put pressure on their right wing legislators who are determined to shrink ALL federal expenditures.
To call this situation a disgrace is an understatement.
.
2
Having passengers arrive hours before their flight makes the number of people in line three or four times as many as there should be. It also packs the terminals with passengers waiting two hours for their flights. The only ones who benefit are the restaurants and concession operators
8
There is plenty of money in the budget. The TSA agents are intentionally inefficient so that their budget will be increased.
1
TSA and the airlines are full of crap about Pre-Check. The problem isn't that I have to take off my shoes and belt and remove my lap-top. That takes me seconds because I know it's coming and have done the drill hundreds of times. The problem is that the understaffed, under-trained and basically uncaring dolts of TSA open one line that can handle 500 passengers an hour, knowing that 1500 passengers have to pass through that checkpoint in the 60 minutes before X number of flights depart. None of this is a surprise. But coming earlier doesn't alleviate the general problem because two hours before your flight 1500 people needed to pass through. It's not time, it's capacity. Overtime is a greater financial burden than hiring more agents. PreCheck is a money grab, and the millions of wasted manhours endured by the traveling public are a drain on the economy.
10
I can't take credit for this brilliant observation which perfectly sums up the fiasco that is airline security - The TSA confiscates your liquids because they might be explosives. Then they discard them in a garbage pail...right next to them!
15
or confiscate your nail clippers, when they sell them at the news stand 10 steps beyond the security gate.
3
With a situation like this, aren't the terrorists winning?
Thats's life during "perpetual war" time.
Thanks a lot Middle Eastern conflicts for washing up on our shores!
I think those TSA guys do the best they can given the difficult task and circumstances. Freedom of movement is imperative for a free people.
Write your congressman.
Thats's life during "perpetual war" time.
Thanks a lot Middle Eastern conflicts for washing up on our shores!
I think those TSA guys do the best they can given the difficult task and circumstances. Freedom of movement is imperative for a free people.
Write your congressman.
5
One big problem is that there is no alternative to flying unless one wants to drive or go Greyhound. High speed trains as they have in Europe, Japan, China or other parts of the world would go a long to easing the problem. In Europe, for any distance of 500 hundred miles or less, going by train is much faster and much less stressful than flying. Instead of having to get the the airport, check in, go through security you go in comfort from one city center to another - at speeds of of 200 mph or more. America's infrastructure continues to fall behind the rest of the world.
10
Europe is more densely populated than the US, which makes rail viable there.
Could you please publish the names of every congress person who thought now was the perfect time to block funding for the TSA so we can vote them all out?
Nice dizzying spin Peter Neffenger: "It's really a good-news story."
Nice dizzying spin Peter Neffenger: "It's really a good-news story."
6
TSA pre-check is a bargain, folks. I feel no pity for those I bypass on the way to the shortest line in the airport. In fact, this program should be expanded--want to give me a deep background check in exchange for guaranteed faster security at airports? Go right ahead. It's one of the few government ideas that seems to really work.
6
I know. And I bet those who whine about the price spend way more than $85 on video games, Disney claptrap, junk food, fast food, booze/smokes and other discretionary nonsense. When time is actually our most valuable asset here on earth...
3
PreCheck is great, but the fact that it is just another tax levied on us is not. A tax that is levied and supported by the GOP!!!
They could easily circumvent that, by giving every concealed handgun license holder automatic preCheck. They are already checked!
They could easily circumvent that, by giving every concealed handgun license holder automatic preCheck. They are already checked!
1
"I feel no pity for those I bypass on the way to the shortest line in the airport. " Except when the TSA claims lack of funding, and closes down the TSA Precheck line at your airport. My last two flights from EWR had the precheck line closed and they gave us cards that said that we didn't have to take off our shoes and belt. But we were in the same long line as the non-precheck people so we waited as long as everyone else.
3
Who knew that airport security and safety required that human beings be treated like poorly served livestock?
We need far fewer lazy bloviating blustering worthless members of Congress and their staffers at much lower salaries and more hard working useful T.S.A. screeners at better salaries.
We need far fewer lazy bloviating blustering worthless members of Congress and their staffers at much lower salaries and more hard working useful T.S.A. screeners at better salaries.
5
This only adds votes for Donald Trump. The arrogance of the TSA and total lack of concern for the average traveler are the reasons for the public's outrage! Welcome to the USA - Third World Country!.
5
Just looking at the decrepit infrastructure makes me, and millions like me want to grab the Republican legislators responsible for "starving government" by the collar and shake them until they get some sense (or humanity) through their thick skulls. These people are cruel and inhumane to their fellow citizens.
6
I recently returned from a trip to Disney with all four kids in tow. I made the mistake of trying to get the kids' 4 oz. containers of yogurt through security. My kids were waiting for me on the other side as I stood and listened to the TSA screener lecture me on how I broke the liquid rule. After getting through I noticed a young man in a wheelchair who was being patted down by TSA personnel. The young man was a paraplegic, and couldn't get out of his wheelchair. I watched the entire process, which took 10-15 minutes. The man was patient, and did everything he was asked. When he finally came through I couldn't help myself. I asked him if he was a veteran. He said no. I complimented him on his patience, and asked why it took so long. He said the TSA screener was a new guy, and he was being trained. Nice.
12
Gary Rasicot is not going to last long in this job if he keeps going for the patronizing soundbite, like "That's why we're talking about people getting to the airport a little earlier than planned," or making the world's feeblest attempt at spin: this is all good news! Air travel post-9/11 has been a wretched experience, and if this is the person the TSA is hiring to oversee operations, there's not much cause to hope for better.
6
NextGen is the culprit behind all this. NextGen is the automated air traffic control system that the FAA has recently adopted to manage all US air traffic. It's allowing more airplanes into and out of all airports now. Flights are now commonly stacked 1 to 2 mins apart.
More airplanes into and out of airports equals longer lines both at TSA and and all counters.
NextGen has not only caused the increased TSA lines due to increased flights it is also DESTROYING once quiet communities across the country. NextGen does not consider where it routes planes like a human flight controller once did. It routes them based on the closest most fuel efficient way to the landing strip. Basically the government has built super highways in the sky above thousands of homes without notification or consideration to noise and air pollution.
Cities and communities across the country have filed law suits against the FAA. Airlines have the FAA in their pocket. More planes in and out of airports equals big money not only for airlines but for airline manufacturers.
So, remember when you are standing in line trying to get through the TSA checkpoint, it all starts with government contractors (NextGen) and airlines trying to make a buck at the expense of your communities and your time in airports.
More airplanes into and out of airports equals longer lines both at TSA and and all counters.
NextGen has not only caused the increased TSA lines due to increased flights it is also DESTROYING once quiet communities across the country. NextGen does not consider where it routes planes like a human flight controller once did. It routes them based on the closest most fuel efficient way to the landing strip. Basically the government has built super highways in the sky above thousands of homes without notification or consideration to noise and air pollution.
Cities and communities across the country have filed law suits against the FAA. Airlines have the FAA in their pocket. More planes in and out of airports equals big money not only for airlines but for airline manufacturers.
So, remember when you are standing in line trying to get through the TSA checkpoint, it all starts with government contractors (NextGen) and airlines trying to make a buck at the expense of your communities and your time in airports.
7
"It's allowing more airplanes into and out of all airports now."
Changes in tracking and routing of aircraft can only go so far. Already, we're hitting limits on runway capacity at some airports.
Consider, though, that this is in response to people seeking to fly. In that sense, seeing the FAA responding to the needs of the public, that is a good thing. True, it exposes the bottleneck of the TSA, but that simply means that it needs to be upgraded as well...which includes dealing with the anti-Americans in congress trying to "starve" our national infrastructure.
Keep in mind that private/corporate jets benefit too from FAA upgrades but don't suffer at the hand of the TSA. The parts of the infrastructure serving the GOP's constituents continues to move forward. It is only the America for the rest of us that is starved.
...Andrew
Changes in tracking and routing of aircraft can only go so far. Already, we're hitting limits on runway capacity at some airports.
Consider, though, that this is in response to people seeking to fly. In that sense, seeing the FAA responding to the needs of the public, that is a good thing. True, it exposes the bottleneck of the TSA, but that simply means that it needs to be upgraded as well...which includes dealing with the anti-Americans in congress trying to "starve" our national infrastructure.
Keep in mind that private/corporate jets benefit too from FAA upgrades but don't suffer at the hand of the TSA. The parts of the infrastructure serving the GOP's constituents continues to move forward. It is only the America for the rest of us that is starved.
...Andrew
1
We must simply learn to fly naked.
11
Privatize TSA immediately. No private company could last with the type of lousy service TSA delivers.
5
Well, my very recent experience is at complete odds with the article. Flew out of JFK and it only took me about 15-20 minutes to get through security. Granted it was Friday at 7:00am, so go figure.
5
If you have the option of flying out of a very small airport, you eliminate this problem. It may cost you $100 more, but you're in and out in record time.
5
6,800 people missing flights on one airline in one week? That is inexcusable! And good luck trying to get Global Entry and PreCheck. My wife and I filled out our Global Entry requests, paid our $100 each. In early March. Found out a week later that the first appointment we could get for our required interview at SFO, the only option in our area, was in September! So much for easing our spring and summer travel woes. What a sad joke. I too blame our Republican Roadblock congress. May they all wait in endless TSA lines as they fly to and from their home districts...Forever!
8
Try to schedule the interview on the airport you fly TO on your next trip.
I had the same issue; SFO has crazy backups for interviews, but I was flying to Houston on business and just did it there. Takes about 15 minutes to watch the video and answer some questions.
I also think there is an office in Alameda (by the Naval shipyard) that does it - you don't have to necessarily go to SFO to get it done sometimes.
I had the same issue; SFO has crazy backups for interviews, but I was flying to Houston on business and just did it there. Takes about 15 minutes to watch the video and answer some questions.
I also think there is an office in Alameda (by the Naval shipyard) that does it - you don't have to necessarily go to SFO to get it done sometimes.
1
I recently flew United from LaGuardia to Denver. I had a priority boarding pass. There were two other TSA lines in addition to the priority line. There were three TSA agents at the front of these lines. Two TSA agents took passengers from one of the non-priority lines, while one TSA agent took passengers from both the priority line and the other non-priority line.
If someone from TSA management is reading this, would you please explain the thought behind this decision making? No one on any of the lines could figure out the logic. Maybe because no logic was used in this particular decision-making.
If someone from TSA management is reading this, would you please explain the thought behind this decision making? No one on any of the lines could figure out the logic. Maybe because no logic was used in this particular decision-making.
6
The airlines know how many people are boarding. The TSA knows how many people can be processed per line on average, and how many have passed through, how may lines are open and/or can be opened. Do the math... it is barely more than high school algebra to text out the projected wait times given the constraints, and little more effort to project 'what if' graphs (what if another line opens? line closes?)
One can see the weather radar rain updated on my phone app, how come one can't see the color images of wait hot spots? (no, I don't want to create that app, I have enough paying work already thanks anyway)
One can see the weather radar rain updated on my phone app, how come one can't see the color images of wait hot spots? (no, I don't want to create that app, I have enough paying work already thanks anyway)
5
Infrastructure in the United States--from airports, to cable/internet, to bridges/roads and rail, to water treatment and public spaces--you name it, and we are a second rate country across the board. When we meet colleagues from Europe and Asia, we have to apologize for the stark differences between there and here. It has been embarrassing for quite some time to be an American.
But hey...we've got how many aircraft carrier battle groups protecting everybody else's sea lanes? And our military at outposts in how many countries? Meanwhile our airports are in a 50s-60s time warp. Time to start spending some serious money here at home.
But hey...we've got how many aircraft carrier battle groups protecting everybody else's sea lanes? And our military at outposts in how many countries? Meanwhile our airports are in a 50s-60s time warp. Time to start spending some serious money here at home.
12
My luggage set came with a small soft-side tote the size of what used to be called a train case. It has four zip pockets on the outside and a roomy interior with additional clear plastic zippered storage inside the flap. Shoulder strap and handles.
I can put two pair of jeans, about five tops, two or three flat-folded light dresses, flats, pashmina wrap, high-heels, sufficient undergarments, swim suit, two paperback books and toiletries bag in there with room to spare. If I wanted to add an iPad it would slip into one of the pockets.
My small purse holds make-up, phone and a few odds and ends. Between all that and what I wear on the plane (usually jeans & blazer) I can travel for a nearly a week without using either the cargo hold or overhead bin. It takes me about 10 seconds to slip into a seat, push the case and purse under the seat ahead of me and buckle in.
WHAT on earth are people lugging around that they so much baggage? If everyone would travel light (and slim down!) much of these issues would be alleviated. Ship your skis or golf clubs via FedEx ahead of time.
I can put two pair of jeans, about five tops, two or three flat-folded light dresses, flats, pashmina wrap, high-heels, sufficient undergarments, swim suit, two paperback books and toiletries bag in there with room to spare. If I wanted to add an iPad it would slip into one of the pockets.
My small purse holds make-up, phone and a few odds and ends. Between all that and what I wear on the plane (usually jeans & blazer) I can travel for a nearly a week without using either the cargo hold or overhead bin. It takes me about 10 seconds to slip into a seat, push the case and purse under the seat ahead of me and buckle in.
WHAT on earth are people lugging around that they so much baggage? If everyone would travel light (and slim down!) much of these issues would be alleviated. Ship your skis or golf clubs via FedEx ahead of time.
10
It might be worth looking into how staffing gets determined. I recently flew out of JFK and LAX and almost missed my flights despite being in priority screening lines. In contrast, on a random weekday midday in Indianapolis my coworker walked up to security there were three lanes open and not a single person in line. We each got a lane to ourselves. Why are the biggest and busiest airports so understaffed on a relative basis? Are we not paying competitive wages in major markets?
9
Problem with TSA Pre-check, it has to be implemented by the airline. For example: I fly out of Tampa on Southwest or American, I can use pre-check, if I fly with Spirit I can not. The TSA agent looks for TSA Pre-check printed on your ticket. In Spirits case they have not made the system change, or perhaps they are trying to figure out a way to charge a fee for the privilege we already paid for the privilege we already paid for.
6
So... we now have guaranteed large groups of people massed together in a publicly accessible area. If you're a terrorist, do you plan to target the plane itself, or passengers of many flights as they're queued up like cattle? This is a disaster waiting to happen.
23
More terrible infrastructure that we deal with as Americans and especially in NYC. There are so many components as to why this is happening. Poor infrastructure by the airlines. Incompetent workers who are overworked and overwhelmed. Overpopulation has much to do with this. Money is so available and easy (credit) that people are probably flying a lot more than they need too and can afford, therefore filling airports more. Every time I'm on line, I'm blown away by the shear amount of items people travel with. It's very common for people to have a carry on, two additional items/bags (purse back pack, etc). Involve kids and you're looking at major delays.
I have little doubt that robotics are in our near future. There is no way we can sustain ourselves as humans without the assistance of robotics. We humans do not have the capacity to work as efficiently and thoroughly as a robot. Robotics should be made available for an airport "prescreen" when checking in.
Lastly, all of this amounts to legitimizing a Trump presidency, which, with every passing day, seems to be virtual certainly. I could see Trump privately commissioning large scale capital infrastructure projects, such as a cross country high speed train (bringing honest jobs back) as well as other ideas. I know liberals feelings are hurt at the moment thinking Trump is one big "meanie". With the 60%-75% Obamacare increase being rumored today, Hillary Clinton is toast. Democrats overplayed their hand. It's over.
I have little doubt that robotics are in our near future. There is no way we can sustain ourselves as humans without the assistance of robotics. We humans do not have the capacity to work as efficiently and thoroughly as a robot. Robotics should be made available for an airport "prescreen" when checking in.
Lastly, all of this amounts to legitimizing a Trump presidency, which, with every passing day, seems to be virtual certainly. I could see Trump privately commissioning large scale capital infrastructure projects, such as a cross country high speed train (bringing honest jobs back) as well as other ideas. I know liberals feelings are hurt at the moment thinking Trump is one big "meanie". With the 60%-75% Obamacare increase being rumored today, Hillary Clinton is toast. Democrats overplayed their hand. It's over.
2
lol. yeah, keep telling yourself that but it won't make it true.
1
Someone in the TSA ought to read up about Queuing Theory. Throughput will not be increased by telling people to queue up earlier!
9
Jad and Martha:
Did you bury the lead? This is a budget story but I can't tell from the article what the budget issue might be even though more than 5000 fewer employees sounds like a big change. Let us know why, please.
Did you bury the lead? This is a budget story but I can't tell from the article what the budget issue might be even though more than 5000 fewer employees sounds like a big change. Let us know why, please.
5
As a frequent traveler, this article is not news...........but very true.
When you really think about it, those 19 hijackers, along with the
"shoe bomber" have cost us countless millions of dollars and countless
headaches.
By the way, nobody cares about the tweets interspersed with the article.
When you really think about it, those 19 hijackers, along with the
"shoe bomber" have cost us countless millions of dollars and countless
headaches.
By the way, nobody cares about the tweets interspersed with the article.
8
Are we not in the age of state-of-the-art surveillance, where Big Brother knows everything about me?
Surely he knows I go to work every day, come home, have dinner with my husband, have filed a tax return for over 40 years, and lead a quiet life. A peek at my credit card data tells him I like to garden.
By now, isn't he smart enough to conclude I'm not a terror threat, along with millions of other Americans like me?
Surely he knows I go to work every day, come home, have dinner with my husband, have filed a tax return for over 40 years, and lead a quiet life. A peek at my credit card data tells him I like to garden.
By now, isn't he smart enough to conclude I'm not a terror threat, along with millions of other Americans like me?
14
After recent extended line experience in Newark and Orlando, I am about to pledge if my destination is one day's drive or less, by car, I will drive. If my wife joins as a driver, I will make it two days i.e. NJ to FL. Absolutely astonished by the ineptitude of TSA to combat the lines.
11
I was in one of those lines at SEA/TAC in March. My wife had a complimentary pre-TSA screening pass, so she made it to the gate; I missed it by 2 minutes. They put her on the plane without me, and we received no sympathy from the gate clerks, who have instructions to get the plane loaded and out "on time."
The situation will surely increase the $100 sales of pre-TSA clearance passes. It is turning into another pay/go. More $$ for the government, yet those lines will start backing up as more and more folks opt for the passes.
Too bad we don't have high-speed rail as an option.
The situation will surely increase the $100 sales of pre-TSA clearance passes. It is turning into another pay/go. More $$ for the government, yet those lines will start backing up as more and more folks opt for the passes.
Too bad we don't have high-speed rail as an option.
40
If we could just get decent train service in California, I would not bother with planes. However, too many people don't want decent train service. They should try the French TGV; it's excellent.
Airlines are terrible. If you want people in the Pre-Check, stop charging for it.
I'm not convinced even that will help much though. The TSA screeners seem to enjoy being like the Gestapo and pulling apart all your careful packing. Add to that the airlines, although making record profits because of the decline in fuel prices think they should make even more money by charging for everything.
Airlines are terrible. If you want people in the Pre-Check, stop charging for it.
I'm not convinced even that will help much though. The TSA screeners seem to enjoy being like the Gestapo and pulling apart all your careful packing. Add to that the airlines, although making record profits because of the decline in fuel prices think they should make even more money by charging for everything.
12
I wonder how the "less-government" conservatives feel when they have to wait in line for two hours at the airport, notwithstanding their First Class status. Kinda the same feeling when a hurricane knocks their home off its foundation and the insurance company says they're not covered. Then too, all of a sudden, "something needs to be done!"
16
I'm glad The Times is covering the issue. But every so often you write a news piece like this but don't clarify what the issue is. Did indeed budget cuts lead to the problem? Is is bad planning ? Fees on bags? What's a citizen to think?
8
Glad i am an airline employee
The small benefits
The small benefits
2
Handing out water to those waiting to go through security. Brillant! Bet that speeded things up.
4
So many comments and no one willing to lay the blame where it belongs - on the blessings of diversity, and especially that of the Sunni Muslim kind who have provoked all this security theater. How did this country ever make do before we had Muslim immigrants who Islamic terrorists could hide among? Why in the old days before 1968, Americans thought it was okay to just walk into the airport with no security checks at all! Crazy! Free Americans even used to carry guns on planes. Can you imagine?
5
Haha!! Great to have a strong and hearty laugh at 5:18 on a Tuesday morning. Only a true-believing government bureacrat would or even could see unbearable airport wait times as a good-news story. Again... haha!
10
Airlines and the Feds need to provide the option to fly without the 9/11 security screening. Let the passengers decide if they want or need this level of security. Let us vote with our wallets by choosing 9/11 or pre 9/11 screening.
4
Erm, who's going to fly those planes?
1
Huge problem with no data, unless the airlines ask passengers who reach the gate to report on their wait times. Once they figure the lost productivity and revenues from missed flights, maybe they'll ADD MORE LANES! Or not, since the only losers could be us sheeple who pay taxes.
3
I met a friend flying in from London and asked if the lines were hours long to get through screening... given the bombings in Europe I figured they would be horrid. She said no.... the airport/Heathrow does not want large crowds standing around for long periods of time...... hmmmm I wonder why? You fill in the blanks
58
I saw the TSA pull a knife out of this ladies bag in Vegas...a big knife.
We have long lines because people are dumb ...
TSA was professional and courteous.
I waited patiently and let the, do their job...
Traveling is an all day affair. We can all be a little nicer.
We have long lines because people are dumb ...
TSA was professional and courteous.
I waited patiently and let the, do their job...
Traveling is an all day affair. We can all be a little nicer.
7
Thank you, Mitch McConnell.
4
TSA: We're not happy until you're not happy.
13
Time to do what the Israeli's do. They wouldn't be bothered with the Norwegian grandmother who was traveling. We are so politically correct in this country that we make the TSA screen everyone. Why? I think if you talk to people in the LE community they will tell you the lines could be cut dramatically if you would allow them to...and here it comes that word nobody wants to hear...PROFILE! The Boy Scout Troop from Idaho isn't the problem. The businessman or woman who travels for their company many times of the year isn't the possible terrorist. The retiree from GM isn't the problem either. The list goes on and on.
I'm all for making the sky's safe for flying. And standing in a line to make that happen is fine. But please start using common sense when screening people. The government knows who to look at, but political correctness prevails.
I'm all for making the sky's safe for flying. And standing in a line to make that happen is fine. But please start using common sense when screening people. The government knows who to look at, but political correctness prevails.
9
This is a very naive perspective, but ISIS would love you for making their life easier! PS not sure how many "Norwegian grandmothers" travel through Israel :D
Where is the NRA on this one? They have the solution to EVERYTHING. MORE GUNS.
I would have thought by now the "NRA politicians" would have come to the "common senseless" ideas of allowing and encouraging all passengers to "pack heat" instead of packing that stupid little Ziploc baggie for the TSA agents.
If we allow guns on flights the speed of getting through TSA will be greatly increased. Far less people (sane ones) will fly.
I would have thought by now the "NRA politicians" would have come to the "common senseless" ideas of allowing and encouraging all passengers to "pack heat" instead of packing that stupid little Ziploc baggie for the TSA agents.
If we allow guns on flights the speed of getting through TSA will be greatly increased. Far less people (sane ones) will fly.
6
"There is an $85 application fee for the T.S.A. program, and a $100 fee for Global Entry."
Now we know the REAL reason for the long lines in standard security.
Now we know the REAL reason for the long lines in standard security.
8
The article and many of the comments suggest that PreCheck is a predictable way to avoid lines, but in the last year (particularly at the Delta gates at Newark), the separate PreCheck line has been closed and I've been stuck in the standard line which was extremely long. When I asked what was going on, the TSA reps onsite said there isn't enough staffing to operate the separate PreCheck line. So don't automatically assume that your PreCheck status will allow you to get to the airport an hour later and still make your flight.
28
Are we really any safer? This is just the "theater" do security.
3
Welcome to the Spectacle.
"The story of terrorism is written by the state and it is highly instructive...compared with terrorism, everything else must be acceptable, or in any case more rational and democratic."
Guy Debord
"The story of terrorism is written by the state and it is highly instructive...compared with terrorism, everything else must be acceptable, or in any case more rational and democratic."
Guy Debord
4
Or how about focusing on young, wealthy Muslim men who have recently spent time in rural Pakistan--ie, nearly every terrorist ever--and stop patting down Vietnamese grandmothers and American businessmen?
See, that was easy.
See, that was easy.
5
Nothing will happen until people get fed up and quit flying and the "Airlines' (big business) start getting affected. It doesn't matter what the people want anymore......people's voices aren't heard. It's not until big companies (corporations) get hurt that something will finally be corrected.
3
We're long past the point where anyone would be able to hijack an airplane with a box cutter and cockpit door are reinforced. We're done. Go back to 9/10 security and get things moving.
In the meanwhile, it's just a mater of time before a wannabe terrorists decides that those huge crowds of people that TSA has so thoughtfully provided are tempting and ironic targets.
In the meanwhile, it's just a mater of time before a wannabe terrorists decides that those huge crowds of people that TSA has so thoughtfully provided are tempting and ironic targets.
7
Americans returning home from abroad can expect long lines & waits to get out of airports as well because of problems with Customs & Border Protection. Arriving at JFK from Europe two days ago, for example, US passport holders in business & first class weren't given the usual customs declaration forms because we were told to use the new fast-track electronic kiosks instead, & we had to watch an instructional video showing us how to use them. But after disembarking, we found that NOT ONE of the dozens of new kiosks was working - & airport personnel on the scene said that the kiosks had never worked since being installed! Couldn't help but notice that at least two-thirds of the kiosks meant to serve US citizens in the expedited "Global Entry" program were down too.
24
No sympathy. In fact, laughter. The TSA is an out-of-control criminal agency that abuses people with impunity. It has been doing so for at least the past six years. Yet people put up with it.
Stop flying, people! Stop flying and bring the airlines to their knees. Then things will change. But as long as you're content to allow yourselves -- and your children -- to be bullied, harassed, robbed, and assaulted, you're getting exactly what you asked for. Happy Trails!
Stop flying, people! Stop flying and bring the airlines to their knees. Then things will change. But as long as you're content to allow yourselves -- and your children -- to be bullied, harassed, robbed, and assaulted, you're getting exactly what you asked for. Happy Trails!
8
The terrorists won. With the help of inept bureaucrats.
46
At least one thing we can always count on: Our bureaucrats!
What more needs to be said about this monumental waste of money and resources?
In what other domain would an enterprise consistently receive failing grades -- some as high as 95% -- and still be permitted to exist?
Obviously, a small group of contractors have been making huge profits from this debacle -- thus it is in their best interest to keep the status quo. But is there not one member of the Federal government with spine enough to say STOP?
In what other domain would an enterprise consistently receive failing grades -- some as high as 95% -- and still be permitted to exist?
Obviously, a small group of contractors have been making huge profits from this debacle -- thus it is in their best interest to keep the status quo. But is there not one member of the Federal government with spine enough to say STOP?
5
And here is a third problem concerning all the turists that contributes to the economy of the country: We are basically treated like a heard of sheeps waiting for hours. Imagine if you have paid for a four day weekend to New York and a great part of it is spend at the Airport? Not a way to treat tourists,
2
Oh yes, and "the terrorists will never win" and we will not change "our way of life".
Face it folks, they have won and we have lost.
How about a free market option in this saga...
An airline with an airplane that has a bulkhead between the cockpit and the passenger cabin, a terminal separate from all the others, and no pat downs and security. This airline could be used by those of us who actually would like to live the American adage the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.
Who not allow people to determine the risk they they are comfortable with as opposed to jaming it down everyone's throat?
Face it folks, they have won and we have lost.
How about a free market option in this saga...
An airline with an airplane that has a bulkhead between the cockpit and the passenger cabin, a terminal separate from all the others, and no pat downs and security. This airline could be used by those of us who actually would like to live the American adage the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.
Who not allow people to determine the risk they they are comfortable with as opposed to jaming it down everyone's throat?
2
Is it me, or is this entire security apparatus absurd and undignified? American citizens have never blown up planes or caused this kind of mischief that has resulted in the TSA. No American should be subjected to this nonsense and therefore, it's time to abolish the TSA and allow Americans to board planes as they would a bus or a train.
If someone makes the choice to appear in a way that a trained officer determines is threatening or is obviously in a state that is threatening, then by all means, stop him or her, but leave the rest of us alone!!!
If someone makes the choice to appear in a way that a trained officer determines is threatening or is obviously in a state that is threatening, then by all means, stop him or her, but leave the rest of us alone!!!
2
Not a worry! Our taxes are too hi (but not as hi as Europe) so we need to lower them. Oh, and we're running deficits, so we need to cut the budget further! Just buck up and get to the airport 4 hrs early. Or, of course, just could travel on your own private jet... I dont see any lines at the general aviation terminal.
Whiny Americans.
Whiny Americans.
Another example of how the 1% live in a different world. Private charter jets are not subject to TSA screening, hence neither are their rich passengers. Is the terror threat any less from a charter jet, or is it just another sign of economic disparity?
3
I love the PreCheck idea. Make sure you can afford an extra $340 for a family of four. Get fingerprinted (you know that those prints would never, ever be entered into the criminal justice system). Then, you get to only wait an hour or so.
It's a right-wing dream. More convenience for the wealthy. More privacy intrusion. More data for the police.
It's a right-wing dream. More convenience for the wealthy. More privacy intrusion. More data for the police.
4
Admittedly I haven't read all the comments, but where is the outrage at this from the TSA: "A Record Breaking 73 Firearms Were Discovered in Carry-on Bags This Week - 68 Loaded'?!?
I have to say that when I read something like that I'm even happier to be living outside the United States.
I have to say that when I read something like that I'm even happier to be living outside the United States.
6
Start charging for carry ons. End of problem.
8
The Great Recession: Lost retirement, lost jobs, lost homes, lost insurance, lost dignity, lost respect. The Congressional answer: bail out the guilty parties (Wall Street, corporate America, and Congress itself) and impose a dictatorship of austerity to squeeze more blood from the middle and lower classes to pay for the bailouts. Lower taxes on the rich to induce trickle down. Raise taxes on the middle and lower income groups to cover the reduced tax levies on the rich.
It worked! Corporate America and Wall Street are booming! The rest of us? Eat s!#& and die.
It worked! Corporate America and Wall Street are booming! The rest of us? Eat s!#& and die.
3
Airports know how many flights are scheduled at what times. Airlines know how many passengers are booked. Please tell me that someone has tracked the cycle time for one passenger to get through security. Then do the math: X number of screeners for X number of lines to ensure no more than a 20 minute wait.
I arrived at Boston Logan airport at 450am for a 7am flight the week before Christmas. Easily a thousand people ahead of me in line. I had never seen it like that. I had to be pulled from line by an agent to make my flight which was delayed because of the crush. Completely avoidable.
I arrived at Boston Logan airport at 450am for a 7am flight the week before Christmas. Easily a thousand people ahead of me in line. I had never seen it like that. I had to be pulled from line by an agent to make my flight which was delayed because of the crush. Completely avoidable.
6
Recently flew to Aruba through Miami. Flying a schedule full of red eye flights alleviated the problem during spring vacation crowds. Not too fun, but it helped.
And now this! Just what in America works anymore? That would be a more valid question, rather than enumerating the things that do not work well. Congress goes on its merry way girdling the trees and branches of government, and then loudly claims that our government does not work and needs to be downsized.
4
I'd have no problem with a federal surtax of say $1, $2, or even $5 being added to every single domestic airline ticket in exchange for better TSA service. Heck , I just spent $368 to fly from Boston to Houston, so what 's an extra few bucks if it would mean a reasonably efficient and expeditious security screeing process?
3
Simple two step solution.
First, train our military to do screening. They are dedicated people who will learn very fast. They took over air traffic control when Reagan fired the controllers.
You have a pool of thousands of great men and women.
And at no added cost because they are already being payed, fed and housed.
They also provide an additional security deterrent at the airports.
Second. As it is reported there are more carry on bags to avoid checked luggage fees. charge a high fee for carry on bags other than the ones that actually fit under seats. Problem solved.
PS: This would really help solve boarding because of people try to bring on bags that would hold a grand piano. Airline staff should be monitoring these large bags at the gate.
First, train our military to do screening. They are dedicated people who will learn very fast. They took over air traffic control when Reagan fired the controllers.
You have a pool of thousands of great men and women.
And at no added cost because they are already being payed, fed and housed.
They also provide an additional security deterrent at the airports.
Second. As it is reported there are more carry on bags to avoid checked luggage fees. charge a high fee for carry on bags other than the ones that actually fit under seats. Problem solved.
PS: This would really help solve boarding because of people try to bring on bags that would hold a grand piano. Airline staff should be monitoring these large bags at the gate.
5
On November 19, 2001, just over two months after the 9/11 attacks, Republican President George W. Bush signed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which created the TSA.
Almost every list of Bush's accomplishments includes the TSA.
Immediately after a moment of silence commemorating the 11th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, the following remarks were made on the floor of the U.S. House:
"Since TSA's creation...the agency has gone down a troubling path of overspending, limiting private sector engagement, and failing to sufficiently protect passenger privacy."
The speaker was another Republican, Rep. Mike Rogers, of Alabama who served as chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee's subcommittee on Transportation Security.
Rogers added that it was time TSA be, "rebuilt into a smarter, leaner organization."
This was 15 months AFTER the House Republicans slashed the TSA budget by $270 million.
The next time you are standing in what seems to be an endless security line at a US airport remember the facts: Republicans, who like to talk about keeping us safe from terrorism, actually cut funding to protect us, so they can keep cutting taxes for the richest Americans - most of whom have their own jets.
One more example of the blatant hypocrisy that is the American Republican Party.
Almost every list of Bush's accomplishments includes the TSA.
Immediately after a moment of silence commemorating the 11th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, the following remarks were made on the floor of the U.S. House:
"Since TSA's creation...the agency has gone down a troubling path of overspending, limiting private sector engagement, and failing to sufficiently protect passenger privacy."
The speaker was another Republican, Rep. Mike Rogers, of Alabama who served as chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee's subcommittee on Transportation Security.
Rogers added that it was time TSA be, "rebuilt into a smarter, leaner organization."
This was 15 months AFTER the House Republicans slashed the TSA budget by $270 million.
The next time you are standing in what seems to be an endless security line at a US airport remember the facts: Republicans, who like to talk about keeping us safe from terrorism, actually cut funding to protect us, so they can keep cutting taxes for the richest Americans - most of whom have their own jets.
One more example of the blatant hypocrisy that is the American Republican Party.
5
Is it not apparent that the security line itself is a security risk? After the bombing in the Brussels airport, it should be apparent that packing people tightly together in the pre-screened area represents the ultimate airport soft target. Who cares if they can get to the plane if they can kill hundreds bunched up in a security line?
6
Who would pile more and more security demands on TSA workers, while slashing the TSA's budget? Who wants to be seen as "tough on terrorism" while also seen as "cutting government waste?" Who has the majority in both the House and the Senate, and is well known for always putting politics before we, the people? I sense the heavy hands of Republican politicians once again making our lives far more difficult than they need to be.
3
The TSA is clearly security theater and we clearly have hired the L.C.D. to police us, once again, but I have Pre Check and it goes pretty well out of EWR. I fly at least once a week, sometimes 2 or 3 times and despite EWR looking like a third world airport after a civil war the Pre Check line moves reasonably quickly.
I'd like to see more separation of seasoned travelers vs. casual ones, because there is always one person in line who seems to be confused by the whole process and hold up the rest of us.
I'd like to see more separation of seasoned travelers vs. casual ones, because there is always one person in line who seems to be confused by the whole process and hold up the rest of us.
2
"Another factor that lengthens wait times is that passengers are carrying more bags on board to avoid paying fees for checked luggage.
But there’s not much airlines can do"
This is nonsense - there is absolutely something the airlines can do - stop charging extra for checked bags. There is no coincidence that the increase in bag fees leads to an increase in people trying to carry as much as they can onto the plane. It is at times comical to see how much luggage people are struggling to bring through screening. Much of that would have been checked prior to all of these baggage fees. Then the airlines will check the same bag for free if there are too many people on the flight, so they themselves are creating a situation where they are financially rewarding travelers for bringing as much of their luggage as possible through the checkpoint, and penalizing those who check their bags before the checkpoint.
But there’s not much airlines can do"
This is nonsense - there is absolutely something the airlines can do - stop charging extra for checked bags. There is no coincidence that the increase in bag fees leads to an increase in people trying to carry as much as they can onto the plane. It is at times comical to see how much luggage people are struggling to bring through screening. Much of that would have been checked prior to all of these baggage fees. Then the airlines will check the same bag for free if there are too many people on the flight, so they themselves are creating a situation where they are financially rewarding travelers for bringing as much of their luggage as possible through the checkpoint, and penalizing those who check their bags before the checkpoint.
4
I took my driver's license and my birth certificate to enroll in pre check but then they wanted a copy of my marriage certificate from years ago.
2
Small government is the way to go. Who cares if citizens are inconvenienced a little; they will get over it.
3
I fear that the concentration of people in long security lines is now a more dangerous terrorist target than the flights themselves.
5
Add in the airlines price-gouging and other assorted customer abuse which make the experience of flying a nightmare. I won't get on a plane--unless it's a one-way ticket.
1
If TSA started an hour earlier, the lines would not have an immediate backup built in. Las Vegas is a prime example. The airport itself opens rather late. Then TSA opens. Imagine all the people leaving the convention du jour arriving to depart and you have instant congestion. That said, you can always get on an earlier flight there because someone is always stuck in line.
The current trend in women's cloths to have metal zippers and decorations doesn't help. I travel in clothing without zippers, metal, or belts and wear slip on shoes. Makes an enormous difference once at TSA.
The current trend in women's cloths to have metal zippers and decorations doesn't help. I travel in clothing without zippers, metal, or belts and wear slip on shoes. Makes an enormous difference once at TSA.
At BWI, they had plenty of staff at the unpopular checkpoints and only one line at the popular check point. They refused to move staff around. It's a we don't care about the public problem.
3
At BWI, the screener said that I did not have to put my jars of vitamins into the zip-lock bag. I did as I was told but frankly, the jars contained shampoo and cream rinse. So much for checking containers.
2
Flew recently out of ATL. Line snaked around for at least 2 hours. Five or six TSA agents standing around cutting up, flirting with each other, talking about their weekend. The pre- check line was almost as long. Closed lines as well. Left Baltimore a week later, line was three hours long. Two lanes open, only one pre-check, clogged with courtesy wheelchairs. At least three TSA folks asking people in line about their "experience" today. I watched a couple of agents taking pictures of the long lines and chatting. Seriously?
7
If one figures travel time to and from airports, security time, airport runway delays, luggage restrictions and car rental waiting, how many miles can you drive before it is just not worth it to fly that same distance?
Considering you are riding in a giant germ container that airplanes are, drive, take the train or bus, but consider flying only if the distance dictates it.
Considering you are riding in a giant germ container that airplanes are, drive, take the train or bus, but consider flying only if the distance dictates it.
5
I wish I could say that the wait is making me feel safe---but I continue to believe that this entire TSA, checkpoint charlie, is a grand illusion of safety in the air.
6
What actually happens to the numbskulls who try to carry weapons onto a commercial plane? Are they given a slap on the wrist or thrown under the Jail?
As to the screenings, why not put the onus on the airlines to pay for the security? Why should taxpayers subsidize a cost of doing business for airlines that rip customers off from the moment they buy a ticket?
Let the airlines compete on service and make them responsible for screening passengers. I would bet it would improve things greatly once word of mouth got out on who was doing the best job.
As to the screenings, why not put the onus on the airlines to pay for the security? Why should taxpayers subsidize a cost of doing business for airlines that rip customers off from the moment they buy a ticket?
Let the airlines compete on service and make them responsible for screening passengers. I would bet it would improve things greatly once word of mouth got out on who was doing the best job.
3
As a frequent traveler and always First Class I never have a problem. But indeed, I get very annoyed by these large groups of cheap travelers with all their bags banging into each other and constantly complaining or talking absolute nonsense. America is slipping big time.
2
Thank you Mr Trump
2
probably should have given credit where credit is due...our wonderful Republican congress, led by Ted Cruz and the Tea Party, who have so drastically cut funding for everything government. This includes all the choke points causing the long lines.
4
The article states 1. The limes are made worse by passengers trying to avoid baggage fees and 2. There isn't anything the airlines can do about the situation. Let's think about that for a minute.
7
Maybe a higher tax on airlines that charge for checked baggage.
Or just eliminate the overhead bins. If it doesn't go under the seat it doesn't get down the jetway.
Or just eliminate the overhead bins. If it doesn't go under the seat it doesn't get down the jetway.
Several points must be made:
1) If you get to the airport several hours early, you will also get to your gate early and find hundreds of people there waiting for an earlier flight. Gates do not have enough seating for even one flight, let alone several. Then you spend the next hour wandering the airport, looking for power and food.
2) The security lines should be divided by departure times. 9 AM departure times are cleared before 10 AM. Isn't what they do at Disney? Therefore the closer to your departure time, the more preference you are given at security.
3) The security procedures should be standardized: Trays the same size, what is checked should be the same; there should be seats at the end of security so one can put shoes back on and while we are discussing it, shoes, especially summer ones, should not be removed. What can possibly be hidden in a rubber flip-flop and who wants to walk on those disgusting floors?
4) Finally, the long, winding lines that can extend to outdoor areas are, in of themselves, a security risk. It is not necessary to screen everyone; it is just necessary for travelers to think that they will be screened.
In summary, if McDonald's can be the same experience at every store, why can't that also be the case at airport security? Surprises take extra time and so far, TSA has found few real threats as they perform their security theater.
1) If you get to the airport several hours early, you will also get to your gate early and find hundreds of people there waiting for an earlier flight. Gates do not have enough seating for even one flight, let alone several. Then you spend the next hour wandering the airport, looking for power and food.
2) The security lines should be divided by departure times. 9 AM departure times are cleared before 10 AM. Isn't what they do at Disney? Therefore the closer to your departure time, the more preference you are given at security.
3) The security procedures should be standardized: Trays the same size, what is checked should be the same; there should be seats at the end of security so one can put shoes back on and while we are discussing it, shoes, especially summer ones, should not be removed. What can possibly be hidden in a rubber flip-flop and who wants to walk on those disgusting floors?
4) Finally, the long, winding lines that can extend to outdoor areas are, in of themselves, a security risk. It is not necessary to screen everyone; it is just necessary for travelers to think that they will be screened.
In summary, if McDonald's can be the same experience at every store, why can't that also be the case at airport security? Surprises take extra time and so far, TSA has found few real threats as they perform their security theater.
38
There ARE seats (usually benches) at the end of security to put your shoes back on-- look the next time you fly.
From the comments pointing out TSA isn't hiring the workers it's authorized (and has the money) to hire, it sounds like they're trying to force the rest of you to pay the $100 for Pre-Check.
In a similar move, our local airport recently added a completely unnecessary final line at the baggage claim exit in the international terminal (and doubled the wait times at passport control) in what I can only think must be an attempt to get us all to pay the fee and join Global Entry.
In a similar move, our local airport recently added a completely unnecessary final line at the baggage claim exit in the international terminal (and doubled the wait times at passport control) in what I can only think must be an attempt to get us all to pay the fee and join Global Entry.
1
Here in Brazil, there is a priority line at the airport (as well as in banks and other places) for the elderly, disabled people, pregnant women and those with small children.
During my recent experiences going back to the United States I thought it was very inhumane that mothers carrying babies and trying to keep track of toddlers should wait for hours in these very long lines. I have tried to talk to airport management at JFK about this but to little avail.
Please join me in promoting this idea.
During my recent experiences going back to the United States I thought it was very inhumane that mothers carrying babies and trying to keep track of toddlers should wait for hours in these very long lines. I have tried to talk to airport management at JFK about this but to little avail.
Please join me in promoting this idea.
4
Here in the USA, no one wants to do anything to actively encourage more young children on planes. The more done to deter their parents from bringing them, the better for the rest of us.
3
Reading this article makes me think that the Federal level budget crunches getting to the point where something will need to be done. Not mentioned in the story is what I imagine a problem caused by pushing all the systems to their capacity limits. If air travel was spread out over more airports and more flights it would be easier for TSA to handle and for airports to handle an even predictable flow of passengers. The. FAA's policies are being driven by foolish economic principles that are bad for ATC, TSA, FAA, pilots and passengers. Something has got to give before things turn bad.
Welcome to paranoia land.
All that for what exactly ? 95% failure rate ?
How much money is dissipating in the wind for the illusion of safety and the easiness of security solutions for officials.
All that for what exactly ? 95% failure rate ?
How much money is dissipating in the wind for the illusion of safety and the easiness of security solutions for officials.
2
No comments have addressed the issue of the what the TSA agents actually find once you finally walk through the metal detectors. Remember the woman who wore a bikini to prove that she wasn't hiding anything? I think of her when I am pulled over for a more thorough wand investigation, which has happened ever since I had knee-replacement surgery. Before going through the detector, I always inform the agent that I have titanium in my knee. Every single experience is identical. "It's not your knee," I am told, it is (choose one): your hair, pockets (I seldom wear pants with them), bra, replaced ankle joint (no such thing on my body).For this I stand in line for an hour or two?
2
I'm a frequent flyer and have been flying commercial since 1969.With today's TSA situation,I drive anytime I can reach my destination in 8 hours or less.TSA is just another government agency disaster rife with inefficiency and cost overruns.The rules on taking off your shoes and on liquids are just beyond comprehension.The long wait issue will be resolved only when people stop flying and airline revenues drop.Airlines are at fault too for charging to check luggage.I used to enjoy flying.Now I'd rather have a root canal than fly.
4
Sharply increase carry-on baggage fees.
Use separate security lines for people with and without carry-on baggage.
Integrate courier services into aviation operations. Provide incentives for passengers to eliminate their carry-on baggage - for example, using courier services to ship luggage 3+ days in advance.
Launch marketing campaign with "The Biggest Loser".
Use separate security lines for people with and without carry-on baggage.
Integrate courier services into aviation operations. Provide incentives for passengers to eliminate their carry-on baggage - for example, using courier services to ship luggage 3+ days in advance.
Launch marketing campaign with "The Biggest Loser".
1
Why attack the planes when someone can cause greater damage attacking the checkpoint?
6
The Republicans who whine endlessly about big government are simply too ideologically obsessed to actually govern. Underfunding the IRS, TSA and other agencies is obtuse, serves no purpose and demonstrates why right-size government is far more important than small government. Small more aptly describes the minds of those who believe government is the problem when they are.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
6
Have you ever stood in line for over an hour waiting to get through? Here in Sao Paulo, it is fairly common, depending on the time of day, and this is without the ludicrous shoe check. Not to mention that you have to go through the police right afterwards if you are flying abroad. This is part of the reason so many of us have completely lost our taste for going anywhere.
2
Glad I have TSA PreCheck.
Agree with other comments: this is what we get for a collective phobia of taxes. Third-world infrastructure.
Also airlines need to switch & start charging for carry-on luggage while stowing bags in hold for free. Charging by the pound for combined passenger/baggage weight would help too.
Agree with other comments: this is what we get for a collective phobia of taxes. Third-world infrastructure.
Also airlines need to switch & start charging for carry-on luggage while stowing bags in hold for free. Charging by the pound for combined passenger/baggage weight would help too.
8
Is there a deliberate slowdown by TSA employees? Got caught in one of these dragging slow lines two weeks ago and noted several TSA employees standing around and watching as the lines grew ever longer. Eventually they opened another baggage exam machine and the line began to move quicker. Same number of TSA workers - but finally doing their job.
24
TSA employees standing around chatting with each other, while the lines get longer seems to be the norm across the country.
1
Okay, so it wasn't just me! For about the last year, every time I fly out of EWR I get stuck in a really long TSA line. I have a flexible work schedule so I intentionally fly at less busy days yet the TSA lines have always been overflowing. The agents are all great and the passengers have been well behaved. The problem is that most of the scanning machines are shut down. I counted 5 machines that looked to be in working order yet only 2 of them were running (and 1 was used only for first class and disabled people). Now my family doesn't think I'm so crazy to get to the airport at least 2 hours before my flight!
7
Pretty sure that if you privatized the screening process the airlines would end up finding ways to make their lines faster than the other guys'. Of course you would have to regulate stringently, eg if they failed more than two spot checks in a month then everyone with a ticket that month flies for free. It would focus their minds.
2
Too many prime time flights. If trains and buses can go all night long, why can't airplanes?
1
Increase the landing fees on fields that serve only private flights throughout the country from the absurdly low levels in order to fund better service for Americans that fly commercial.
2
I am a 67 year old frequent flyer who has global entry. Still I am often stopped to have my bags checked for innocuous items like small bottles of non- liquids. As long as the TSA wastes time with no-risk passengers like me, the lines will remain long
4
Wait times reaching "epidemic levels" - hmm - do you mean epic levels? Or do you mean that wait times are spreading like a contagion, or perhaps that an epidemic will start due to all those people waiting in lines being exposed to each other. Made me smile...
3
I flew out of San Diego 4/22 at 9 am and Ft. Lauderdale 4/29 6 pm. Pre-check lanes only had a couple people in front of me at both airports.
1
Yes, TSA needs to get very busy hiring more people. Unfortunately, America has to wait until November to fire the Republicans whose budget foolishness created this mess (and many other messes).
6
They know exactly how many people are coming through those checkpoints, and when they are coming. And the fees tacked onto our tickets are supposed to cover the increased security. It just gets more infuriating as you think about it, and starts to smell like a "bridgegate" scandal or something.
4
didn't even make it through this article before signing up for Global Entry
1
Terminate TSA and security checks? This is what some on this thread have advocated. If that happens, I will never fly again, ever. Although much of TSA is theater as some have suggested, that theater is unquestionably a deterrent. If screen was abandoned, Republicans would advocate airplanes as open carry weapons zones. There would be angry shoot outs over seat reclining and kids kicking. Don't think that terrorist are not deterred by security screening. If you do, you are a candidate to buy the Brooklyn Bridge and win the naivety-of-the-year award. There are solutions: first and foremost - hire and train more TSA agents; educate the public on how to engage in air travel (the number of people who don't know how the system works is stunning); airlines quit charging for checked bags; compel all congress people to use standard TSA monitored lines.
5
There is a surcharge tax added to every ticket sold in the USA. This is a specific security fee to pay for these checks and procedures, assumingly to do so within a reasonable time. There is more than enough money to pay for adequate staffing. So where is the money? Who is doing the budget cutting amd how do they justify it?
Follow the money. Follow the politics. I suspect the blame ultimatly rests with our Do Nothing Congress forcing the TSA to...well...just do nothing by laundering the TSA specific ticket tax revenue into other rabbit holes and cover for corporate tax breaks of the donor class.
Think about that when you relect these no tax no spend do nothins to keep doing nothing.
Follow the money. Follow the politics. I suspect the blame ultimatly rests with our Do Nothing Congress forcing the TSA to...well...just do nothing by laundering the TSA specific ticket tax revenue into other rabbit holes and cover for corporate tax breaks of the donor class.
Think about that when you relect these no tax no spend do nothins to keep doing nothing.
3
Thanks for publishing this. It reinforces my determination to avoid voluntary air travel into and out of the United States.
1
We live in Michigan. A month ago, we crossed into Ontario and flew to the Caribbean. Clearing security in Windsor took a minute or two. Shoes stayed on.
3
Haven't they created a security threat by roping off passengers in an unprotected area, encumbered by ever-increasing stumbling blocks of luggage? Sitting ducks seems an apt description.
3
haven't been in a tsa line where there weren't 3 tsa types watching 5 do the checking. poor management!!
3
There is something about an airport that causes everyone's IQ to drop about 70 points once he or she enters. This is true of passengers and employees.
The biggest problem I've noticed is not the TSA agents, but Ma and Pa Kettle from Pixley taking their first flight. They refuse to check their luggage, and they're bringing on a goat and a refrigerator. They have no idea what to do.
The biggest problem I've noticed is not the TSA agents, but Ma and Pa Kettle from Pixley taking their first flight. They refuse to check their luggage, and they're bringing on a goat and a refrigerator. They have no idea what to do.
5
$85 for Pre Check and $100 for Global Entry is a high federal tax simply for allowing a passenger to board a plane.
3
Money "Trumps" equal treatment when it comes to security screening. Don't you ever forget that fact of America's definition of most everything we think should be required of all who must must use public facilities. And it will really get interresting if a real money hungry Trumpster gets elected.
No to mention that some day, we may find out that a person can change drastically in the 5 years between applications to PreCheck/GlobalEntry, and wonder why we once thought it was a good idea to invent a security-lite line.
Articles like this make me so glad I've sworn off flying. I realize not everyone has that option (and I may not in some future circumstance) but if more people dropped flying and were verbal about it, you can bet the airlines would react. I'd rather drive for a couple days, at my own pace, seeing the passing countryside, than spend 4 or 5 hours being harassed and uncomfortable on an airplane.
Too bad the auto industry killed off rail travel decades ago, but what remains of it is also a much better option than flying. People act like they have no option but to submit to the indignities of flying, but in fact they do.
Too bad the auto industry killed off rail travel decades ago, but what remains of it is also a much better option than flying. People act like they have no option but to submit to the indignities of flying, but in fact they do.
2
Sorry, but I'm already paying almost 50% in taxes. If you don't want to wait in line, pay for it yourself or cut other programs.
1
You are alteady paying for it in your ticket taxes everytime you fly. The issue is Congress using those dedicated taxes for other budgetary shenenigans. The have historically undefunded infrastructure that should be supported because the revenue is there, paid for by the user...but you know Congress...not a pillar of intgrity and honest dealing when it comes to spending, especially on infrastructure that makes thongs work.
1
I luckily only fly when I want (still reminiscing of those months spent in Colombia last summer). When I do I use it as a time to carefully observe the decay of humanity. Rudeness. Impatience. Rage. Anger. Exhaustion. Inability to look anywhere and maybe get out of the way so others can go... On and on. I think if more people using airports were more courteous and aware of their surroundings and prepared (seriously, you don't have your travel number adn id ready when you get to the counter???), then it could be a better experience, and yes the GOP destruction of spending on safety and infrastructure also needs to be addressed
5
Last year, my wife and I picked up burritos to eat on a long flight to Central America, which we put into our backpacks for carry-on. We're an ordinary, innocuous looking, white middle-aged couple. Needless to say, the foil-wrapped burritos showed up on the scanner. Long story short, I got through, but after some fussing at the line, my wife was pulled aside, and they ended up taking her into a special room and giving her a full body search, which delayed us for about a half hour, and occupied the time of multiple TSA agents. For a burrito. While just an isolated story, I have to believe that this kind of overly vigilant screening occurs often enough, and is indicative of the kind of common senseless inefficiency that cumulatively results in the problem we're now experiencing. Leave it to the US.
3
Anyone inconsiderate enough to bring odorous burritos into an enclosed plane cabin deserves to be inconvenienced, frankly. Ever hear of a cheese sandwich??
6
Burrito on a plane glad i wasn't near you
4
Ebbie/John - If you had been sitting next to us, with nothing to eat, you would have been ogling our burritos and watering at the mouth.
It might be worth exploring the extent to which airlines are bunching their flights, causing a surge at TSA. I heard an NPR program some time ago that said that was occurring. It allows the airline to call in maintenance people etc for a 3 or 4 hr shift, for example.
Indeed, in many industries, workers are now "on call," waiting to hear if they're going to be called in, therefore unable & often prohibited from getting a 2nd (or 3rd, etc) PT job. One person on the program estimated that only 25% of jobs are now the conventional 40-hour w/health care image we have had of "jobs." At the best of times, many now hear their schedules only a few days before, making it nearly impossible to organize life.
This reality is largely invisible to the privileged few, but ask your checkout clerk at ____(not IDing because I don't want to get anyone fired) etc.
It's so hard to change this stuff but we have got to find a way.
Indeed, in many industries, workers are now "on call," waiting to hear if they're going to be called in, therefore unable & often prohibited from getting a 2nd (or 3rd, etc) PT job. One person on the program estimated that only 25% of jobs are now the conventional 40-hour w/health care image we have had of "jobs." At the best of times, many now hear their schedules only a few days before, making it nearly impossible to organize life.
This reality is largely invisible to the privileged few, but ask your checkout clerk at ____(not IDing because I don't want to get anyone fired) etc.
It's so hard to change this stuff but we have got to find a way.
2
TSA has been a failure at every level. Security theater at best.
The biggest frustration for travelers is waiting on long lines at a busy airport like PHL or LAX only to see that perhaps 1-2 of a dozen stations are actually operating. Beyond the station you then see dozens of TSA agents seemingly doing nothing or perhaps patting down toddlers and grandmoms. It gives credibility to the belief that TSA stands for Thousands Standing Around.
The biggest frustration for travelers is waiting on long lines at a busy airport like PHL or LAX only to see that perhaps 1-2 of a dozen stations are actually operating. Beyond the station you then see dozens of TSA agents seemingly doing nothing or perhaps patting down toddlers and grandmoms. It gives credibility to the belief that TSA stands for Thousands Standing Around.
31
The truth is that it is not the airlines or TSA that are to blame for the discomfort of travelling. The problem is the travelers. They are just rude and lacking in manners. They take their own sweet time to take off their shoes, belts, empty pockets, place the suitcase on the moving belt, etc. There is a lack of consideration for others. And when they get to their seat, then they take their own sweet time to put away the many bags they sneak in before they finally sit down. The problem is not about not wanting to pay to check their bag. The problem is that they also don't want to get it lost which happens often. It's not the airline or TSA staff I abhor, it's the tacky, selfish, rude, unsophisticated, gruff travelers I fear every time I travel. I miss the 50s and 60s when travel was very refined and sophisticated and people were dignified and courteous.
34
Limit your travel to Europe. Problem solved!
1
Clarification: It happens when traveling to Europe as well. And worse, coming back! And this behavior is not limited to Americans.
This is inexcusable—and I'd like to have the head of the executive branch, Mr. Obama, take some time away from his jokes at the "correspondents' dinner" and address the American public regarding this lapse of a critical government agency.
It's ironic that in a country like Japan where taking off your shoes before you enter a home is common is not done during security before boarding an airplane. I think removing shoes and having to put them back on adds time and confusion. The only other country I experienced this malady was in the Philippines. I traveled through several countries last year, including Vietnam, and none of these required removing shoes. One idiot from Britain, Richard Reid, put a device in his shoe that never exploded now the rest of the flying passengers in the U.S. have to pay for this farce. I'm surprised after the underwear bomber back on December 26, 2009 TSA does not shove their hands down our crutch to check for an underwear bomb like they currently do checking for bombs in our shoes. Then again I hope I did not speak too soon. I'm glad I did most of my flying pre-9/11. I got to see lots of America before then. Now if I fly I try to fly international mostly where I don't have to deal with this theater.
3
Fascinating picture of our society:
Congress, our travel system's board of directors, plays cheap with the budget.
TSA -- perhaps mismanaged, perhaps not -- faces conflicting demands in a function that is fear-based: Somebody's going to blow up my plane, and I'm already edgy because I have to go through this degrading process.
The airlines institute baggage fees (and other practices, like class-based boarding) that have a known deleterious effect on efficient travel.
A flying public that at some level understands all these burdens yet takes no action to ameliorate its own suffering, starting with acknowledging that we get what we pay for.
Congress, our travel system's board of directors, plays cheap with the budget.
TSA -- perhaps mismanaged, perhaps not -- faces conflicting demands in a function that is fear-based: Somebody's going to blow up my plane, and I'm already edgy because I have to go through this degrading process.
The airlines institute baggage fees (and other practices, like class-based boarding) that have a known deleterious effect on efficient travel.
A flying public that at some level understands all these burdens yet takes no action to ameliorate its own suffering, starting with acknowledging that we get what we pay for.
3
TSA is totally incompetent. Adding more to a system
that is non-functional won't solve the problem.
I went for my TSA pre check and the small machine
they had for taking finger prints couldn't get any. I asked
"Does this happen often?" The answer: very often.
This was at the S.F. International airport which
one would assume would be well equiped.
Therefore, will be over a month to hear back from them
which will be after flying in June.
that is non-functional won't solve the problem.
I went for my TSA pre check and the small machine
they had for taking finger prints couldn't get any. I asked
"Does this happen often?" The answer: very often.
This was at the S.F. International airport which
one would assume would be well equiped.
Therefore, will be over a month to hear back from them
which will be after flying in June.
2
Has TSA ever considered more bomb sniffing dogs?These dogs should be put at the entrances of all airports. I see very few at the airports? Much cheaper, more effective and much more pleasant then humans.
22
This supposed security is all such nonsense. My son, who is with a law enforcement agency, went through Miami International recently and spotted a gentleman taking pictures of the security area, and when he mentioned it to a TSA agent he was dismissed and ridiculed.
3
This is why I don't bother to visit the US anymore. Travel in the rest of the civilised world (Canada, Western Europe, Australasia, Singapore) is so much easier - modern clean airports, efficient polite staff, minimal line ups, no paranoia.
3
This is why I don't FLY anymore. Not only have the airlines made it extremely uncomfortable with their in flight policies, the proliferation of folks with ridiculous amounts of "carry on" luggage to avoid checked baggage fees is ridiculous and dangerous. The last time I was on an airplane, I had nightmares of what would happen if all those bins came open during extreme turbulence or other emergency. Then, there's the time to stow it ... and the time to get it all out again when offloading. TSA is just another reason. I'm lucky. I'm old. I can drive, take the train, or even take my motorcycle or a bus. Any of those alternatives are, for me, preferable to being subjected to being locked into an aircraft for hours at a time with recirculated air with a bunch of people I don't know carrying what kinds of illnesses.
1
TSA gets $5.60 each time a passenger goes through security. This should cover adequate staffing. Another example of government inefficiency. Solution: Privatize.
2
My wife and I recently registered for Tsa Pre which was a no-brainer since we fly often with three children under the age of six. It has made flying much more pleasurable and the wait times far shorter without the inconvenience of having to take off shoes, present liquids, and remove electronics from our bags. 85$ might seem steep to some but it is good for 5 years and is well worth it. I'm not sure why more people don't have it but again, I ask the same thing when I see people lined up at toll boots on the highway when they could just as well have EZ pass. Pay now or pay later.
14
People shouldn't have to pay extra for being treated in a dignified and respectful manner, and for normal participation in society. TSA Pre is just another way that society further divides the haves from the have-nots.
3
The security lines are the security vulnerbility.
If I were a terriorist I'd plot to blow up...the security checkpoints, and the large bunches of people waiting at them.
After that happens, we'll need a security checkpoint to enter our security checkpoints, but eventually they'll attack those too. Then we'll need a security checkpoint for our sercurity checkpoint for our security checkpoint.
There is no security in life, and any attempt to create security is mere illusion.
Sad to trade our civil liberites away for an illusion.
If I were a terriorist I'd plot to blow up...the security checkpoints, and the large bunches of people waiting at them.
After that happens, we'll need a security checkpoint to enter our security checkpoints, but eventually they'll attack those too. Then we'll need a security checkpoint for our sercurity checkpoint for our security checkpoint.
There is no security in life, and any attempt to create security is mere illusion.
Sad to trade our civil liberites away for an illusion.
2
What a surprise. A Federal agency with a unionized workforce doing a terrible job providing the services for which its surly, unpleasant workforce is paid hundreds of millions of dollars. No leadership, poor service, wasted money - all the hallmarks of Federal agencies in 2016!
2
Oh. Go. Away. Spare us your bumper sticker thoughts on government.
1
We need high speed trains cross-crossing the country. That would eliminate some of this headache.
But noooooo. For the past 40 years or so Congress has decided to cut funding for passenger trains to the quick. Train service in this country compared with that in Chona, Japsn, or Europe sucks and our only alternative is to fly.
But noooooo. For the past 40 years or so Congress has decided to cut funding for passenger trains to the quick. Train service in this country compared with that in Chona, Japsn, or Europe sucks and our only alternative is to fly.
7
Understaffing that leads to longer lines is a systemic security vulnerabilities and only puts more travelers at risk of possible attacks and targeting. Brussels was my worst fear made reality. I've always thought that the weakest part of security at any airport was the lines that people get stuck in, this is where I believe terrorist will likely target and exploit. Exploiting the weakest part of the securitization of any system forces the system to seek defenses against it very own system. That's why I went GlobalEntry/TSA Pre-Check. And yet, most of the time those lines are closed or feed into the general line. Homeland security is a creating bigger risks than they can even see or handle. Who oversees them??
1
TSA is perhaps the most incompetent government agency I've ever dealt with (and I was with a federal law enf. component for 20+ years).
They are incompetent both logistically and in training their personnel, who are often rude, uninformed, hostile, and do nothing but exacerbate an already bad situation.
It's easier to not fly unless absolutely necessary, I've gone from 6-8 flights a year to one every 12-24 months or so.
They are incompetent both logistically and in training their personnel, who are often rude, uninformed, hostile, and do nothing but exacerbate an already bad situation.
It's easier to not fly unless absolutely necessary, I've gone from 6-8 flights a year to one every 12-24 months or so.
3
Why is it a surprise that Pre-Check enrollment is low? By centralizing the application points, the TSA has made it too difficult (and expensive) for people too apply. In my hometown of Richmond, we must go to the airport. In Seattle, where I lived for 22 years, applicants must go to either downtown Seattle or downtown Bellevue. In both cases, add parking fees on to the application costs and -- in the case of Seattle -- the inevitable traffic congestion that must be negotiated.
There are other barriers as well. In Richmond, application times are limited to 20 hours a week, none on weekends. The on-line application form is laborious (9 nine screens). While walk-ins are allowed, they are also discouraged.
If the TSA wants more travelers to apply for Pre-Check, it should adopt a process that encourages applicants instead of one that seems designed to turn them away.
There are other barriers as well. In Richmond, application times are limited to 20 hours a week, none on weekends. The on-line application form is laborious (9 nine screens). While walk-ins are allowed, they are also discouraged.
If the TSA wants more travelers to apply for Pre-Check, it should adopt a process that encourages applicants instead of one that seems designed to turn them away.
3
I enrolled for PreCheck when the TSA came to my employer's facility for an entire day. I was in and out in 10 minutes.
If it can be done that quickly, think how fast they could sign up the captive travelers in the security queues, using a mobile computer, credit-card swiper and fingerprint reader.
If it can be done that quickly, think how fast they could sign up the captive travelers in the security queues, using a mobile computer, credit-card swiper and fingerprint reader.
2
I have a theory and it moves close to being called paranoid. I feel poor service, at airports, stores, public transportation, is intentional. It's a test of how much companies can get away with and a measure of the death of outrage. Recently in line at Chase Bank in Manhattan, one teller for a line that was approaching 15 people, as a dozen employees walked around, chatted at each other's desk. Two big new ATM's sat in the place where tellers once existed. The bank is forcing people to learn how to use machines. It's ignoring the bad service because no one complains. One older woman spoke up. The others visibly uneasy with the wait, said nothing. No one supported her. So it became, oh, just one crabby lady. No, it's a line of irate people and only one willing to say something. We get poor service because we demand nothing better. It wasn't always like this. A resistance to criticize brought about by PC politics, along with complacent young people, and a growing self centered attitude amongst all people (have you seen couples with kids traveling?) has created a miserable environment in all facets of public life. Airports are the worse. I'm sorry but the intelligence level of many employees is quite obviously not very high. Why? So, they can pay them hardly anything. Pathetic. Greed has destroyed us.
1
The government is very busy working on transgender bathroom regulations and climate change issues. Once they have those problems under control they will take care of the long lines at airport security.
I have noticed that for quite awhile lines at government run organizations, for example DMV, IRS, Social Security,and unemployment, are always slow regardless of the level of taxation at the time. My experience runs back to 1964 at the New York State DMV office. Post Office lines are always long except for the very small out of the way offices. First class rates are up over 1000% since my first wait.
Supermarkets, banks, box stores, drug stores, and other merchants seem to be able deal with customers in a timely manner. I think the government and theme parks are using the same model.
I have noticed that for quite awhile lines at government run organizations, for example DMV, IRS, Social Security,and unemployment, are always slow regardless of the level of taxation at the time. My experience runs back to 1964 at the New York State DMV office. Post Office lines are always long except for the very small out of the way offices. First class rates are up over 1000% since my first wait.
Supermarkets, banks, box stores, drug stores, and other merchants seem to be able deal with customers in a timely manner. I think the government and theme parks are using the same model.
2
At Atlanta for a recent flight, I endured an hour+ security line (not as horrendous as some of those reported in the story) for a routine domestic flight on a weekday morning. About half of the airports security lanes were unstaffed. The TSA officers there were doing their best to deal with the situation -- enough isn't said about the pressures of dealing with the crowds affect the TSA workers and how usually well they do so -- and one supervisor was detailed to walk the passenger line, chatting with people and trying to make the wait more bearable. When I mentioned to him that it seemed unfortunate that so many lanes weren't in use, he replied that I should write TSA headquarters and my congressman to ask for more funding and staffing. Good point.
26
FYI: The manager walking the line and chatting with customers was conducting behavioral testing, not trying to "make the wait more bearable."
1
If we one day absolutely perfect our airport security charade, it will do nothing to protect the countless other soft targets that every society leaves open to attack. Airport security raises the risk of mall attacks, subway attacks, elementary school attacks and even airport security queue attacks. Inevitably, instead of realizing we must accept risks in life or die mired in frustration trying to avoid them, Americans will likely opt instead to accept more and more fake security everywhere - none of which will leave us free of the same overall statistical risk of the death that is already assured us all.
Ultimately, our government is an auction by which the organized (security equipment sellers, government unions, former elected officials, etc) exploit the unorganized (people queued up like little sheep). As long as Americans run from every shadow, the fake security industry will grow until finally TSA will frisk flyers in their homes before they leave for the airport (while terrorist will have long since moved on to blowing us up everywhere else).
Happy traveling people!
Ultimately, our government is an auction by which the organized (security equipment sellers, government unions, former elected officials, etc) exploit the unorganized (people queued up like little sheep). As long as Americans run from every shadow, the fake security industry will grow until finally TSA will frisk flyers in their homes before they leave for the airport (while terrorist will have long since moved on to blowing us up everywhere else).
Happy traveling people!
1
Until common sense is prioritized over PC when it comes to security, nothing will change. The only effective way to manage airport security is via intelligent, focused screening and profiling. In Israel, known for its effective airport security, screening has several stages. All entrance gates have a checkpoint, where cars stop. Guard greets driver. If he gets appropriate unaccented Hebrew greeting in return, no further delays. If driver is a foreigner, they may be stopped and briefly questioned at checkpoint. The delay is usually minimal, maybe 2-3 minutes, unless answers or behavior and body language arouse suspicion.
At terminal trained personnel ask every passenger a few initial screening questions. If then answers are appropriate, and the person's behavior and body language do not elicit any suspicion, passenger can proceed to check in, For the vast majority of passengers, this process does not take more than 2-3 minutes, before proceeding to check in counters. Only if passenger arouses suspicion, by exhibiting nervousness or other body language red lights, will they be detained and required to undergo more comprehensive security procedures, including searches.
This procedure enables effective security screening, allowing security officials to efficiently separate sheep from goats, and not cause the former any delays.
As long as American security protocols lack any screening element, security will be tedious, inconvenient and ineffective.
At terminal trained personnel ask every passenger a few initial screening questions. If then answers are appropriate, and the person's behavior and body language do not elicit any suspicion, passenger can proceed to check in, For the vast majority of passengers, this process does not take more than 2-3 minutes, before proceeding to check in counters. Only if passenger arouses suspicion, by exhibiting nervousness or other body language red lights, will they be detained and required to undergo more comprehensive security procedures, including searches.
This procedure enables effective security screening, allowing security officials to efficiently separate sheep from goats, and not cause the former any delays.
As long as American security protocols lack any screening element, security will be tedious, inconvenient and ineffective.
29
This would soooo not work in Queens NY - either at Kennedy or LaGuardia. On two levels. First, our travelling hordes are polyglot. Second, the idea that our current government would provide the training needed for screeners to do an effective job is ludicrous. We can't even train our police to look past skin and hair color.
4
Jonathan Ariel critics say Israel has only one international airport compared with hundreds in the U.S. so what works for them might not work for us.
Well, the Tel Aviv airport looked polyglot to me. However, they did decide my mother would be an ideal candidate for training. We're talking an 80 year old woman in a church tour group. We spent at least 30 - 40 minutes dealing with a screener. Our savior was our tour guide. We almost missed our flight out. I do think Israeli security is top notch. I just think they might want to work on their profiling. Or find another way to train their screeners instead of using tourists for Guinea pigs.
Those explosives and gun detection tests don't take into account the reality that everyone inside and outside the TSA knows that mass screening is a sham. Talk to a young Muslim man and ask him how much attention he receives. Anecdotally, they are given the third degree.
The truth is that while it's against the rules, ethnic profiling occurs, because everyone understands that silver-haired grannies aren't the people who are blowing up airplanes, and that they are being screened only to avoid the appearance of unfairness. A more realistic measure of effectiveness would be to have some young Muslim men try to take guns or explosives through security.
The truth is that while it's against the rules, ethnic profiling occurs, because everyone understands that silver-haired grannies aren't the people who are blowing up airplanes, and that they are being screened only to avoid the appearance of unfairness. A more realistic measure of effectiveness would be to have some young Muslim men try to take guns or explosives through security.
This is what happens when you hate to pay taxes. We buy homes with an extra bathroom or granite countertops, and get cars with roof racks and fog lights and extra horsepower. But when it comes to government, we act like we can only afford the Dollar Stores.
If we paid more taxes, we might still get horrible lines, but then we could blame mismanagement or corruption and fix things. If the lines are long because they are shorthanded, we could have them speed up the lines by relaxing checks and vigilance. If they are shorthanded, long lines might mean they are doing their job. Of course, they will do their jobs better if their morale is high, and their morale will be higher if they are decently paid and not abused on the job. But with cheap bosses like us I wouldnt bet that such is the case.
Serves us right.
If we paid more taxes, we might still get horrible lines, but then we could blame mismanagement or corruption and fix things. If the lines are long because they are shorthanded, we could have them speed up the lines by relaxing checks and vigilance. If they are shorthanded, long lines might mean they are doing their job. Of course, they will do their jobs better if their morale is high, and their morale will be higher if they are decently paid and not abused on the job. But with cheap bosses like us I wouldnt bet that such is the case.
Serves us right.
61
We are $19 trillion dollars in debt. I think it's abundantly clear that spending is not the issue.
FYI, no one is stopping you from paying more taxes.
Around 1990 our GNP was 5 trillion. Now it is 15 trillion. Our debt is about equal to what we produce in 16 months. People who buy houses often assume a debt that may equal what they produce (earn) in three or four years. They may get sticker shock when they realize how big their mortgage is compared to what they earn, but the shock passes quickly as long as the monthly payment remains doable. Nineteen trillion sounds scary, 16 months less so.
Easy solution - pay more for premium lines!
11
For the last five or more years, I have increasingly chose alternate means of transportation, be it driving, taking a bus or a train. The hassle, aggravation, and discomfort of flying and dealing with the TSA ruins the experience for me. I would much rather take a slower means of getting where I am going and enjoy it more. Yes, driving may cost a bit more overall, but it is so much more pleasant.
21
I would trade my internet freedom to the FBI/CIA/NSA to get rid of TSA. The biggest threat to American security now is not crashing airliners into tall building but terrorist using the web to recruit sleeper cells to undermine our country.
I do not have my life locked in a hard drive or cell phone. Basically, I trust no one so that I would never incriminate myself via email or a phone conversation! You can't do away with TSA unless you are willing to give up some privacy to save couple of hours on line at the airport.
I do not have my life locked in a hard drive or cell phone. Basically, I trust no one so that I would never incriminate myself via email or a phone conversation! You can't do away with TSA unless you are willing to give up some privacy to save couple of hours on line at the airport.
2
You do not have any internet freedom already mind you.
1
You need better overall management at TSA - it is obvious that the personnel are not very competent, are very rules oriented, the policies by which they check passengers are too rigid - I suspect because the quality of the work force. Maybe raising the salaries would help. Maybe.
Personally, Israeli style processes and profiling would help too. Hey TSA, most terrorists are young - keep that in mind.
Personally, Israeli style processes and profiling would help too. Hey TSA, most terrorists are young - keep that in mind.
12
" it is obvious that the personnel are not very competent, are very rules oriented, the policies by which they check passengers are too rigid -"
There's a video on You Tube of a screener refusing to allow a woman to bring a bottle of her breast milk on board. She spent hours waiting for various supervisors to come and talk to her with none making a decision whether it could pass.
The milk finally spoiled but TSA won the battle.
Now that's rigid rules.
There's a video on You Tube of a screener refusing to allow a woman to bring a bottle of her breast milk on board. She spent hours waiting for various supervisors to come and talk to her with none making a decision whether it could pass.
The milk finally spoiled but TSA won the battle.
Now that's rigid rules.
Of course the entire edifice of airport security is a huge farce driven by hysteria rather than a rationale assessment of risk factors and actual deaths. If only a fraction of what has been spent had been invested in, say, helmet wearing practices or say wearing eyeglasses more lives would have been saved.
24
This sort of story demonstrates one of the reasons I do not fly into the US so often any longer. There are better places to go for business and fun with less hassle and poor attitude on the part of staff.
25
It is so simple. There are not enough dollars appropriated by the Republican House of Representatives to pay for the number of screeners needed. This procedure, that procedure, more dogs, less dogs, a drop in the bucket.
Remember the sequester, part of the deal to allow a budget?
This is affecting all government services. Try calling IRS. Try calling anyone. No one has time to answer the phone. Hardworking, very frustrated people.
All so some representative can go home and see, "we showed them".
Enough. Ah next January.
Remember the sequester, part of the deal to allow a budget?
This is affecting all government services. Try calling IRS. Try calling anyone. No one has time to answer the phone. Hardworking, very frustrated people.
All so some representative can go home and see, "we showed them".
Enough. Ah next January.
45
I've been saying for years that a lot of problems (lines at security, cramped cabins, fights and air rage) would be alleviated if the airlines switched from charging for checking bags to charging for carry-ons. People would carry less which would make the lines move faster, planing and deplaning faster, and eliminate struggles over locker space. It seems like such a no-brainer . . .
90
Global Entry is a joke. Any sort of arrest, no matter how unrelated to border security, is cause for rejection. A DWAI in my distant past (early 30s, nearly 10 years ago) was reason for rejection. Doesn't matter that I made partner in an international law firm, am an eighth generation American, own several properties in the U.S., travel across international borders at least six times a year and have never been questioned by customs. But hundreds of handguns go unnoticed. Like I tell candidates when interviewing, you can't teach common sense.
17
This actually makes me feel better about Global Entry. An arrest is an arrest. Not sure why your examples of professional success should give you pass on breaking the law and putting others' lives in danger.
2
Had a similar experience. The global entry people just asked me to write a short notice that led to the event. Sent them the explanation and how I regret my bad decision, etc... A few day later approved for global entry.
So, sue TSA.
You realize how the US is steadily declining when you travel overseas, Europe, Asia etc. The Americans (and I am one) are like the frog in water that is boiling slowly, the frog doesn't jump out not realizing the danger and eventually perishes
49
I fly 6 or 7 times a year. Most times I get through TSA in 15 to 30 minutes. The worse case I saw was in Philadelphia where they had only two of their dozen plus lanes open. Since wheel chairs were taken right to the front the lanes hardly moved at all. The TSA manager should certainly be held accountable for poor decisions. Two lines and barely any movement. Unneeded frustration and anxiety for travelers. People need jobs and TSA was paid to do the job so hire people and do it.
11
Hmmm. Some of us are old enough to remember meeting people at the gate!
Has all this silly security stuff really made a difference? Other than provide employment for people? I am sure that if someone wants to do bad stuff they can. Even TSA knows that.
1. Forget the shoe taking off stuff.
2. Forget the liquid rule
3, If a passenger is not ready to move on, go ahead of them. that is what we do at the post office.
Has all this silly security stuff really made a difference? Other than provide employment for people? I am sure that if someone wants to do bad stuff they can. Even TSA knows that.
1. Forget the shoe taking off stuff.
2. Forget the liquid rule
3, If a passenger is not ready to move on, go ahead of them. that is what we do at the post office.
25
Some suggested ways to not miss flights:
1. Arrive for international flights 4 hours ahead of time.
2. Arrive for domestic flights 3 hours ahead of time.
3. Even if you don't like getting up early, reserve early flights leaving at 6 or 7 am, get to the airport early, and be first in line for the security check. I was at LGA at 4.15 for a 6 am flight last week and had to wait in a TSA line because they don't go on duty until 5, but it wasn't as bad as the lines described in this article.
4. If you are older, as I am (almost 69), consider requesting wheelchair assistance, even if you are able bodied. I can stand in line for an hour, but feel 3 hours is an insult at my age. I also seem to be the first person asked to give up an airline seat "so a family can be together." These things don't happen when you request wheelchair assistance, and the tip you pay the wheelchair pusher is a lot less than $85 or $100.
5. Fly as little as possible.
1. Arrive for international flights 4 hours ahead of time.
2. Arrive for domestic flights 3 hours ahead of time.
3. Even if you don't like getting up early, reserve early flights leaving at 6 or 7 am, get to the airport early, and be first in line for the security check. I was at LGA at 4.15 for a 6 am flight last week and had to wait in a TSA line because they don't go on duty until 5, but it wasn't as bad as the lines described in this article.
4. If you are older, as I am (almost 69), consider requesting wheelchair assistance, even if you are able bodied. I can stand in line for an hour, but feel 3 hours is an insult at my age. I also seem to be the first person asked to give up an airline seat "so a family can be together." These things don't happen when you request wheelchair assistance, and the tip you pay the wheelchair pusher is a lot less than $85 or $100.
5. Fly as little as possible.
21
So when all the able-bodied start pretending to need wheelchairs in order to get special treatment/avoid the horror of being asked to change seats, will there be enough wheelchairs left for the people who have no choice but to use them?
Facts from 3 am trips this month. Allow at least three hours from wake up to lift off. Try to finish packing before midnight. On the must pack list, make notes of where important things are packed. The payoff is worth it.
As for TSA, just more governmental agents at work, or so they think. Known from experience. The hubris of a governmental paycheck is a natural inducement to lethargy.
Proof: on a recent 4 am bus ride from rental to entry, I decided to decide my relationship to TSA.
4 am thinking is about as reptilian as one gets.
Thought: there is a line item charge on my ticket to fund TSA authority. Ergo, these folks are funded by me and fellow travellers. They are, at bottom, my employees. They should treat me with tespect, and I will do the same. After all, their authority was lawfully enacted, and all citizens should respect the law, even if they disagree with it. That is what Law Day on May 1 celebrates
So I happened to have a TSA Pre boarding pass while my wife did not. Luck of the draw, I supposed. O then say this
As for TSA, just more governmental agents at work, or so they think. Known from experience. The hubris of a governmental paycheck is a natural inducement to lethargy.
Proof: on a recent 4 am bus ride from rental to entry, I decided to decide my relationship to TSA.
4 am thinking is about as reptilian as one gets.
Thought: there is a line item charge on my ticket to fund TSA authority. Ergo, these folks are funded by me and fellow travellers. They are, at bottom, my employees. They should treat me with tespect, and I will do the same. After all, their authority was lawfully enacted, and all citizens should respect the law, even if they disagree with it. That is what Law Day on May 1 celebrates
So I happened to have a TSA Pre boarding pass while my wife did not. Luck of the draw, I supposed. O then say this
9
Flew through Dublin and Munich last month, quick lines, modern, clean airports. Returning through O'Hare was like coming back to a third-world country. Thousands snaking through the American Airlines terminal, two security gates open and a wait that stretched past two hours to get through, while 3 gates were closed and seven TSA agents stood with their hands in their pockets, laughing, talking and watching the lines grow longer and longer. Maddening! Made me wonder what visitors to our country must think, having myself just experienced smooth passage through two European airports.
71
On a trip to Wisconsin the lines for screening were already long but what really held us up was what appeared to be a battalion of Army personnel who were given priority over the rest of us. A separate line was set up and we just stood there until they'd passed through.
Couldn't arrangements for such a large troop movement have been made prior?
Couldn't arrangements for such a large troop movement have been made prior?
1
Even many so-called third world countries have nicer airports and much better service than can be found in the U.S.
Baloney! The line at Charles de Gaulle to enter France in September was over two hours. Only a few rude agents to handle the human deluge. And yet it only took me one hour to clear TSA, and El Al security, at Newark.
Stay home. I've only taken two trips by air in the last 10 years. It's how people used to live. Ironically, I feel so much freer!
13
Well, there's one good thing about retiring without a pension and half a million in savings. I can't afford air travel.
29
Travelers are part of the problem too. Seems to be a fair amount of 'inexperienced travelers'- full size bottles of shampoo, bottled drinks, stuff in their pockets that trips the scanner or detector, pocket knives, refuse to take off their shoes, and showing up at the last minute. Then you have to take the laptop out of its case and put it in its own bin; shoes in their own bin, etc.- it can take 3-4 bins to get through security.
20
The bottleneck is the inadequate number of lanes. Only so many travelers can get through at the finite rate that the conveyer belt moves.
1
Remind me again why we now ask people to remove their shoes ? Oh yes somebody failed to use them as an explosive device one time.
This is so ridiculous.
This is so ridiculous.
Honestly, why in tarnation would they underfund the TSA? I literally avoid flying when possible and would rather drive 12 hours than deal with security lines and other hassles at ATL, not to mention the cruddy conditions on most airlines.
14
It seems there are four or five TSA agents doing superfluous tasks at every checkpoint: 1-2 at the start of rope lines (not needed), at least one standing behind the agents examining your ID (for what?), 1-2 floating around the line asking how your day is going and where you're headed (how useful has that been?). Move them all to the screening area , creating at least one additional lane.
19
"1-2 floating around the line asking how your day is going and where you're headed (how useful has that been?)."
It's a tactic that helps pick up on nervous people. people who are anxious about more than flying. The Israelis use it.
It's a tactic that helps pick up on nervous people. people who are anxious about more than flying. The Israelis use it.
1
"1-2 floating around the line asking how your day is going and where you're headed (how useful has that been?)"
Those are TSA's super-duper mind-reading Behavior Detection "Officers" who are trying to ferret out your inner-most thoughts. The DHS Inspector General's office told TSA to get rid of them, but, as usual, TSA didn't listen.
Those are TSA's super-duper mind-reading Behavior Detection "Officers" who are trying to ferret out your inner-most thoughts. The DHS Inspector General's office told TSA to get rid of them, but, as usual, TSA didn't listen.
3
Just maybe their anxious about a sick relative or friend their visiting, a job interview or the loss of a job, or a million other private issues. I'm sure the contractor advising this program, who pockets millions, touts their ability to divine the root cause of a passengers anxiety. It's a bunch of wasteful twaddle, basically speed dating on the taxpayer's dime (have there been any marriages?).
This is wholly contrived problem, under the banner that the U.S. is a 'nation of nitwits'. There is no need for such measures as removing laptop computers, taking off shoes, banning liquids of more than 3 ounces, etc. These measures are absolutely meaningless and do nothing to counter a minimal threat that is on the order of drowning in one's bathtub. Yet I already hear the imbecile voices protesting that 'if all this security can increase the security of my daughters even one iota when they travel then it is all worth it'. TSA is a make work program funded by our tax dollars and airport fees. Get this idiocy into perspective, have a rational policy, and the problem will disappear.
59
I am close enough to Montreal that it is a viable alternative to Boston or New York/Newark for international flights. And the fares are often cheaper, too. Wish me luck.
15
Talk about an impossible choice: TSA screening or Border officers. The TSA is infuriating in a routine sort of way. Land border crossings are usually quick and easy but there is always the wild card factor. Everyone I know who does land crossings with any frequency has gotten sideways with the guards at least once. Likewise, in my experience, Customs & Border Patrol staff are the surliest, least helpful employees of any branch of government I have ever encountered, be is federal, state, or local.
10
Crossing into/from Canada can be akin to entering/exiting East Germany in the old days at times.
2
I would have agreed with this until the last couple of years, but my recent experiences (flying into Detroit, in every case) is that the customs and immigration process has greatly improved. It's quicker and more efficient than it used to be, and the employees are pleasanter. I assume there have been some management changes.
As for the border crossings, there's a fair amount of US-bashing on this comment thread (and deserved, since I quite agree airport security is quicker and more pleasant in Europe), so it's worth noting that the Canadian entry people can be as annoying as the US entry people.
As for the border crossings, there's a fair amount of US-bashing on this comment thread (and deserved, since I quite agree airport security is quicker and more pleasant in Europe), so it's worth noting that the Canadian entry people can be as annoying as the US entry people.
I applied for Global Entry here in Boston and paid my $100 fee. After passing the initial screening I was told to schedule the required personal interview. Only when I tried to do this did I learn that the earliest available appointment is next December 23rd. So signing up for a trusted traveler program now won't makes things better this year. We're just going to have to stand in endless lines, like citizens of the 3rd world country the U.S. has become.
38
Wow! I got registered into the INS-Pass program, which was the precursor to Global Entry. However, after 9/11 the INS-Pass program was put on hold and it took several years for Global Entry to emerge from its ashes. I was lucky to be already in the system, so had minimal paperwork and waiting time to get re-registered once the technology had caught up. I enter the US many times a year and Global Entry saves me a world of pain each time. Do I actually trust all those personal data in the hands of the Federal Govt? Based on the evidence, I would say no. However, it is the only solution for now to airport arrivals security gridlock. What will we do when the majority of people wise up and get Global Entry?
6
I've had the same thought about pre-check! I haven't paid for it, but I've been granted pre-check the last 5 or 6 times I've flown, and it's been terrific. No lines at all to get through security. But what will happen if all 25 million people that the TSA wants to sign up for it do?
Though I fault the TSA for never, ever acknowledging that it's at fault, so, too are the airlines. The fee for checked baggage has led directly to the idiotic overpacking of luggage compartments, tensions between passengers and cre and delayed departures and slowed arrivals. It always, always about money. I knew when they started this trusted traveler baloney that they'd try to force more people into using it by making regular lanes impossible for passengers, and that's exactly what's happened. Hand over all your personal information and pay a fee and then maybe you'll only have to spend an hour in line instead of three. This is all about greed, not about safety. And here's a thought: how about arresting the next moron who shows up with a loaded gun that he "forgot" he was carrying?
68
The US is able to give $50 billion of its citizens' money to Israel but is broke when coming to fixing its infrastructure.
Go figure.
Go figure.
65
Israel gets about $3 billion in foreign aid with Pakistan getting almost $2 billion and Egypt getting $1.6 billion.
The entire foreign aid disbursement is #50 billion.
The entire foreign aid disbursement is #50 billion.
3
Seems almost trifling relative to the trillion-plus we've had to expend dealing with the actions of Arab and Muslim nations and their citizens, including battalions of terrorists---with no end in sight.
3
Easy. The TSA budget is controlled by the Republican-held House of Representatives.
The Republican Congress is responsible for funding as well as oversight of the TSA. There is no reason why the TSA could not function at the level of the FBI or CIA if not for the lack of will and support of the Repunlicans in Congress. Their goal is shoveling money at the rich, not providing for your security, lead free water or clean air.
24
And remember fellow travelers, we actually PAY in addition to the cost of our airline tickets for this TSA insanity. Yes, WE pay for it each and every time we travel. Good grief.
19
Jad says:
Another factor that lengthens wait times is that passengers are carrying more bags on board to avoid paying fees for checked luggage. But there’s not much airlines can do....
Excuse me, there is something airlines can do to keep us from carrying more bags on board - don't charge for a checked bag! Southwest knows this - still two free checked bags. But JetBlue, which used to allow free checked bag, now charges for them all. I won't fly JetBlue anymore because of this rule. With everyone carrying on their bags, security takes too long, and boarding takes too long with everyone trying to find space for all their luggage.
Checked baggage is a blessing. Bring it back. Make it easier for us all. Airlines, you'll get loaded faster and more on-time departures if you reinstitute at least one free checked bag. Think about it.
Meanwhile, I'm sticking with Southwest!
Another factor that lengthens wait times is that passengers are carrying more bags on board to avoid paying fees for checked luggage. But there’s not much airlines can do....
Excuse me, there is something airlines can do to keep us from carrying more bags on board - don't charge for a checked bag! Southwest knows this - still two free checked bags. But JetBlue, which used to allow free checked bag, now charges for them all. I won't fly JetBlue anymore because of this rule. With everyone carrying on their bags, security takes too long, and boarding takes too long with everyone trying to find space for all their luggage.
Checked baggage is a blessing. Bring it back. Make it easier for us all. Airlines, you'll get loaded faster and more on-time departures if you reinstitute at least one free checked bag. Think about it.
Meanwhile, I'm sticking with Southwest!
37
I fly Southwest often and passengers still carry on all of thier worldly belongings.
5
You know what I'd really value? The option of taking either a NON TSA-checked flight or a TSA-checked flight. That would represent a genuine CHOICE.
I would *happily* take a NON TSA-checked flight and take my chances, because I don't think I'd actually be taking much of a chance. (I guess I'm not paranoid enough to make the government happy.)
But guess what: the government (in the solemn name of my "safety") won't ever offer that choice - because doing so would PROVE how little the TSA achieves, and further, it would also PROVE exactly how many people would gladly take a flight where they just have to show up, put their luggage through the x-ray, and go to the gate.
I'd even sign a waiver saying that if the plane goes down for ANY reason, my family can't sue the airline or the TSA. It's just that simple - or it could be!
I would *happily* take a NON TSA-checked flight and take my chances, because I don't think I'd actually be taking much of a chance. (I guess I'm not paranoid enough to make the government happy.)
But guess what: the government (in the solemn name of my "safety") won't ever offer that choice - because doing so would PROVE how little the TSA achieves, and further, it would also PROVE exactly how many people would gladly take a flight where they just have to show up, put their luggage through the x-ray, and go to the gate.
I'd even sign a waiver saying that if the plane goes down for ANY reason, my family can't sue the airline or the TSA. It's just that simple - or it could be!
26
Why can't we have the same efficient security as Europe and Israel have?
Last time I flew from Germany, there was no belts and shoes nonsense, and they even let us keep our laptops in the case while they were x-rayed. Much faster.
They did however catch my dad for the fancy pocket knife he'd just bought and thoughtlessly thrown in his carry-on.
Admittedly anecdotal, but they don't seem to be missing the 95% of weapons our dear TSA misses.
Last time I flew from Germany, there was no belts and shoes nonsense, and they even let us keep our laptops in the case while they were x-rayed. Much faster.
They did however catch my dad for the fancy pocket knife he'd just bought and thoughtlessly thrown in his carry-on.
Admittedly anecdotal, but they don't seem to be missing the 95% of weapons our dear TSA misses.
28
I almost never fly anymore. But in March I took a cruise ship from Florida to Europe, and had to fly back to the USA. I was flying out of Orly in Paris. I was expecting the worst.
To my surprise, check in for my Icelandair flight did not start until 2.5 hours before flight time. As they allow two checked bags for free, most passengers had carry ons that were relatively small. Having checked in and gotten boarding passes, going through security was a breeze. I put the contents of my pockets, my watch and my small carry on through the X-ray machine, and walked through the metal detector, passing the first try. And that was it. No shoe removals, heavy questioning (as occurs in Tel Aviv) or anything else. It was like flying pre 9-11.
Of course, in Europe, the gun culture is non existent, but a firearm would have been picked up by the X-ray or the metal detector.
Once on the plane, a Boeing 757, there was a lot of room in the overhead bins as people took advantage of the two free checked bags.
So did affording we passengers such civility, are the French at Orly putting us all in danger?
To my surprise, check in for my Icelandair flight did not start until 2.5 hours before flight time. As they allow two checked bags for free, most passengers had carry ons that were relatively small. Having checked in and gotten boarding passes, going through security was a breeze. I put the contents of my pockets, my watch and my small carry on through the X-ray machine, and walked through the metal detector, passing the first try. And that was it. No shoe removals, heavy questioning (as occurs in Tel Aviv) or anything else. It was like flying pre 9-11.
Of course, in Europe, the gun culture is non existent, but a firearm would have been picked up by the X-ray or the metal detector.
Once on the plane, a Boeing 757, there was a lot of room in the overhead bins as people took advantage of the two free checked bags.
So did affording we passengers such civility, are the French at Orly putting us all in danger?
34
Forget Hillary trying to use a subway card; let's see her waiting in an airport line.
22
Really? You have to turn this into an attack on Hillary?
5
And Bernie, too. He might think he has to use a token.
5
Relax, Kat IL.
It was hardly an "attack".
Hillary tried to prove how connected she was to everyday Americans with an embarrassing foray into a subway station. I'm just saying if she really wanted to connect, she could stand in a TSA line.
She's lived on the public dime for almost all of her adult life. Her outrageous paychecks from Goldman Sachs were only possible because she was married to a former President and planned herself to run for President. I think it's only fair that someone we have supported for decades and someone who has parlayed our financial support into staggering personal wealth could stand in a TSA line to see what the rest of us go through. It's not asking too much of these career politicians.
It was hardly an "attack".
Hillary tried to prove how connected she was to everyday Americans with an embarrassing foray into a subway station. I'm just saying if she really wanted to connect, she could stand in a TSA line.
She's lived on the public dime for almost all of her adult life. Her outrageous paychecks from Goldman Sachs were only possible because she was married to a former President and planned herself to run for President. I think it's only fair that someone we have supported for decades and someone who has parlayed our financial support into staggering personal wealth could stand in a TSA line to see what the rest of us go through. It's not asking too much of these career politicians.
11
It's interesting to go through virtually any airport this days and see how many of the full body scanners they have vs the actual up time they are used. I was in SFO last week, huge slow line as everybody converged on one scanner - and there were three more alongside it not in operation. Seems to me that some lobbyists managed to get some very nice excessive hardware acquisitions - but naturally nobody is actually willing to pay for the running costs of people to operate them. Figuring out that utilization ratio and exactly who benefitted is something I'm sure the NYT could figure out
38
That "lobbyist" was none other than Michael Chertoff, former TSA administrator.
'Premium screening' … how American. This entire debacle is such an excellent example of make-a-buck on anything in the US. American management superiority? Now that is risible.
37
In defense of TSA, they often pat down small children to keep us safe.
Also, they keep things fun by letting a small tube of sunscreen go through unmolested on the way to your destination, but not on the way back home.
Then, it's confiscated with a disgusted sigh.
Also, they keep things fun by letting a small tube of sunscreen go through unmolested on the way to your destination, but not on the way back home.
Then, it's confiscated with a disgusted sigh.
34
Don't I already pay something like $3 a leg for font seats at the Security Theater?
4
No, it's actually $5.60 each way.
4
Since Reagan, Republicans make sure that no government agency (other than the military) has enough funding to do the job properly. Then they claim government doesn't work and say that everything the government does should be privatized. Same story here.
71
Nonsense! Your facts are lacking. Before 9/11 airport security was indeed contracted to private security companies. That didn't work out too well. So GWB created a government agency. That's not working too well, but it's not a Republican issue. And yes, I'm a Democrat.
Every member of Congress (especially the Republicans) should go through those lines with the rest of us. They should also have the same medical coverage instead of platinum-plated ones. Same with all their other perks that we pay for, while they spend their time refusing to do any work, in case Obama might get some credit.
64
In response to Martha S,who writes, "Every member of Congress (especially the Republicans) should go through those lines with the rest of us. They should also have the same medical coverage instead of platinum-plated ones.
Actually since the ACA members of Congress do have to get the health insurance on the same exchanges as the general public. They get the same med insurance.
Actually since the ACA members of Congress do have to get the health insurance on the same exchanges as the general public. They get the same med insurance.
In response to Robert, I just googled the question "What percentage of House of Representatives are millionaires?" and came up with over 50%. Count on it that pretty much 100% of Senators are millionaires at least.
Worrying about how to pay for health care is dramatically different when one is a millionaire or better. And those millionaires are only the official ones we know about. Imagine how much money goes under the table.
Worrying about how to pay for health care is dramatically different when one is a millionaire or better. And those millionaires are only the official ones we know about. Imagine how much money goes under the table.
2
"fewer Transportation Security Administration screeners, tighter budgets, new checkpoint procedures and growing numbers of passengers..."?
Thanks for 'starving the beast,' Republicans! And (once again!) making the public suffer in the process!
Thanks for 'starving the beast,' Republicans! And (once again!) making the public suffer in the process!
27
After reading this, I consider myself fortunate that I fly out of Oklahoma City most of the time, so the outbound security lines are usually quite short. Coming home might be a different story this summer though.
2
"agents had failed to spot weapons and explosives in 95 percent of the undercover tests"
If true, then all baggage should be checked in ahead of time, including carry ons.
If true, then all baggage should be checked in ahead of time, including carry ons.
8
if true, tsa should be disbanded.
17
Welcome to the reality of "smaller government." Smaller budgets, smaller staffs, fewer services. But taxes are lower. Enjoy!
25
Apparently people who vote Republicans into office don't fly- smaller government, smaller staff, fewer services and imbeciles running things.
I'm always delighted when I fly out of the country into a foreign country and see how flawlessly going through security abroad works. I'm in my 60s and I can't count how many times I've been patted between the legs, gone barefoot on dirty airport floors, removed my belt, gone through x-ray scanners without a glitch and TSA still feels the need to put their hands on me. The whole thing is sham.!
I'm always delighted when I fly out of the country into a foreign country and see how flawlessly going through security abroad works. I'm in my 60s and I can't count how many times I've been patted between the legs, gone barefoot on dirty airport floors, removed my belt, gone through x-ray scanners without a glitch and TSA still feels the need to put their hands on me. The whole thing is sham.!
13
Really? Then you haven't been through Charles de Gaulle or Frankfurt recently. Worse than any American airport I've been to lately.
They need to go to some form of sampling. Maybe 3 or 4 days a week (at random), only screen 50% of the passengers. Then anyone who has a one-way ticket, or who bought with cash, or who bought 48 hours or less prior to the flight, they get 100% screening.
There has to be an intelligent way to make this work better.
There has to be an intelligent way to make this work better.
7
Literally all the categories you suggest here are low risk, and
Most of us have pre check. All are segments made up
Of business travelers and we're just fine. Thanks. Go buy pre check for a measly hundred dollars if you want to save some time.
Most of us have pre check. All are segments made up
Of business travelers and we're just fine. Thanks. Go buy pre check for a measly hundred dollars if you want to save some time.
2
All groups are low risk.
4
Quit whining and get pre-check. If everyone who could get it would, they could process more people faster because they need fewer staff and less space per pre-check passenger.
7
Uh... How long do you think the pre-check line would take if everyone who could signed up? Something about people who say "quit whining"...
20
Heads up, economists! Now we know that workers standing in security lines is why U.S. productivity growth is so sluggish.
15
from 2015
An internal investigation of the Transportation Security Administration revealed security failures at dozens of the nation’s busiest airports, where undercover investigators were able to smuggle mock explosives or banned weapons through checkpoints in 95 percent of trials, ABC News has learned.
The series of tests were conducted by Homeland Security Red Teams who pose as passengers, setting out to beat the system.
According to officials briefed on the results of a recent Homeland Security Inspector General’s report, TSA agents failed 67 out of 70 tests, with Red Team members repeatedly able to get potential weapons through checkpoints.
In one test an undercover agent was stopped after setting off an alarm at a magnetometer, but TSA screeners failed to detect a fake explosive device that was taped to his back during a follow-on pat down.
Officials would not divulge the exact time period of the testing other than to say it concluded recently.
An internal investigation of the Transportation Security Administration revealed security failures at dozens of the nation’s busiest airports, where undercover investigators were able to smuggle mock explosives or banned weapons through checkpoints in 95 percent of trials, ABC News has learned.
The series of tests were conducted by Homeland Security Red Teams who pose as passengers, setting out to beat the system.
According to officials briefed on the results of a recent Homeland Security Inspector General’s report, TSA agents failed 67 out of 70 tests, with Red Team members repeatedly able to get potential weapons through checkpoints.
In one test an undercover agent was stopped after setting off an alarm at a magnetometer, but TSA screeners failed to detect a fake explosive device that was taped to his back during a follow-on pat down.
Officials would not divulge the exact time period of the testing other than to say it concluded recently.
11
All that carry on luggage slows down the security checkpoints. Perhaps it would help matters if the airlines would allow passengers to check bags that are carry-on eligible without charge. They'll usually let passengers do that at the departure gate, why not let them do it out in the front of the airport prior to the security checkpoint. And let passengers who agree to do so have access to an "express lane" for travelers without carry on baggage.
164
Here's what happened with that:
(1) Airlines add fee for checked bags.
(2) Everyone tries to carry stuff on.
(3) Airplane runs out of room for carryons.
(4) Airline offers free checked bags at the gate.
Can this get more ridiculous?
(1) Airlines add fee for checked bags.
(2) Everyone tries to carry stuff on.
(3) Airplane runs out of room for carryons.
(4) Airline offers free checked bags at the gate.
Can this get more ridiculous?
40
It's not the carry-ons; it's the whole additional song and dance. Take your laptop out. Take your little bag of gels and liquids out. Take your shoes off. Take your jacket off. Empty your pockets. Take your belt off. Then put it all back on and pack it up again. There has to be a better way.
12
I agree completely. Some people come on board with two carry on bags, which are the equivalent of one large piece of luggage. We should be allowed one carry on bag, that can fit under the seat; or put the thing in the overhead bin.
Please!
Please!
Took me 30 minutes to get through TSA Precheck line @ Sea-Tac. Sure wish our government officials who cut the budget would fly through regular airports and feel the pain (but of course, they're on private jets funded by their big banker friends.)
30
Wah. 30 minutes. How much did you pay for your flight?
2
@Ariel: $0. Had enough ff miles for this particular flight (from a credit card; not that I fly frequently). Why do you ask? I'm not sure what that has to do with my comment.
My point is two fold: 1. that even with the "fast" precheck line, it's not fast. 2. that govt people who set the budget don't understand the ramifications of their decisions because of the privileges they enjoy.
My point is two fold: 1. that even with the "fast" precheck line, it's not fast. 2. that govt people who set the budget don't understand the ramifications of their decisions because of the privileges they enjoy.
TSA is widely irrelevant, it is mostly theater, and it creates jobs. If anyone wanted to take down a plane, TSA will be useless as a security measure. They are not preventing terrorism. They have not as of yet caught a single terrorist intent on boarding a plane with a weapon, or an explosive devise. I doubt they are warding off any attempts. Just praise G.D, Allah, Buddha, that infinite wisdom pervading the universe...
28
Add this to the other 196 reasons I will never fly again.
8
This is not rocket science. The majority of terrorists are Muslim, and the majority of those are from the middle east and asia.
Bringing profiling back would allow the bulk of the passengers to go through smoothly. It is the political correctness of the White House that refuses to use the word "Islam" in association with terrorists that hinder the rest of us.
Furthermore, the TSA appears to be a full-employment society, regardless of qualification.
Bringing profiling back would allow the bulk of the passengers to go through smoothly. It is the political correctness of the White House that refuses to use the word "Islam" in association with terrorists that hinder the rest of us.
Furthermore, the TSA appears to be a full-employment society, regardless of qualification.
11
Except for that pesky Equal Protection clause, this sounds like a good argument.
4
I was waiting for it to be Obama's fault!
Thanks for checking in.
Thanks for checking in.
15
Yep. God forbid they admit it. Israel has zero aviation related terrorist Attacks and no one misses a flight due to airport security. There's a reason: profiling. And everyone, including Arab-looking people like myself are ok with it.
3
Here's a question for the TSA execs: shouldn't it be incredibly easy to predict demand for any given time period by summarizing the passenger load of the airlines at each location? They know pretty far in advance how many passengers booked flights for each departure. A simple program to sum up the reservations in each half hour increment should allow for a simple staffing algorithm.
PS - i use Global Entry after a 2+ hour customs process experience in Houston that generated a missed connection. GE is worth it but not the proper solution.
PS - i use Global Entry after a 2+ hour customs process experience in Houston that generated a missed connection. GE is worth it but not the proper solution.
13
Perhaps it's time for the traveling public to write to any of the 83 Senators who are pressuring Obama to increase Israel's welfare check to $5 Billion a year and request increased funding for airport security instead.
57
It's obvious that the TSA values our time, spent on their endless lines, as having ZERO value. The time of literally millions of air travelers is counted as ZERO dollars worth of anything.
This is not only wrong, it's stupid, and it shows in what contempt American citizens are held by their own government.
This is not only wrong, it's stupid, and it shows in what contempt American citizens are held by their own government.
47
The airlines should spend some of their records profits to staff up as necessary. Why are our tax dollars being used to subsidize the employment costs of these private corporations?
20
Time to end this farce. 15 years since 9/11. We're 'safe,' but by the same logic, we're safe from pink elephants roaming the streets of Manhattan.
"Security theater" doesn't help anyone -- not even, as it turns out, TSA employees. This was all put in place to keep people afraid and Republicans in power. Just let people on the plane.
"Security theater" doesn't help anyone -- not even, as it turns out, TSA employees. This was all put in place to keep people afraid and Republicans in power. Just let people on the plane.
38
While Osama Bin Laden sleeps with the fishes, he's still winning the War on Terror.
28
The security fee that we pay on our tickets isn't for security goes to the treasury to pay down the federal deficit. Some of what is left is then paid to fund the TSA. In 2015, U.S. airlines collected $3.5 billion in security fees paid by passengers. This is nearly double what was collected in 2013 before a bill was passed to double the fee and use the money for projects other than air travel safety.
12
these self-inflicted wounds are simply one of the many signs that ours is a troubled land
16
Of course, those long lines are only the sneak preview for the Theater of Security, where bored apparatchiks pretend to scrutinize baggage for nonexistent explosives and weapons at the expense of time, ease, and whopping sums of money.
17
A musician friend works for TSA. Joined for the health insurance and being bright and educated made it to management in record time, weeks to be exact. I asked him what the single most frequently confiscated item was. After shampoo, perfume in bottles, often expensive. Somehow women think it is exempt. Experienced travelers included. It baffles him. So the theater has willing actors. His tales should be submitted for late night comics.
What was that high-speed rail thingy, again?
13
HAVE THEY NOT HEARD OF WHAT HAPPENED IN BRUSSELS?
I am trying not to allow visceral anger to take me over, but it took 1.5 hours last week to get through TSA from JFK to San Juan. That big line we waited on to be body-scanned? Yeah, we are all perfect sitting ducks for maniacs.
The terrorists continue to win.
I am trying not to allow visceral anger to take me over, but it took 1.5 hours last week to get through TSA from JFK to San Juan. That big line we waited on to be body-scanned? Yeah, we are all perfect sitting ducks for maniacs.
The terrorists continue to win.
70
2001 - the "Shoe Bomber" attempted and failed to detonate an improvised explosive device. Just think - nearly one trillion shoes have been removed since then, and have we found a second shoe-bomb?
Please note that, according to TSA's own statistics, 95% of test weapons get through checkpoints. In other words, these guys are practically worthless at actually preventing anything.
They do excel, however, at knee-jerk reactions once a disaster occurs. Like making you wait for several hours before boarding while they pretend to do their jobs.
I think the strategy is to make the terrorists so tired and angry that they blow themselves up in the terminal.
Please note that, according to TSA's own statistics, 95% of test weapons get through checkpoints. In other words, these guys are practically worthless at actually preventing anything.
They do excel, however, at knee-jerk reactions once a disaster occurs. Like making you wait for several hours before boarding while they pretend to do their jobs.
I think the strategy is to make the terrorists so tired and angry that they blow themselves up in the terminal.
49
This is a fundamental failure of governance. The TSA is richly funded by a "security fee" on every plane ticket.
4
So let me get this straight.... The us is experiencing a record number of travelers. And since every ticket sold has a tsa fee, the tsa is reaping record revenues. And despite the record revenues, the tsa can't manage its own business and has to downsize its number of employees.... This should be a case study (one of thousands) on why the private sector is always best suited to displace the government. Nice job Obama administration.
3
Don't know why Matthew doesn't have a reply button. But guess who ran security on 9/11.... THE PRIVATE SECTOR. Go back to Atlas Shrugged
11
That security fee that you pay along with your airliine ticket oesn't necessarily go to the TSA. Another commenter said the revenues from those fees just go into the federal government's general fund. It's up to Congress to grant money to federal agencies such as the TSA. Blame Congress, not the underfunded federal agencies.
5
Leave it to the government to determine that three hour flight check-ins are a good thing because it means the economy is doing great. What utter stupidity. The level of service at airports is shameful. Not only can't they get people through, they can't even screen properly. I think the entire Congress should have to wait on line at major airports at least once a week.
55
Why I take the train...
9
Ralph Nader, where are you?
7
Massive government failure from the get go.
3
The frustrating thing is this is a situation that airlines created by adding all the fees to checked baggage. Security now needs to search many more bags because it,is cheaper to carry bags onto a plane then check them in.
33
Best comment-if you want to fly, pay for checking your bag instead of dragging it on the plane. That is the reason for all the aggravation we must endure to get thru security. Take a small carry on like in the days of yore.
8
There has never been any credible evidence that the TSA protects aviation from terrorism. But the TSA now seem to be creating a much greater threat than the one from which they claim to protect passengers.
As we saw in Belgium, a crowd that accumulates behind checkpoints is an irresistible target for terrorists. Detonating hidden explosives in a large crowd waiting to be screened would seem much simpler than any plot to blow up airplanes or repeat the 9/11 scenario. That reality was immediately obvious (and terrifying) to me the very first time I flew after 9/11 and waited in a lengthy screening queue. So it would surely be just as obvious to any terrorist.
The TSA's answer is their "Behavior Detection Officer" program. They claim its special training gives officers the preternatural ability to reliably spot the distinctive signs of stress indicating nefarious intent, even in a large crowd of highly-stressed passengers. But as independent tests have shown BDOs to be ineffective, and experts outside the TSA note the lack of scientific basis behind behavior detection, I would not put any more faith in BDOs than in any other aspect of TSA screening.
Adding more layers of screening around the airport would at best only move the target, and at worst create even more crowds. Conversely, eliminating some (or most) costly, time-consuming post-9/11 "enhancements" to mass screening, for which there is no evidence of effectiveness, would improve security by reducing crowds.
As we saw in Belgium, a crowd that accumulates behind checkpoints is an irresistible target for terrorists. Detonating hidden explosives in a large crowd waiting to be screened would seem much simpler than any plot to blow up airplanes or repeat the 9/11 scenario. That reality was immediately obvious (and terrifying) to me the very first time I flew after 9/11 and waited in a lengthy screening queue. So it would surely be just as obvious to any terrorist.
The TSA's answer is their "Behavior Detection Officer" program. They claim its special training gives officers the preternatural ability to reliably spot the distinctive signs of stress indicating nefarious intent, even in a large crowd of highly-stressed passengers. But as independent tests have shown BDOs to be ineffective, and experts outside the TSA note the lack of scientific basis behind behavior detection, I would not put any more faith in BDOs than in any other aspect of TSA screening.
Adding more layers of screening around the airport would at best only move the target, and at worst create even more crowds. Conversely, eliminating some (or most) costly, time-consuming post-9/11 "enhancements" to mass screening, for which there is no evidence of effectiveness, would improve security by reducing crowds.
42
Osama bin Laden is laughing in his grave.
8
TSA has been a joke since its inception...it employs the otherwise unemployable...
20
Drive, no matter what. Just drive.
14
When I flew Southwest recently, I was amazed at the large bags people were allowed to bring on board. People in the C boarding group were told ahead of time that there would be no room for their carry-on bags. This is out of hand.
56
Dianne, I avoid Southwest whenever possible. Which, as seldom as I fly, is almost all the time. Their fares are low because one has to pay for perks (overhead baggage space) that are standard for coach on the other carriers. Oh, sure, the first checked bag is free, as is the carry-on. But only as long as the bins aren't full, which they almost always are by the time half the passengers have boarded. But for just $20 extra per traveler, you can move up a boarding level and improve the chances you can drag your bag behind you as you creep off the plane.
Whoopee.
Whoopee.
I may never board another plane for the rest of my life.
Not that this is a long-term threat. I'm heading head-long for my 70th birthday.
I'm a Vietnam veteran. U.S. Army. Honorably discharged. Bronze Star. Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster (two awards). Combat Medical Badge. I have never been arrested for a crime of any sort. My last traffic citation was more than 25 years ago.
I'm real dangerous, people.
Last year I flew to my sister's home in Nashville, checking my luggage because I carried two bottles of a gin she likes, a 65th birthday gift, that is not available for some reason in the entire state of Tennessee. I also threw in my 2.5 inch-blade pocket knife, something I have carried since my dad gave me my first one for my 5th birthday. On the trip back home, no longer carrying the liquor, I took my suitcase through security as carry-on, having completely forgotten my Schrade Uncle Henry pocket knife was still in a zippered pouch. I was told I could take my knife and baggage back to the concourse where I could have the knife mailed to my home for $10-15 or so, then get back in line, at the end of the line, to be re-searched, re-scanned, and re-insulted. I declined, and I have no doubt the knife now belongs to a TSA agent.
Now you're telling me if I make the same mistake again I will spend at least 6 hours going through security twice, plus the 2-hour flight to the airport 2 hours from my home.
For 2 hours more and 1/4 the cost, I can drive.
Not that this is a long-term threat. I'm heading head-long for my 70th birthday.
I'm a Vietnam veteran. U.S. Army. Honorably discharged. Bronze Star. Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster (two awards). Combat Medical Badge. I have never been arrested for a crime of any sort. My last traffic citation was more than 25 years ago.
I'm real dangerous, people.
Last year I flew to my sister's home in Nashville, checking my luggage because I carried two bottles of a gin she likes, a 65th birthday gift, that is not available for some reason in the entire state of Tennessee. I also threw in my 2.5 inch-blade pocket knife, something I have carried since my dad gave me my first one for my 5th birthday. On the trip back home, no longer carrying the liquor, I took my suitcase through security as carry-on, having completely forgotten my Schrade Uncle Henry pocket knife was still in a zippered pouch. I was told I could take my knife and baggage back to the concourse where I could have the knife mailed to my home for $10-15 or so, then get back in line, at the end of the line, to be re-searched, re-scanned, and re-insulted. I declined, and I have no doubt the knife now belongs to a TSA agent.
Now you're telling me if I make the same mistake again I will spend at least 6 hours going through security twice, plus the 2-hour flight to the airport 2 hours from my home.
For 2 hours more and 1/4 the cost, I can drive.
34
With respect, Glen, consider that Tim McVeigh, America's most infamous home-grown terrorist, was also a U.S. Army veteran, honorably discharged and received a Bronze Star for actions taken during combat, among other citations.
9
And one more thing, Billy,
Timothy McVeigh ran from the truck bomb he had made. He didn't get on board it with his wife.
Apples. Oranges.
Glen
Timothy McVeigh ran from the truck bomb he had made. He didn't get on board it with his wife.
Apples. Oranges.
Glen
5
I notice too many TSA agents walking the line, trying to chat people up. Presumably, these are the instant psychological profilers, newly hired from 7-11 and put through some course. Not everyone traveling is in a good spirits or in the mood to chat. Put these folks behind the conveyors to speed the flow.
23
In these crazy times you're truly crazy not to have TSA Pre and Global Entry, both are the best travel investments you'll ever make--unless you feel your time is worthless?! I was through the TSA international checkpoint in less than 2 minutes at JFK last week (while others waited 30 ) and returning to JFK from Europe I am always through Passport Control & Customs in less than 5 minutes, truly a lifesaver--but shhhh!!--don't tell anyone or our lines may get longer too! ;-)
4
I have Pre-Check and will no doubt renew it when it comes time to renew. But it's pretty much a crapshoot these days. The Newark airport almost never honors Pre-Check other than giving the traveler a card so he can leave his shoes on. BFD. Anyway, my shoes trigger the alarm so I have to take them off anyway. My last flight through Newark, TSA agents went through the line every ten minutes or so checking to see whose flights were about to leave and moving those passengers to the front of the line.
I finally switched to flying into La Guardia this last trip because, adding insult to injury, Southwest no longer offers nonstops between Houston and Newark. La Guardia didn't honor Pre-Check either, except for the worthless shoes exemption, but at least the line moved faster. Unfortunately, I heard a TSA agent comment on how fast the line was moving, so I expect this experience to be the exception rather than the rule.
Airlines, time to stop charging for checked baggage. Fat chance. Doesn't matter to me. I'll never check a bag again. I've received damaged luggage twice; the second time it was damaged so severely that I could not envision a way that it could have happened other than intentionally.
I finally switched to flying into La Guardia this last trip because, adding insult to injury, Southwest no longer offers nonstops between Houston and Newark. La Guardia didn't honor Pre-Check either, except for the worthless shoes exemption, but at least the line moved faster. Unfortunately, I heard a TSA agent comment on how fast the line was moving, so I expect this experience to be the exception rather than the rule.
Airlines, time to stop charging for checked baggage. Fat chance. Doesn't matter to me. I'll never check a bag again. I've received damaged luggage twice; the second time it was damaged so severely that I could not envision a way that it could have happened other than intentionally.
1
So if if I understand correctly a large part of the issue is people bringing too many carry on bags. All because of airlines trying to squeeze additional profits from their passengers/clients.
10
I'm alarmed to learn 95% of the bombs and guns get through TSA screening and for THIS, millions pay with hours in line, missed flights, missed business meetings, and cancelled plans?
This is another reason so many people distrust government. It's no wonder so many Americans are looking for a third way.
This is another reason so many people distrust government. It's no wonder so many Americans are looking for a third way.
9
Just returned from Venezuela. Screening for international flights was fine. But domestic flights? What a joke. One guy to check your passport and boarding ticket. One guy who was supposed to be watching the x-ray monitor but, instead, was staring off into space.
3
You can thank John Mica and the GOP for this. They have cut TSA funding for years and are trying to force TSA to turn screening over to private guard companies. I joined Global Entry and never wait more than 15 minutes to clear security.
11
These people and the checks they perform are largely unnecessary. Haven't any NYT reporters flown in other countries, where security procedures for domestic flights are minimal? How many incidents have been prevented versus the number of years of time lost by the flying public?
11
I was in the UK and France this year - their security measures were much more stringent than ours. Leaving CDG, we waiting in two separate security lines (more than two hours total) so that different security personnel could check our passports twice. They won't even allow tiny manicure clippers and did find them in my husband's carry on bag. In my experience, European airports have always been more strict.
2
Then there is the Brazilian system: priority boarding for anyone over 60, no waits, treated like a human being.
15
Although it may not be politically correct to say so, perhaps the time is right to adopt an Israeli type approach and concentrate screening on young middle eastern men rather than white grandmothers. However with a president who is unable to say the words "Islamic Terrorism" I would not hold my breath waiting.
13
Charles, have you actually been through Israeli screening? I, my family and friends have more times than I can count (I'm Jewish). Young, single women between the ages of 18 and 30 often get special attention by the screeners. There is a reason for this and it has nothing to do with their looks. It can make for a terribly unpleasant experience. Is this what you want in this country?
Also, it is not "young middle eastern men" who are subject to special attention, otherwise every young, Jewish, Israeli man would get special attention from the security agents. The word you are looking for is "Arab" and it isn't just young Arab me;, it is all Arab men, women and children regardless of age, religion, or political leanings. There is a reason we don't do that here, it is unconstitutional. Much as I don't enjoy going through the security line in US airports, I'll take it over unconstitutional racial profiling any day of the week.
Also, it is not "young middle eastern men" who are subject to special attention, otherwise every young, Jewish, Israeli man would get special attention from the security agents. The word you are looking for is "Arab" and it isn't just young Arab me;, it is all Arab men, women and children regardless of age, religion, or political leanings. There is a reason we don't do that here, it is unconstitutional. Much as I don't enjoy going through the security line in US airports, I'll take it over unconstitutional racial profiling any day of the week.
8
I signed up for Global Entry last month and CBP speedily charged my credit card but the first available clearance appointment in Boston was November. I went in anyway last week hoping they'd squeeze in a walk-in (I was willing to sit and wait) but the agent told me to get lost. Checking the Boston schedule today I saw that no appointments are available for the rest of the year. Maybe after my travel this month I can drive to Derby, Vt or Houlton, Me to get this taken care of.
I will make an effort to get to the airports earlier for my flights and will bring my patience for the lines. I gotta work.
I will make an effort to get to the airports earlier for my flights and will bring my patience for the lines. I gotta work.
6
Our government is not only evil, it is incompetent. We will surely pay the price. The sheeple deserve their fate.
3
Sounds like TSA has the same problem the IRS has: the House chokes them with budget decimation, then insists that they do more, faster, better... all while allowing more people to carry guns, and 'forget' them in their carry-ons. How many of those guns were confiscated in strict-gun, liberal states, versus 'pack on campus' states? I wonder.
Perhaps we could just do it the way other countries do? That is, put visible military in the airports, with little machine guns at the ready. They can walk around before and after 'security', and weed out suspects. Profiling, you know. I seem to recall seeing (a) tank(s) in the Zurich airport in the '90s.
Furthermore, I don't understand how TSA can blame "more people flying" for the backlog; my flights have been full for a couple of years now, and last I looked, there was no more room in a 24-hour day to add flights to schedules.
I'd close by waxing poetic about my Global Entry 'privileges', but I won't, because I don't need anyone else stuffing up the lines!
Perhaps we could just do it the way other countries do? That is, put visible military in the airports, with little machine guns at the ready. They can walk around before and after 'security', and weed out suspects. Profiling, you know. I seem to recall seeing (a) tank(s) in the Zurich airport in the '90s.
Furthermore, I don't understand how TSA can blame "more people flying" for the backlog; my flights have been full for a couple of years now, and last I looked, there was no more room in a 24-hour day to add flights to schedules.
I'd close by waxing poetic about my Global Entry 'privileges', but I won't, because I don't need anyone else stuffing up the lines!
11
You gotta love how the TSA says, "well, it's the high season" as an excuse for lousy performance. Well OF COURSE it's the high season. Travel is one of the most predictable things around. So predict it, and prepare for it. It is the same every year.
This is why you have Trump. It's not ideological.
It's an absolute frustration with the ability of government to do almost anything to serve the people.
Mind you, on an individual basis, my experience with the TSA over the years has been pretty positive. The individuals have gotten better and more professional, more polite...and they deal with an antagonistic public.
But in terms of just staffing up - come on. It's not that hard.
This is why you have Trump. It's not ideological.
It's an absolute frustration with the ability of government to do almost anything to serve the people.
Mind you, on an individual basis, my experience with the TSA over the years has been pretty positive. The individuals have gotten better and more professional, more polite...and they deal with an antagonistic public.
But in terms of just staffing up - come on. It's not that hard.
13
Uhh, it is "that hard," if Congress doesn't give you adequate funding for staffing.
4
Thank you GOP for cutting government waste and fraud.
20
Having been caught in a major checkpoint delay and almost missing my flight despite getting there almost two hours in advance, seems like a huge marginal impact from the loss of a little more than ten percent of the workforce. And given how important air travel is to our economy, I am sure what budget savings we are trying to achieve seems questionable.
I assumed that it was a coordinated, industrial labor slowdown designed to foreshadow major contract talks. Are we sure this is not the case?
I assumed that it was a coordinated, industrial labor slowdown designed to foreshadow major contract talks. Are we sure this is not the case?
5
Government employees such as TSA personnel are on fixed pay schedules and therefore there is no need for "contract talks".
Premium screening? Rich people live in their own separate universe.
30
$80 is probably less than most households spend on junk food, Internet or cosmetics in a given month. PreCheck is not "for the rich."
I almost missed a plane at IAH last Friday, because the TSA line was so long. The TSA receives a per-flight-segment "September 11th Security Fee", which should be enough to fund a well-run security operation. These people are intentionally slowing down so we support their claims for more money and more benefits. El Incompetente (Bush 43), when he first dreamed up the TSA, wanted them to be subject to firing without civil service protections. El Incompetente (Bush 43) caved in on that demand, so now we can't even fire these people when they fail a detection test. We now have uniformed "federal law enforcement" agents who are more than 100 pounds overweight, and who have very limited native abilities. I believe the phrase, "security theater", captures the situation quite well.
22
Maybe, just maybe, we could revisit this insane "security." Surely I can't be the only one who would be quite happy to go back to flying circa 2000?
9/11 won't happen again - you can't take over a plane with box cutters anymore - people are thankfully smart enough to be willing to risk a little injury to prevent a hijacking. Let's go back to when a metal detector was sufficient. If someone wants to smuggle something onto a plane, they will succeed - the only purpose the tsa stupidity serves is to raise the bar so that only the dedicated will succeed.
9/11 won't happen again - you can't take over a plane with box cutters anymore - people are thankfully smart enough to be willing to risk a little injury to prevent a hijacking. Let's go back to when a metal detector was sufficient. If someone wants to smuggle something onto a plane, they will succeed - the only purpose the tsa stupidity serves is to raise the bar so that only the dedicated will succeed.
25
Remember when flying was fun. Remember TWA? People Express? Pan Am?
Ozark?
Ozark?
20
Remember before Bush was born?
10
Looking at the picture and seeing that large number of people crammed together in such close proximity, just to get checked, looks kind of scary and unsafe. Couldn't a terrorist do just as much, if not more damage, by blowing up their bomb in that tightly congested line rather than trying to actually get one onto the airplane?
Maybe an added prescreening security checkpoint, just to avoid such a scenario and to be safe. Think about it TSA. Make the experience at the airport a complete trip unto itself, and save many people the actual cost of the airline ticket.
Maybe an added prescreening security checkpoint, just to avoid such a scenario and to be safe. Think about it TSA. Make the experience at the airport a complete trip unto itself, and save many people the actual cost of the airline ticket.
10
Have you been in Brussels lately?
3
yes I remember Brussels, and the TSA couldn't have dinner anything.
3
Much of this can be attributed to the clueless traveler who wears tons of jewelry, watches, belts, layers of clothing, etc. It is absolutely infuriating to watch these people hold up the line for others. Completely clueless. And let's not forget the families with their bags and bags of stuff, strollers that never seem to fit through the conveyor belt, each kid with their own hello kitty roller bag....Even with these long lines, you still see people fumbling around for their drivers license when they approach the TSA checkpoint. They need to give every traveler a handbook.
17
Back in the early days, pilots used to say that any landing you walk away from was a good landing.
Now landings are fine; it's boarding that is a nightmare...thanks to the airlines, which are raking in profits while providing less service than ever.
Now landings are fine; it's boarding that is a nightmare...thanks to the airlines, which are raking in profits while providing less service than ever.
10
This situation is outrageous. The claim that there is a shortage of funds for screeners must be ridiculous. When you buy a ticket you pay a tax that is supposed to pay for this service. Where is that money going? If the tax is too low, then it should be raised. There is a real economic cost to thousands of people wasting 2 to 3 hours each standing in line every day.
7
The simple solution is to have the airlines themselves pay a greater share for the security checks. After all, they are the ones benefiting here and certainly not above gouging passengers. As the airlines are making record profits let them carry a more reasonable (100pc?) share of the cost the same way 43 states make prisoners pay for the incarceration. And don't most passenger feel like they are being punished as it is?
2
Good idea. But, it'll never happen. Capitalism.
1
They'd pass the fee right on to customers.
1
That's what we did before 9/11. Look what happened.
My suggestion for long-suffering Americans is to spend their holidays in peaceful, beautiful, and exciting Malaysia. I travel quite often through the country and to me a ten minute screening wait and immigration check is outrageously long.
5
I have a perfect plan for airport security: Each passenger is allowed one carry-on weapon. No sharp edges, nothing that shoots a projectile (bats, table legs, batons, etc.) That way, if someone stands up and starts actin' the fool during a flight, his or her fellow passengers can, in the words of Frank Costanza, "rain blows down upon them" until order is restored.
5
Budget cuts are certainly a problem and we should blame the Republicans for that.
But should we also not blame the kabuki theater we have at airports? One man failed to bring down a plane with a bomb in his shoe and ever since hundreds of millions of people have had to take off their shoes at the security theater. Another man failed to bring down a plane with a bomb in his underwear, but thankfully we don't have to strip down to our underwear.
And for this theater we can once again blame GWB and his Republican colleagues who are still waging a "war on terror."
All the while our bridges crumble, our roads have potholes, and our teachers are underpaid.
But should we also not blame the kabuki theater we have at airports? One man failed to bring down a plane with a bomb in his shoe and ever since hundreds of millions of people have had to take off their shoes at the security theater. Another man failed to bring down a plane with a bomb in his underwear, but thankfully we don't have to strip down to our underwear.
And for this theater we can once again blame GWB and his Republican colleagues who are still waging a "war on terror."
All the while our bridges crumble, our roads have potholes, and our teachers are underpaid.
78
I haven't been near an airport in 8 years, thankfully and very much on purpose. I believe if I did, they'd have a "gone postal" lady on their hands and then some, since I'd probably strip down to my undies right there in front of thousands of people, and let them see it all. Then they'd have to cart me off screaming, and cause even more delay. Good thing I keep out of airports.
6
Sadly it's not just limited to Bush and Republicans who are fear-mongering and drumming up the "war on terror." Obama has been every bit as bad as Bush in violating our civil liberties via mass surveillance, and one would be hard-pressed to find a bigger pro-surveillance and security theater stooge than Dianne Feinstein. The Ron Wydens are outnumbered 3 to 1 at least among Democratic members of Congress, and even worse among Republicans.
You can shorten the lines by having people stand closer together.
18
Thanks, Republicans.
18
In many cases, High Speed Rail would get you there sooner, nice large seats, more comfortable, less stress.
Thanks to the Republicans you can forget about it. Remember who to vote for next time you suffer in TSA lines or traffic jams.There was an alternative.
The vast majority voted for Obama and his platform of bringing the US into the first world. To the Republicans, obstructing our President is more important than the good of the American people and our country.
Thanks to the Republicans you can forget about it. Remember who to vote for next time you suffer in TSA lines or traffic jams.There was an alternative.
The vast majority voted for Obama and his platform of bringing the US into the first world. To the Republicans, obstructing our President is more important than the good of the American people and our country.
138
Nonsense. Obama's proposal for a high speed rail from Detroit to St. Louis was a non-starter. Actually, it appears to me that this president, his administration, and all of Congress is incapable of even sending out and vetting requests for a bid.
Fewer T.S.A. screeners, tighter budgets, new checkpoint procedures and growing numbers of passengers have led to epic security lines, and there’s no end in sight.
This is like epically awesome writing...yeah.
This is like epically awesome writing...yeah.
2
The dirty little secret is that much of the issue is caused by a slow down by TSA employees. They want you to feel the pain. The more pain the more pressure for more money to pay off the TSA for their poor service.
21
That's it in a nutshell.
4
@Brian: Any chance we can get ALL the TSA screeners to walk out at the same time? What would happen then? Maybe flights would take off on time & it would be quite clear that the TSA is just a make-work project! So that's why we get the slow-down but not the walk-out.
2
Sorry, your speculation is baseless. Federal government salaries don't work that way.
1
Just came back from Mexico into the US. The lines in Mexico were manageable. The lines and the attitude in the US - terrible. After going through the do-it-yourself immigration process with computers, you still had to wait in a huge line for an immigration official to look at your documents. Two agents for hundreds of people coming through today in Houston, and people were talking about missing their flights. Then there were the security lines which were LONG. I have to travel for a living, but it makes you think about why some people might not want to travel on an airplane and instead take a road trip or stay home for the summer.
18
"But there’s not much airlines can do, except warn passengers to show up three hours before takeoff for international flights and as much as two hours ahead of their flights for domestic travel."
The airlines can hire more personnel and create more lines. god knows they crush passengers into every micromillimeter of space on board by adding additional seats, cut meal service, charge for baggage, charge $9 for a cheese cube.The employees are surly. Air travel used to be a service industry. Now it's a degrading nightmare. Inexcusable, and the CEOs should be ashamed. So , who's living in the Taj Mahal?
The airlines can hire more personnel and create more lines. god knows they crush passengers into every micromillimeter of space on board by adding additional seats, cut meal service, charge for baggage, charge $9 for a cheese cube.The employees are surly. Air travel used to be a service industry. Now it's a degrading nightmare. Inexcusable, and the CEOs should be ashamed. So , who's living in the Taj Mahal?
6
TSA screeners are from the government, not the airlines. If you want more screeners, pay more in taxes.
1
But the public allows it, so the abuse is richly deserved.
2
@Don Chartier: I want fewer screeners - in fact, I want ZERO screeners.
3
There is a genuine present need that I would not deny. That said, a security agency that depends for its existence on fear will likely lobby in perpetuity to ensure that we will always have an enemy to be afraid of. There needs to be periodic sunset reviews of such an agency and recognition that living in fear of terrorism is abnormal, not normal.
12
Given that we know the TSA checks are basically useless (see article) anyway, can't we just go back to the pre-9/11 way of flying?
After all, about 30,000 people die in the US in car crashes every year, and we continue to issue licenses to people without fully developed pre-frontal cortexes, people who speed, and people who can't see very well. No one is proposing to do anything anout that.
But global security is somehow threatened by my 4 oz of contact solution.
After all, about 30,000 people die in the US in car crashes every year, and we continue to issue licenses to people without fully developed pre-frontal cortexes, people who speed, and people who can't see very well. No one is proposing to do anything anout that.
But global security is somehow threatened by my 4 oz of contact solution.
114
And doubly threatened if that 4 oz. container holds a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide, which TSA is certain can down a plane.
5
Reality is that we want low airfares, low taxes, low fees, no lines, foolproof security and roomy airplanes. In reality, the efficiency and security of our air transportation system requires a series of reforms. All taxes and fees collected by the government from airlines and passengers must be mandated to go back into airports, air traffic control, regulatory enforcement and security. Security surcharges need to go up about 50% and get plowed straight into cutting wait times by 50-75% and increasing coverage of known security gaps. Minimum passenger density standards need to be established for airplanes. Economy seat shrinkage is getting to unhealthy and dangerous levels on some carriers. New super-cheap carriers shouldn't be allowed to cut into markets by reducing safety levels. This includes providing adequate (and free) bathrooms. Airports need to have a maximum allowable size as measured by passenger traffic and flight volume. Cities and airlines must be forced to support adding new airports to mega-metro areas when existing facilities become unmanageable traffic nightmares. This will all probably increase base fares and fees by fifty or even a hundred bucks over time. The long-term benefits will outweigh the costs by a zillion frequent flyer miles. If we really want a secure, efficient and minimally comfortable air transportation system...we will all need to be willing to start paying for one.
6
It's doubtful if the TSA contributes meaningful to airline security.
The Russian passenger plane that was destroyed in the air over the Sinai, killing all 224 people, was downed by a soft drink can, filled with explosives and put on the plane by an airport worker.
It's nearly impossible to guard against this unless you cut out the entire catering business and periodically evaluate all airport worker.
ISIS has posted a video on how it doctored the can.
That, and not something passengers being on the plane is likely the next attack on a US aircraft.
The man hours of the TSA would very likely be spent more meaningfully if it concentrated on this real thread that already downed a passenger aircraft.
The Russian passenger plane that was destroyed in the air over the Sinai, killing all 224 people, was downed by a soft drink can, filled with explosives and put on the plane by an airport worker.
It's nearly impossible to guard against this unless you cut out the entire catering business and periodically evaluate all airport worker.
ISIS has posted a video on how it doctored the can.
That, and not something passengers being on the plane is likely the next attack on a US aircraft.
The man hours of the TSA would very likely be spent more meaningfully if it concentrated on this real thread that already downed a passenger aircraft.
13
In THIS country airport workers (and their bags) do go through screening. The flight you referenced did not fly from an American airport nor was it headed for one.
3
Perhaps the US could announce that any attack on the US by Islamic terrorists will be met with tactical nuclear strikes against Islamist countries. That just might encourage the Muslim countries to exterminate their own terrorists.
3
Why is it that so many things run by the government foster long lines and unhappy people? Isn't it because government officials have all day to do as little as possible, have a strong union, and get paid without regard to whether their customers are happy or not? What a sorry state of affairs.
12
Uh, no.
13
(Not Mark) Uh, yes.
Do you think it was so much better back in the days when the screeners were low-paid employees of private companies? I do not. I don't fly often but the TSA staff seem to me to be working reasonably efficiently and are usually polite. I feel safer with government employees than I would with the former private crews.
5
So, instead of providing the proper number of TSA agents, the government expects me to pony up 85 bucks so they don't have to do their job. What's wrong with this picture? I fly maybe once a year. That adds another 20 bucks to my flight cost. I guess that's why I drive most of the time.
106
It's everywhere.
Went on a AA flight
Had to turn over my carry-on at the plane's door because carry-ons can't actually be carried on.
We arrived late to our first stop due to AA's incompetence (we had to wait on the tarmac for 30 minutes because our plane had no gate).
Then we had to wait 30 minutes to collect our carry-ons because according the AA guy, there were supposed to be six people unloading bags, but only two were assigned that day.
My wife ran to the next gate and begged them to hold our connecting flight while I waited to collect our-carryons.
I'm surprised more AA planes don't fall out of the sky.
Went on a AA flight
Had to turn over my carry-on at the plane's door because carry-ons can't actually be carried on.
We arrived late to our first stop due to AA's incompetence (we had to wait on the tarmac for 30 minutes because our plane had no gate).
Then we had to wait 30 minutes to collect our carry-ons because according the AA guy, there were supposed to be six people unloading bags, but only two were assigned that day.
My wife ran to the next gate and begged them to hold our connecting flight while I waited to collect our-carryons.
I'm surprised more AA planes don't fall out of the sky.
6
Agreed, I refuse to pay for PreCheck because I can't bring myself to reward TSA for their security theater. And it creates a 2-class system, when PreCheck agents could alleviate the normal line instead.
10
I'm shocked the airline held the connecting flight for you. Count your blessings, no matter how few..
1
Why is not the TSA staffed by members of the military who are assigned state side? It is ludicrous to have a for profit private company running this important security operation -- at great cost and with enormous inefficiency. The long lines also have to do with how how many TSA personnel seem to be assigned to each line, all falling over each other and doing next to nothing else rather than assigning fewer TSA personnel to each line and opening the maximum possible lines for each flight.
17
TSA is a government agency created by the guy you voted for, George Dubya.
13
Maybe TSA should pay passengers if they miss their flights after a reasonable wait in the lines. Even waiting an hour is a travesty. So here we have another broken government system. Really makes one want to fly!
10
The wait times are bad enough, but why do the TSA officers have to be so mean?
11
They're unhappy. All new screeners hired are part-time, Can you imagine raising a family on $13,000 a year?
5
@Diva: Why do they have to be so mean? Look at it this way: if the TSA people worked at a fast-food restaurant, their control-freak/thug-like obnoxious behavior would get them fired, BUT working for the TSA lets them threaten other Americans with arrest. Is it any wonder that under-qualified, control-minded people are attracted to working for the TSA? They get to be "better than" and "more powerful than" the sheeple on line. And it's the only way they'll ever have that kind of power, let's face it.
5
I went from Lax to Seatac 2 weeks ago and I qualified for precheck...and I don't know why. I checked into the Alaska app the day before the flight, but idk why TSA prechecked us. My flight time was normal but the wait time was probably 10 min each way. I wish they were more clear about this.
3
TSA gives PreCheck away as a means of enticing you to hand over your $85 and your fingerprints. It's the carrot and stick approach.
Are you kidding me?
All U.S.-based airlines are so terrible that I hate to fly and only do so about twice a year.
And going to airport security is the ONLY enjoyable part of flying.
All U.S.-based airlines are so terrible that I hate to fly and only do so about twice a year.
And going to airport security is the ONLY enjoyable part of flying.
8
That's why we're driving. Gas is down, and if we can get there in 2 days, it beats the hassle of flying. Cheaper too, even with the night on the road.
13
Fire the top 10 people at the TSA. Then fire their replacements in 6 months if things don't improve dramatically. If you don't know how to do your job, you're gone.
12
Did the TSA management cut its budget? No, Republicans did. You get what you pay for.
7
That sounds like the proposed solution to the great WW II US Navy torpedo scandal. It was suggested that the director of the USN Torpedo Bureau in Narragansett Bay be executed by firing squad (probably every submarine crewman would have volunteered for that duty) and his replacement then be told you have 6 months to fix things or it will be your turn.
2
There is only one reason why these lines are getting longer...That is because all the "right" people are no longer in the lines, because "they" would never put up with it, and "they" are the "ones" who can generate change.
Disgusted
Disgusted
15
Reducing the fee for PreChek would reduce the number of people in the regular security lines and probably would be more effective in terms of both time and costs than adding lots of new screeners. My wife and I went through the PreCheck line at Boston Logan today in less than 10 minutes.
The cost is $17 a year for precheck. Is that a lot to you?
5
Regarding the comments that security at other countries is better, I don't think it is true. I arrived at Schiphol 2.5 hours before my flight to NY from Amsterdam, and I got on the plane shortly before take-off.
4
If you don't have pre-check, you wait for all the people who got in line before you and most of the pre-check people who arrived after you. So pre-check actually lengthens the wait for ordinary travelers. That this article suggests that pre-check helps is just another example of how those who are entitled are oblivious to those who are not.
9
Sorry, but the idea that PreCheck lenghtens the wait for others is, to be polite about it, nonsense.
I don't see pre-check as an entitlement. All you had to do was sign up for it in advance. You don't pay a fee or need to belong to a yacht club. They don't ask for your credit resting or income. Or maybe i have it wrong. Wouldn't be the first time today.
PreCheck is a separate lane or lanes. Someone in PreCheck has no effect on the length of your wait if you are in the regular line.
TSA is starting yet another line for pre-screened passengers who are willing to fly on the wings.
8
We're seniors. Both age 68. We fly only when absolutely necessary. Maybe once every 4 years or so. In 2015 we took a 50 day cruise to Europe and the Mediterranean. We visited 26 ports. Initially we boarded the ship in Port Lauderdale, crossed the Atlantic, stopped first in the Canary Islands and then headed for Mediterranean, Europe and North Africa. It was a pleasure. No long lines. No security boondoggles. No searching our baggage or taking off our shoes. And of course not cramped into a narrow, horrible seat in an aluminum tube, with lines for the bathroom and no food or drink. We also didn't have to eat our knees when the person in front pushed their seat backwards to recline.
In other words we traveled in real comfort like real human beings! Imagine! It cost a few bucks more but it was well worth it.
Flying is cramped, miserable, time consuming, ugly, horrible and disgusting experience. Airports are crowded and filthy. The wait in never ending lines is appalling.
Our ship returned to Florida without any problems. We saw a great deal of wonderful sights and enjoyed privacy, good food, no lines and no waiting.
Fly? Never again! We're looking forward to cruising around the world and of course, we can't wait to visit Cuba! That will be really be enjoyable! But, we won't fly there.
In other words we traveled in real comfort like real human beings! Imagine! It cost a few bucks more but it was well worth it.
Flying is cramped, miserable, time consuming, ugly, horrible and disgusting experience. Airports are crowded and filthy. The wait in never ending lines is appalling.
Our ship returned to Florida without any problems. We saw a great deal of wonderful sights and enjoyed privacy, good food, no lines and no waiting.
Fly? Never again! We're looking forward to cruising around the world and of course, we can't wait to visit Cuba! That will be really be enjoyable! But, we won't fly there.
34
My wife and I travel by train domestically. Sleeper to NM from MA with stop in Chicago. All meals included. Refreshing and enjoyable. We used to fly. No more. Same basic reasons as in the ship travel comment.
8
As usual, the wealthier who can afford shelling out money for PreCheck or Global Entry get expedited screening and shuffle past the masses. Although the wait times on the interview portion of Global Entry are running about six months, so there aren't even sufficient resources to process those applications. An entirely wasteful system.
11
Not wealthy. It cost us about $100 and is good for 5 years. Well worth the cost of one travels a lot.
5
First it was lines to clear customs that take multiple hours for international arriving passengers... and now we're making it a ridiculous burden to even get on a domestic flight. This is the latest in a really trouble and unacceptable trend in our nation's leadership toward (1) under-investment in any programs and services that are necessary to keep the nation functional and (2) mismanagement and inefficient use of the funds that they do get. This is the exact same problem we have with our roads, our sidewalks, our public transportation, our schools -- everything is in deplorable shape and is just getting worse.
20
All public services are being driven into the ground to support the robber baron class.
7
Remember -- we're stuck with the bozos 'we' elect. Don't just vote every 4 years, the mid-term elections are vital to keeping the funding/House functioning!
5
I stoppped flying. I'll only fly to Europe. Spent my last time delayed, late and sleeping at the airport. It's horrendous. I'll drive anywhere now in a rented car.
13
All presumed guilty until proven otherwise . . . what a way to live.
32
Not a problem if you are rich. Look at the first picture in the article. It shows an empty line with a sign that says "Premium Screening". No wait no fuss.
While it is understandable to have security screening, it can be done efficiently. You just need to hire the right people. That requires paying a living salary with benefits to attract the right people. Something we are not doing so corporations can make more profits and politicians can complain about government workers.
While it is understandable to have security screening, it can be done efficiently. You just need to hire the right people. That requires paying a living salary with benefits to attract the right people. Something we are not doing so corporations can make more profits and politicians can complain about government workers.
18
There are a bunch of important questions this story isn't answering (or even asking). TSA's budget is largely funded through fees imposed on airline travelers. Those fees roughly DOUBLED less than two years ago, to over $11 for a typical round trip ticket. This is in addition to the fairly exhorbitant airport fees that airlines pay for landing rights and gates.
Anyway, if the TSA fees doubled, and the number of air travelers increased by 20 percent, why would TSA be eliminating positions instead of increasing staff? Where is the money going?
The Republican Party is in control of Congress right now and essentially makes the TSA budget. Republican leaders should be asked -- where is all the ticket surcharge money going? Is it all going to suport tax cuts for the GOP's favorite billionaires and corporate "partners?"
Businesses that depend on air travel should be furious -- what happened to the party that used to look out for business?
Anyway, if the TSA fees doubled, and the number of air travelers increased by 20 percent, why would TSA be eliminating positions instead of increasing staff? Where is the money going?
The Republican Party is in control of Congress right now and essentially makes the TSA budget. Republican leaders should be asked -- where is all the ticket surcharge money going? Is it all going to suport tax cuts for the GOP's favorite billionaires and corporate "partners?"
Businesses that depend on air travel should be furious -- what happened to the party that used to look out for business?
272
If you fly on your own private jet , you are excempt from the TSA altogether. Period.
If the sprit should move you so, you could take off in a fueled up 757 and fly it straight into the new World Trade Center - with no checks No TSA .
How's that about a security hole?
When the TSA proposed to limit the exception to planes belo 12 500 Lbs, the proposal was quickly killed by the political poer of the ultra rich .
Surprised?
If the sprit should move you so, you could take off in a fueled up 757 and fly it straight into the new World Trade Center - with no checks No TSA .
How's that about a security hole?
When the TSA proposed to limit the exception to planes belo 12 500 Lbs, the proposal was quickly killed by the political poer of the ultra rich .
Surprised?
65
Cuz freedom ain't free. It's purchased!
hashtag: OnePercent
hashtag: OnePercent
6
The TSA has become the hand maiden of the rich.
Those able to afford first class are whisked through.
The rest waits for hours.
There is something very wrong for a Government service to discriminate on the ability to pay .
The burden of 9/11 needs to be shared equally by all.
Regardless of the ability to pay. I have yet to hear an explanation from the head of the TSA why this is not the case in a Democracy.
And per campaign donations you would see a rapid improvent if the uber-rich would be forced to stand in line with everyone else.
Those able to afford first class are whisked through.
The rest waits for hours.
There is something very wrong for a Government service to discriminate on the ability to pay .
The burden of 9/11 needs to be shared equally by all.
Regardless of the ability to pay. I have yet to hear an explanation from the head of the TSA why this is not the case in a Democracy.
And per campaign donations you would see a rapid improvent if the uber-rich would be forced to stand in line with everyone else.
50
Considering that several of the 9/11 hijackers traveled in first class, this facilitated security is particularly egregious and irrational.
7
Global entry works out to $20/year. Not exactly the purview of the rich- you can skip a few lattes this year...If you want to spend the time and are willing to go through the background check and interview, have at it, no one is stopping you.
2
And how many believe this security works? All tests of the system have shown over a 90% failure rate. Besides this is the Maginot line of airport security - it looks for what was used in the past and each time the bad guys come up with something new. TSA is mostly security theater performed for the benefit of the airline companies and Boobus Americanus.
113
Let's get rid of the TSA and go back to screening the way it was on 9/10/01.
TSA claims they have only 42,000 screeners; their union claims TSA is authorized to have 48,000 but won't hire them.
Neffenger wants to send all new hires, 192 a week, to his "training academy" in Georgia for two weeks; then he wants to send all current screeners there for "retraining." How much are we paying for this most recent boondoggle?
100+ screeners leave the TSA each week. TSA claims it is hiring hundreds of new screeners. However, a quick perusal of USAJobs shows only 98 positions open, most of them at out-of-the way airports. None at any of the airports that experiencing horrible delays.
People are being suckered into PreCheck and finding they are not getting what they paid for. (BTW, @AskTSA claims that PreCheck enrollment "strengthen(s) aviation security.")
This whole mess is being orchestrated by TSA that wants more money out of Congress.
Our chain is being pulled yet again by the TSA, dear readers.
TSA claims they have only 42,000 screeners; their union claims TSA is authorized to have 48,000 but won't hire them.
Neffenger wants to send all new hires, 192 a week, to his "training academy" in Georgia for two weeks; then he wants to send all current screeners there for "retraining." How much are we paying for this most recent boondoggle?
100+ screeners leave the TSA each week. TSA claims it is hiring hundreds of new screeners. However, a quick perusal of USAJobs shows only 98 positions open, most of them at out-of-the way airports. None at any of the airports that experiencing horrible delays.
People are being suckered into PreCheck and finding they are not getting what they paid for. (BTW, @AskTSA claims that PreCheck enrollment "strengthen(s) aviation security.")
This whole mess is being orchestrated by TSA that wants more money out of Congress.
Our chain is being pulled yet again by the TSA, dear readers.
231
"Let's get rid of the TSA and go back to screening the way it was on 9/10/01."
What could possibly go wrong?
What could possibly go wrong?
11
TSA will get what it wants out of Congress after enough people complain. "Candidate X voted to make you stand in line at the airport! Vote for Candidate Y!."
3
Pre-check is fantastic. I have no idea why you would say we are not getting what we paid for. Except for my "home" airport of DCA, which refuses to open the Pre-check line for the first flights out, Pre-check makes the whole experience WAY less painful. I just hope that people DON'T sign-up for pre-check or it will end up like the carpool lanes on I66 - going just as slow as the rest of us.
Meanwhile, people could do a whole lot to get these lines moving faster. You do not have to wear 20 lbs of jewelry, lace-up shoes, and giant belt buckles when you go to the airport. Wear slip-ons and other security-line friendly attire.
Meanwhile, people could do a whole lot to get these lines moving faster. You do not have to wear 20 lbs of jewelry, lace-up shoes, and giant belt buckles when you go to the airport. Wear slip-ons and other security-line friendly attire.
2
I do travel frequently by air and on wheels. Since the day homeland security started nothing has been done to actually check bags before they enter the terminal itself.
I wouldn't be surprised that someday some insane terror bent individual will park a van, on a busy travel day, right at the entrance, where passengers are dropped off. It is one of the most vulnerable and least secure spot in the airport that should be the first line of defense. Bags should be checked outside the terminal, not inside.
I wouldn't be surprised that someday some insane terror bent individual will park a van, on a busy travel day, right at the entrance, where passengers are dropped off. It is one of the most vulnerable and least secure spot in the airport that should be the first line of defense. Bags should be checked outside the terminal, not inside.
39
"Bags should be checked outside the terminal, not inside."
Like where? Are you going to vie for the contract to build the new screening rings around the airports?
I didn't think so.
What about people bringing explosives to theose outer rings where, surely, they're be plenty of innocent people slogging through "security."
How about human beings agree to check their own bags and not try to murder others and themselves randomly.
Like where? Are you going to vie for the contract to build the new screening rings around the airports?
I didn't think so.
What about people bringing explosives to theose outer rings where, surely, they're be plenty of innocent people slogging through "security."
How about human beings agree to check their own bags and not try to murder others and themselves randomly.
4
How about we just give up on freedom altogether?
4
Increasing budgets might increase the number of screeners but would do nothing to improve security -- which is supposedly the point of TSA. As another commenter noted, TSA is really just theater that is ineffective, creates a false sense of security, and adds tremendous costs to the traveling public. It is really just a job creation program masquerading as a security program. What private business would remain in operation if it had a 95% failure rate in its principal line of business?
216
When was the last time someone pulled out a gun on an airplane?? In the airport?? Why do you think this is??
The people who shoot up schools, live in right to carry states, stand your ground, etc. You think they quit flying??????
Truly idiotic post VMG. Get rid of the fire department because there aren't enough fires?????
The people who shoot up schools, live in right to carry states, stand your ground, etc. You think they quit flying??????
Truly idiotic post VMG. Get rid of the fire department because there aren't enough fires?????
What is your alternative?
1
Finally! Someone saying the obvious. How on earth does an agency with a 95% failure rate continue to be funded? It's actually staggering if you think about it. We have evidence demonstrating a remarkable failure rate and yet, we the taxpayers, are still forced to endure a completely pointless, aggravating, and time-consuming process if we want to travel.
The Muslim terrorists are having a good laugh over this fiasco.
We are so politically correct that we will not allow profiling afraid that we will offend them.
When Willie Sutton was asked why he robbed banks he said because that is the place that keep money,The biggest threat of a plane hi jack are the Muslim jihadists not grandmothers ,frequent flyers families with small children and so forth
Actually 100% screening is not working. Test after test show that a bomb or weapon has been missed through spot checks.
If a Muslim Jihadist want to pull another 9/11 they could lease planes at will without any baggage check in
We are so politically correct that we will not allow profiling afraid that we will offend them.
When Willie Sutton was asked why he robbed banks he said because that is the place that keep money,The biggest threat of a plane hi jack are the Muslim jihadists not grandmothers ,frequent flyers families with small children and so forth
Actually 100% screening is not working. Test after test show that a bomb or weapon has been missed through spot checks.
If a Muslim Jihadist want to pull another 9/11 they could lease planes at will without any baggage check in
23
In a speech not long after 9-11, Bin-Laden essentially said that this was exactly what he intended to happen....That we would paralyze our nation with paranoid behavior.
GW Bush then proceeded to follow it like a script. We continue to act in a manner disproportionate to the threat.
I'd say, Osama won that round.
GW Bush then proceeded to follow it like a script. We continue to act in a manner disproportionate to the threat.
I'd say, Osama won that round.
239
Yea but he lost the round in which he was killed.
Without delving into the irrelevance of TSA in the first place, creating long wait times by cutting its budget interferes with interstate commerce which is something the fed is supposed to promote.
10
" 'Where it starts is actually a volume issue,' said Gary Rasicot, who was recently appointed to a newly created position as the T.S.A.’s chief of operations. 'It’s really a good-news story.' "
Tells you all you need to know about TSA, about the only part of the federal government less popular than Congress and the IRS. Regardless of how the economy is doing and whether passenger volume has changed, only a delusional government bureaucrat would think his agency's incompetence is "really a good-news story."
Tells you all you need to know about TSA, about the only part of the federal government less popular than Congress and the IRS. Regardless of how the economy is doing and whether passenger volume has changed, only a delusional government bureaucrat would think his agency's incompetence is "really a good-news story."
97
That was my EXACT thought! I was cringing while reading that part of the article!
3
"Heck of a job, Brownie!"
8
Yeah, talk about 'spin'! Maybe he can join one of the PR consultancy firms.
If you want a good laugh (or a good cry), read the comments and responses on @AskTSA, https://twitter.com/AskTSA/with_replies
3
Most hilarious bit:
"Another factor that lengthens wait times is that passengers are carrying more bags on board to avoid paying fees for checked luggage.
But there’s not much airlines can do..."
Um, here's what airlines could do: Airlines could STOP CHARGING PASSENGERS FOR THEIR FIRST CHECKED BAG.
"Another factor that lengthens wait times is that passengers are carrying more bags on board to avoid paying fees for checked luggage.
But there’s not much airlines can do..."
Um, here's what airlines could do: Airlines could STOP CHARGING PASSENGERS FOR THEIR FIRST CHECKED BAG.
614
Other things airlines could do would be to reduce the size of carry on bags allowed or do away with carry on luggage all together except for those with connecting flights at the destination. I flew yesterday and it felt as though people were bringing steamer trunks on board and some of the older people who do that can barely get their bags in the overhead bins or need help to do it.
1
I've encountered excessive lines a couple of times recently. Even when the lines are enormous, there are always several TSA agents just standing around behind the ropes. Particularly infuriating is that they periodically send agents to troll the lines offering to sell TSA-Pre memberships. I tell them they should get to work and open more lanes.
24
My husband says that when he is retired, he's going to tell it like it is to anyone who is slowing other people down or taking advantage or not doing their job.
He would give your last sentence a standing ovation.
He would give your last sentence a standing ovation.
1
My husband and I travel various places every year, both domestic and international. We have never encountered a negative experience with a member of the TSA personnel. What we do experience are travelers who are not prepared nor paying attention when approaching the screening area. Every time we travel, we have to wait for knuckleheads ahead of us to take off their belts which contain metal, watches, shoes, etc. and place these items into baskets onto the conveyor belt and then they want to take out their computers, cameras, etc. which holds up the process, instead of being proactive and having these tasks done while waiting their turn to go through security.
These are the kinds of delays we experience. The TSA folks we encounter have always been professional, courteous and efficient.
26
I would respectfully disagree. Forcing all citizens, from the youngest children to retirees such as yourself, to remove belts, shoes, watches, coats and hats serves absolutely no security purpose. If certain individuals appear suspicious, their shoes or belts may need to screened. But this one-size-fits-all approach is utterly unnecessary. As for removing laptops and cameras, if their fancy, overpriced machines are incapable of distinguishing an Macbook or another laptop or a DSLR from a bomb, the TSA should seek a full refund, pronto, on all their screening equipment. Finally, not everyone flies often as you do (or as I do) - for some it is a rare occasion, and some may even be first-time fliers. Blaming them for TSA's incompetence is uncalled for.
11
The TSA folks are good people just like us. Their job is to treat us as if we were not.
8
I completely understand your viewpoint and loathe having to partially disrobe in front of a bunch of strangers. But for now, that's what is required to fly I was just pointing out some ways of helping speed up the process. I keep telling myself that those TSA agents are merely doing their job, doing what they are told/instructed to do. It's usually been our experience that if we meet them "half way" with a spirit of cooperation, we are in and out of the security line faster than being annoyed with them. But you do make some excellent points!
3
I refuse to fly at this point. I'm lucky, since it's not required for business (I'm retired). I chose to miss my 50th high school reunion in NYC because it would involve being treated like a criminal suspect and crammed into a cattle car. Hunter Thompson had it right years ago when he equated flying with crossing the Andes on a prison bus.
33
Other very crowded airports such as in London, Dubai, Tokyo and Frankfurt have similar passenger volume as the large US. airports in Atlanta, Chicago, NYC and Denver etc. However they don't have long security lines. The staff the airports accordingly and dedicate the right level of personnel and financial resources to the issue. In the US. as more people start missing their flights and it becomes an airline and private industry financial problem, particularly for business travelers, it will start to be resolved. It's a sad Bernie truism but if the people who fly on private jets experienced anything near this level of frustration the problems would be fixed within a month.
45
Then there are airports like Palm Springs International, which sometimes doesn't even have a TSA Pre-Check line, despite the fact that it's supposed to be subsidized by passengers who paid $85 to sign-up for it.
10
TSA also needs to expand the Pre-check program. This is where certain travelers do not have to remove shoes etc. etc. Right now to participate YOUR airline has to be a participant. While most American carriers DO participate, most foreign carriers do.
This means that when I fly international, even though I am a member of Global Entry and am a "trusted traveler" I can NOT take advantage of pre-check, because my foreign airline doesn't participate.
There is a certain irony that a passenger "known" to the airline because they are frequent flyers can do a less extensive security but I, who have been checked out by the Feds can't. If memory serves me right the 9/11 terrorist were all frequent flyers as they flew around checking out how things worked. Would they be allowed pre-check by today's criteria!
This means that when I fly international, even though I am a member of Global Entry and am a "trusted traveler" I can NOT take advantage of pre-check, because my foreign airline doesn't participate.
There is a certain irony that a passenger "known" to the airline because they are frequent flyers can do a less extensive security but I, who have been checked out by the Feds can't. If memory serves me right the 9/11 terrorist were all frequent flyers as they flew around checking out how things worked. Would they be allowed pre-check by today's criteria!
10
While TSA must share the burden of blame for long lines at the checkpoints, travelers must also share some of the blame. Mom and I traveled a couple of weeks ago and the number of fliers that were not prepared for the security checkpoints was amazing. Wearing boots, layers of clothing, toting two or three bags, and talking on their cell phones will trying to get through the X-ray machine all serve to slow the process down.
It would be nice to see to members of Congress, TSA, Airline CEOs not exercise a Rank Hath Its Privileges (RHIP) option and go through the same process us common folk do. That might open a few eyes but I doubt it.
It would be nice to see to members of Congress, TSA, Airline CEOs not exercise a Rank Hath Its Privileges (RHIP) option and go through the same process us common folk do. That might open a few eyes but I doubt it.
16
I had someone dump their 7 year old on me (I was nearest in line) as she sent him through TSA precheck under the rope line, alone, without showing the guard his boarding pass, and she went through the regular screening. I told the X-ray scanner to watch out for him as he had no idea what he was doing. Then his mom gets held up as they rescreen her bags. She had the nerve to be mad at me for objecting to her leaving him alone in line with me. People are stupid; the X-ray guard said as much.
7
The article would have been far better if it had probed the issue that most comments here address: responsibility for the budget shortfalls that are producing TSA staffing shortfalls. Like others, I assume that Republican cost-cutting is responsible. But it would be very good to know if that's actually the case, or if the TSA or OMB made cost-cutting decisions even before the proposed budget reached Congress. And in any event, some further background on the silly decision-making that led to the cuts would be illuminating.
15
The best budget cut they could make would be to eliminate the TSA completely - it's a bureaucracy whose main goal now is to simply keep on existing. Lots of cushy jobs at the top for paper pushers, lots of low-level jobs for "screeners".
Of course, ending the TSA would result in a glut of people applying for jobs at fast-food restaurants, since that is what most of the "screeners" are qualified to do, based on my family's experience.
Of course, ending the TSA would result in a glut of people applying for jobs at fast-food restaurants, since that is what most of the "screeners" are qualified to do, based on my family's experience.
9
I am enrolled in TSA-Precheck and have found the program to be of very limited value. For starters, not all airlines are partners in TSA-Precheck (and the VAST majority of non-US carriers are not) - which means that you will not get precheck clearance flying on those airlines. Secondly, all it takes is for the airline's reservation system to enter your name in a manner different from how it appears on TSA's registry (either putting in a middle initial instead of your full middle name or combining your middle and last names, as often the case) and you will not get precheck clearance. Thirdly, even if you hav Precheck, the TSA can "randomly" choose you to not receive pre-clearance on any given flight - which means you must line up like everyone else. Thus, even if you have Precheck, you may find often yourself needing to line up in the regular long line. I've had Precheck for over a year and fly often but I've only been able to use it a handful of times! If the TSA is serious about shortening its lines, then perhaps it needs to provide greater incentive for people to pay to register for Precheck. They can start by signing up more partner airlines, better coordinaring with partner airlines t ensure that names are spelled consistently, and by ending the process of "randomly" selecting TSA-Precheck members to not receive precheck on any given fight. As it stands currently, there is little incentive for the regular traveler to sign up for Precheck as it rarely works as intended.
32
My husband and I travel frequently. We love pre-check and have never had a problem.
4
They can start by eliminating pre anything, you can wait on line just like everyone else...
7
The long wait times are outrageous, I have experienced them myself several times at JFK. Clearly there are 3 problems. (1) Absurd security procedures which are inefficient (multiple personnel to read IDs which will stop nothing), ineffective (see GSA audit). (2) An understaffed and underesourced agency. (3) Republicans self-fulfilling prophecy that all government is bad. Having travelled extensively in Asia last year to a dozen airports the staffing, the efficiency, the perceived safety are all far far superior in other countries. The only thing worse than security boarding, is Immigration and Customs on return which has longer lines and compares even less favorably internationally.
53
As a frequent traveler, I never understood why sometimes I was granted PreCheck, while other times not. Since the situation appears to not be changing for the better for the standard TSA checkpoint line anytime soon, opting for PreCheck through Global Entry to get the 5 years of PreCheck access has been well worth every penny spent.
Traveling through NYC, Seattle, and other traditionally crowded locations this Spring during the school breaks it has proved itself time and time again. As the lines for standard screening were stretching beyond the 2 hour point, and PreCheck was consistently about 5-10 mins.
I would think there could be an automatic inclusion system, but until then, I would recommend anyone who travels to jump on board... unless you prefer anxiety, rebooking flights, and hours wasted in queue.
Traveling through NYC, Seattle, and other traditionally crowded locations this Spring during the school breaks it has proved itself time and time again. As the lines for standard screening were stretching beyond the 2 hour point, and PreCheck was consistently about 5-10 mins.
I would think there could be an automatic inclusion system, but until then, I would recommend anyone who travels to jump on board... unless you prefer anxiety, rebooking flights, and hours wasted in queue.
59
got to EWR for a 8:05am flight to HNL on a Thursday morning at 6am. The regular screening lines, was unreal. Luckily, I opted as well for PreCheck and was through in about 10-15 min.
Crazy.
Crazy.
1
But as I already said, pre-check is ONLY good if your airline also participates. Things would go faster if ALL Global Entry Participants were allowed to participate in pre-check, regardless of their airline.
1
(a) all airlines do not participate in PreCheck. (Spirit does not.) If you put your "known traveler number" in when you buy your ticket, you should have a PreCheck boarding pass (unless the airline does not participate in PreCheck).
(b) The PreCheck lines are not always open. When they are not, they will give you a colored paper when you FINALLY get to the front, so you don't have to take your shoes off.
(b) The PreCheck lines are not always open. When they are not, they will give you a colored paper when you FINALLY get to the front, so you don't have to take your shoes off.
This is a disgrace. I can't help to think that the only reason they are doing this is to monetize the procedure of streamlining security. Signing up for the Global Entry program and others like it sponsored by the Department of US Customs and Border Patrol is one way (if not the only way) of doing that.
2
Every time I see stories like this, I feel even more justified in planning my next vehicle purchase to be something amazing for road tripping. If I can't drive somewhere within a reasonable amount of time, I no longer bother.
Besides, you don't want a young baby on your flight anyway.
Besides, you don't want a young baby on your flight anyway.
9
Last time I checked, the airlines were making record profits, paying their top execs huge bonuses and spending billions to buy one another. It's easy to figure out what part of the problem is besides the government security boondoggle.
7
Had mixed results going to Alexandria from Detroit to Reagan earlier this month. 6am Sunday at DTW, it shockingly took a good 45-50 minutes to get through security. Leaving Reagan for DTW on a Tuesday evening, it took 5 minutes, tops.
Well, this finally prompted me to apply for the TSA Pre-Check program. My appointment for the document verification is in a few weeks.
Good luck. Come back in a few weeks and tell us how well it works for you.
1
I choose not to fly any more. So glad I saw the world when I was young and air travel was civilized.
9
Even though getting Global Entry is the approximate equivalent of a totalitarian state's travel papers it's about the best $100 you can spend. I'd encourage anyone traveling to get it (which also gives you pre-check) for the ease of security.
7
Maybe it's time to trade some of those therapy dogs for additional TSA agents.
7
Last time I flew Frontier out of SLC there was no staff at the check-in desk and I found out from the airport staff that you couldn't get your boarding pass from Frontier until an hour before the flight left.
Thankfully the line at security was short that day.
You can follow best practices to be early all you want, but when it's the airlines themselves who balk at letting passengers check-in early what exactly are we supposed to do?
Not all of us like virtual boarding passes, and for those that do, Heaven forbid your smartphone die while you're stuck in line for three hours!
Thankfully the line at security was short that day.
You can follow best practices to be early all you want, but when it's the airlines themselves who balk at letting passengers check-in early what exactly are we supposed to do?
Not all of us like virtual boarding passes, and for those that do, Heaven forbid your smartphone die while you're stuck in line for three hours!
3
Signing up for TSA Precheck is no guarantee. I paid the $85, waited 6 weeks then went in for my screening, but this December they closed the Precheck line for Jet Blue at JFK. The TSA person I complained to did they were too busy to staff it.
3
Too busy? too cheap!
1
Let's get rid of screeners and let people board without security. I take the train.
8
There is no security theater on trains and buses. Yet.
1
The TSA is now a self-perpetuating monster that will NEVER be gotten rid of, even though there is scant genuine evidence for whatever "good" it does - and there's plenty of evidence for how poorly the whole thing is run. It is anti-citizen, and it is (IMO) just security theater. I resent being automatically PRESUMED by the TSA to be a terrorist in my own country (and I am white, female, and a senior citizen).
My solution to this insane system is that I have totally given up flying. It's not worth it, period. The TSA is nuts, and the airlines make sure we all know how much they *don't* value our business. I realize some people have to travel for work or personal reasons, but I vote with my wallet NOT to support this lunacy.
My solution to this insane system is that I have totally given up flying. It's not worth it, period. The TSA is nuts, and the airlines make sure we all know how much they *don't* value our business. I realize some people have to travel for work or personal reasons, but I vote with my wallet NOT to support this lunacy.
12
and what percentage of forbidden firearms and explosives contained in luggage as part of a TSA security test passed undetected through airport security screening?
95% percent. that's 19 handguns out of 20.
this is mere "security theater", full of crowds and boredom, signifying nothing.
95% percent. that's 19 handguns out of 20.
this is mere "security theater", full of crowds and boredom, signifying nothing.
18
I love New York. Using Delta? Zip through D at LGA to make a flight in C. Use the domestic terminal to avoid lines in the international terminal at JFK. Think twice about precheck on vacation weeks (the whole family is screened with the prechecked passenger.) Survey the other lines they may be quicker.
Nothing should be expedited. Everyone, regardless of anything, should be screened the same. Everyone thinks they are special for some reason. And if you get to the gate, the boarding process is worse than on the TITANIC--as at least the worst you could feel like (then) was Third Class, but here it is: Premium, Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, Influenza, Priority 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and then 0's can board. I avoid airports like the plague and litigation, who really needs to fly today anyway, just book a seat for your laptop and smartphone and you can stay home.
77
"Influenza" -- love it!
If I was assigned to Influenza class, I'd consider taking the train.
Wait til they add the next step--women claiming to be pregnant, and shuffling seats around to accommodate parents so they can sit with their kids because they neglected to book adjoining seats in the first place (though, true, sometimes the airlines have messed this us.) The number of categories is ridiculous but it's going to get worse this year.
1
Funny that so many people are calling out the Republicans on this already. Folks, it's a vain effort. Republicans are split into two basic groups: the extremely rich, who travel around by private jet, and the ignorant poor, who neither want to travel anywhere, nor can they afford to fly.
1
C-SPAN had TSA Congressional hearings last week. TSA sounds like an ineptly run Bureaucracy. The hearing was laughable. Clueless top Federal Bureaucrats running a huge agency. Wasted money sending mangers on temporary assignments (a year in a hotel) because the employees called out their incompetence. The Federal government is incapable of planning a picnic in the park for three with a picnic basket. They would get everything wrong and it would cost 10K.
8
"It's really a good-news story," says the T.S.A.'s Chief of Operations. Really? Bet this government bureaucrat never has to wait in a security queue.
55
We spend $2B per day on national defense, but only $7.4B annually on the entire TSA budget. Could we give these folks a half a day's worth of defense please?
14
It's fashionable for all of us to complain about TSA screening and waits at airports.
But isn't it a bit rich for the airlines to complain? They have made the TSA screeners' (and more importantly us self-loading cargo's) lives miserable ever since they all joined the race to the bottom and started charging fees for checked baggage. I just flew cross country this weekend and watching what my fellow passengers are hauling through screening reminded me of an episode from the Beverly Hillbillies...and that is before the mad scramble for overhead space as soon as boarding commences.
Throw in the "unbundling" which is incentivized by the way the airlines pay taxes on airline ticket prices, with a congress who thinks we should have never nationalized airline security and works to starve the beast, and this is the mess that you end up with.
It's not going to get better anytime soon.
But isn't it a bit rich for the airlines to complain? They have made the TSA screeners' (and more importantly us self-loading cargo's) lives miserable ever since they all joined the race to the bottom and started charging fees for checked baggage. I just flew cross country this weekend and watching what my fellow passengers are hauling through screening reminded me of an episode from the Beverly Hillbillies...and that is before the mad scramble for overhead space as soon as boarding commences.
Throw in the "unbundling" which is incentivized by the way the airlines pay taxes on airline ticket prices, with a congress who thinks we should have never nationalized airline security and works to starve the beast, and this is the mess that you end up with.
It's not going to get better anytime soon.
20
Obviously they need to lower and/or change their security requirements. They need to set an acceptable wait time and then work within that restriction. If they have fewer workers, they do fewer screening. Any other way of running things makes no sense.
As best as I can recall, the original plan was for the TSA to be financed in part by a fee, added to the airline ticket, which would go directly to the US Treasury. It was dropped because of political pressures in Congress and elsewhere. It needs to be re-instituted. It's the same problem at the US-Canadian border crossings, which I frequently use. Let those who use these governmental services pay for them. The vast majority of people who use them can afford it. This is not a case where those least able to pay subsidize those best able to pay.
117
But that wouldn't work, because the people who enjoy governmental services enjoy them more when other people are forced to foot the bill.
The fees cost more than the airfare.
Do you fly? If so, you'll see on your receipt a "9/11 fee" clearly set out.
We are asking the TSA to do the impossible:
-- Find the one gun in 100k passengers.
-- Do it quickly
-- Do it perfectly
-- Do it cost effectively
Last year, terrorists killed zero people on airplanes, at the cost of at least 228 lifetimes spent waiting in lines, not to mention the increased death toll due to driving long distances instead of flying.
Perhaps we collectively should be willing to speed up the lines (thus saving lives spent waiting) in exchange for an extremely small increase in the chance of a terrorist blowing up a plane.
I'd suggest letting keep their belts and some shoes on to start, and abandoning the ridiculous liquid rule.
-- Find the one gun in 100k passengers.
-- Do it quickly
-- Do it perfectly
-- Do it cost effectively
Last year, terrorists killed zero people on airplanes, at the cost of at least 228 lifetimes spent waiting in lines, not to mention the increased death toll due to driving long distances instead of flying.
Perhaps we collectively should be willing to speed up the lines (thus saving lives spent waiting) in exchange for an extremely small increase in the chance of a terrorist blowing up a plane.
I'd suggest letting keep their belts and some shoes on to start, and abandoning the ridiculous liquid rule.
386
I'd love to see the TSA who is tightening their belts, to also loosen them for everyone else at the same time.
Right On! NY Renters Alliance for a group Presidency!
1
Yes, that will work until the first incident takes place that can be tied to the loosened standards.
3
I am unaware of any legitimate report or study or evidence proving that the TSA has thwarted any terrorists since its creation. As so many have pointed out over the years, it's all nothing but theater, intended to make us feel "safer" when traveling by plane. What's more, if a terrorist really wanted to inflict huge damage and loss of life at an airport, they could simply do what the terrorists did in Brussels: do it in the terminal before the security lines. What grand scheme does Homeland Security have for this potentiality: bring the Xray machines and TSA officers to our home before departure? Xray our cars on the way into the airport?
Certainly airline security is necessary, but it's time to stop wasting people's precious time and money being screened by TSA officers whose effectiveness has never been verified.
And I'm sick and tired of taking off my belt and shoes!!!!! When will it ever, ever end????
Certainly airline security is necessary, but it's time to stop wasting people's precious time and money being screened by TSA officers whose effectiveness has never been verified.
And I'm sick and tired of taking off my belt and shoes!!!!! When will it ever, ever end????
198
I agree with what you wrote, and would add that GAO has repeatedly - repeatedly - found all kinds of problems with TSA and has often been able to smuggle contraband through TSA lines.
6
@ExCook: It will NEVER end, because people keep putting up with it.
Airline "security" is a bad, bad joke - and I imagine the terrorists are laughing at how they've gotten the USA to tie itself into knots over air travel, while the bad guys are undoubtedly planning something else next time. The TSA is an excellent example of how government is always fighting the PREVIOUS war, instead of looking forward to prevent the next one.
Airline "security" is a bad, bad joke - and I imagine the terrorists are laughing at how they've gotten the USA to tie itself into knots over air travel, while the bad guys are undoubtedly planning something else next time. The TSA is an excellent example of how government is always fighting the PREVIOUS war, instead of looking forward to prevent the next one.
2
Better yet, budget your time and energy to get rid of this fascist and incompetent agency altogether. They scare us into compliance with nosy X-rays and gropes, and can't even find guns!
Why wait at ALL for TSA injustice, when we can end that form of domestic terrorism and say, loud and clear, "Never again!"?
Why wait at ALL for TSA injustice, when we can end that form of domestic terrorism and say, loud and clear, "Never again!"?
7
Of all things, why on earth would TSA be facing budget cuts? Is this too a result of GOP instransigence?
6
For those of us before 9-11 who could book a ticket on an airline and walk to our gate without having to go through so-called security was normal. Now it's an ordeal. And for what? Are we any better off? I don't think I'm any safer in a taxi to the airport than I am on a flight to anywhere by going through a hurdle such as TSA. It's time to shut them down and go back to days of yore where paranoid didn't govern our lives. I have no fear of getting on an airplane. Go away TSA!
42
Maybe if our public officials had to go through this nonsense it would stop and be replaced by a procedure that works. For a first world country America does a remarkably poor job when it comes to modern safety checks and travel. There is no reason, given the amount of money spent and taken from us when we travel, that this process should be so cumbersome and time consuming. There is also no reason for airline travel to be as uncomfortable as it is. I do think that all our public officials, especially the ones who rant about safety and terrorists, along with the executive level people in every airline, should have to go through what we're expected to accept with a good humor. Let's see how long the current state of affairs lasts then.
One reason I refuse to fly is because of how uncomfortable, cumbersome, and unfriendly the whole process has become. It's not the way I want to start or end a vacation. Lousy customer service, long lines, intrusive searches, no leg room, no room to stretch, and all the lovely little fees that add up. It's time for the airlines and the TSA to start spending money on improving our travel experience by modernizing it rather than underpaying their employees at the expense of our safety and comfort. Even before 9/11/2001 air travel in the US was uncomfortable and primitive compared to Europe. Their airports were clean. The employees were polite even when they asked us about where we were going or checked us out.
One reason I refuse to fly is because of how uncomfortable, cumbersome, and unfriendly the whole process has become. It's not the way I want to start or end a vacation. Lousy customer service, long lines, intrusive searches, no leg room, no room to stretch, and all the lovely little fees that add up. It's time for the airlines and the TSA to start spending money on improving our travel experience by modernizing it rather than underpaying their employees at the expense of our safety and comfort. Even before 9/11/2001 air travel in the US was uncomfortable and primitive compared to Europe. Their airports were clean. The employees were polite even when they asked us about where we were going or checked us out.
367
Once upon a time, flying was considered a special treat. Today, there are probably more rules and regulations regarding the safe and comfortable transportation of chickens and pigs that the movement of human beings. In the meantime, avoid flying; use Skype for that business meeting; take vacations closer to home.
2
I agree with much of what you have said and I too am seriously considering giving up on air travel but you are wrong if you think things are better in Europe. I spend 3 hour in a line at Frankfurt and missed a flight out of Budapest because they had one check in clerk with a non-functioning computer.
Where did you get the idea this was a 1st world country anymore ?
1
If the airlines charged for carry-on bags, and made checked bags free, people would carry on fewer bags and screening would go faster. So saying that the airlines have no responsibility is just false.
I recently flew out of Los Angeles and called the airline before leaving to ask them "how long in advance should I be at LAX for a domestic flight?" and they refused to commit themselves, saying just "allow enough time." Realistic information should accompany your boarding pass, along with the ads for car rental agencies and the weather forecast for your destination. Most people would rather get to the airport two hours before flight time than miss their plane.
Finally, one of the consequences of living in a democratic multicultural society is that policing should be the same for everyone, without racial or age-based profiling. It makes all of us safer if all of us can trust security officers and police to do their jobs without prejudice.
I recently flew out of Los Angeles and called the airline before leaving to ask them "how long in advance should I be at LAX for a domestic flight?" and they refused to commit themselves, saying just "allow enough time." Realistic information should accompany your boarding pass, along with the ads for car rental agencies and the weather forecast for your destination. Most people would rather get to the airport two hours before flight time than miss their plane.
Finally, one of the consequences of living in a democratic multicultural society is that policing should be the same for everyone, without racial or age-based profiling. It makes all of us safer if all of us can trust security officers and police to do their jobs without prejudice.
96
Dear Howard,
Sorry, but that's incorrect. There is no way anybody would fail to take on a carry-on bag for any flight lasting more than an hour. As I recall, we don't get meals anymore on a flight, just little useless snacks. The reading material from the seatback in front of us is extremely dull and would take most people 40 minutes to complete. Most flights last several hours and so, in order to have something to do, something to eat, and various other potential necessities that might arise, everyone is going to take a carry-on bag.
Sorry, but that's incorrect. There is no way anybody would fail to take on a carry-on bag for any flight lasting more than an hour. As I recall, we don't get meals anymore on a flight, just little useless snacks. The reading material from the seatback in front of us is extremely dull and would take most people 40 minutes to complete. Most flights last several hours and so, in order to have something to do, something to eat, and various other potential necessities that might arise, everyone is going to take a carry-on bag.
4
Nor do people want to cool their heels waiting an additional half an hour or more to retrieve their luggage.
1
Sure, but the carry-on needn't be a the biggest bag allowed. If passengers checked their large bag & took a SMALLER one on board, they wouldn't be fighting for bin space, the rest of us wouldn't be bashed in the head by passing bags & perhaps the door would close on time. A book, a bottle of water & a few snacks doesn't require the monstrosities that are currently seen dragged on to the plane. BTW, gate agents need to be a LOT more strict about multiple carry-ons.
7
Once again, Republican budget cutting comes home to roost. Hasn't the traveling public figured out yet who is responsible? As to TSA precheck, shouldn't those of us who have been given this at random a significant number of times already finally be granted this as a more permanent status?
147
You will get your permanent pre-check status when you pony up your $85.
This is all political theater. I have never been arrested, but even though the airlines knows my name and checks my ID, I have to be screened because I might be a potential terrorist? No probable cause to suspect I have done anything criminal, not even a reasonable suspicion, or even an inkling. I don't even own a gun. I am searched because I am human.
The solution--when you buy a ticket you are allowed to bypass any screening unless there is a reasonable suspicion you are involved in criminal activity. With all of the billions spent on endless surveillance this should not be a problem--unless the surveillance system is all a hoax.
For those comforted by security lines and screening. TSA has a bad track record of finding contraband. Relying on them as a last line of defense in stopping criminal activity is foolhardy.
Focus airport screening on legitimate criminal targets and leave the rest of us alone!
The solution--when you buy a ticket you are allowed to bypass any screening unless there is a reasonable suspicion you are involved in criminal activity. With all of the billions spent on endless surveillance this should not be a problem--unless the surveillance system is all a hoax.
For those comforted by security lines and screening. TSA has a bad track record of finding contraband. Relying on them as a last line of defense in stopping criminal activity is foolhardy.
Focus airport screening on legitimate criminal targets and leave the rest of us alone!
189
I don't recall that any of the 911 hijackers had a prior criminal record or good cause (unless, like Trump says, just being a muslim is good cause).
3
Because profiling is worse than any common sense solution.
2
Scott, you have described in general a much larger problem than just the keystone cops at the airports. More and more it seems we're guilty until proven innocent. When I moved to AZ from NY I applied for the equivalent of a customs easy-pass. I live 60 miles from Mexico and like to go there frequently. My application was denied because of an infraction, not even a misdemeanor, from nearly a decade earlier. It wasn't sufficient, however, to raise any flags on my application for a concealed carry permit, which I got after multi-agency background checks. My rejection letter had a scolding tone to it, as if I were some miscreant offender on the FBI most wanted list.
The TSA frankly doesn't work. You could triple the number or workers it has now and it would just make things worse. The bureaucracy has gone berserk and is out of control. Everything from the basic premise of their operations, to the uniforms to the pay scales are absurd. That's why I don't fly any more. The Israelis do this much, much better, at far lower cost, with far better results. Maybe we should outsource it to them. That alone would discourage some large number of terrorists.
The TSA frankly doesn't work. You could triple the number or workers it has now and it would just make things worse. The bureaucracy has gone berserk and is out of control. Everything from the basic premise of their operations, to the uniforms to the pay scales are absurd. That's why I don't fly any more. The Israelis do this much, much better, at far lower cost, with far better results. Maybe we should outsource it to them. That alone would discourage some large number of terrorists.
2
I had a chance to tune in on C-SPAN today. Guess who the committee was hearing from, TSA officials. The TSA officials were bringing to light some serious, on-going management problems that nobody has been addressing. Very enlightening to say the least. Our tax dollars at work and our security at risk.
41
It's tantamount to an internal affairs division investigating abuses in its own police department.
5
Lets face it. The millimeter wave machines are too slow to process the traffic, besides having far too many false alerts which they fail to document. They are painfully aware of this but since portions of the Defense and Security Industry budget is used to reward friends and family, any change to the status quo would impact their family paycheck.
We are thus stuck with mm wave machines that are not very useful or productive. The sad thing is that we accept this behavior without question.
If we accept this type of treatment from our government - we can expect nothing less in our treatment
We are thus stuck with mm wave machines that are not very useful or productive. The sad thing is that we accept this behavior without question.
If we accept this type of treatment from our government - we can expect nothing less in our treatment
69
Isn't the TSA funded by user fees added to the price of airline tickets? So if airline travel is growing, why isn't the work force being expanded?
285
The user fees cover only a minority of the TSA's budget. The agency relies primarily on subsidies from general federal tax revenue to fund its operations. TSA wants to raise the user fees to cover more of its costs, but it would be fairly steep, around $7 per segment, to cover all of the costs.
1
Because the government moves that money into the general fund. It's a lie perpetrated by Congress. I'm glad the Reps are refusing to increase this boondoggle, but unhappy that all of them are liers and just looking for where they can scam a buck or a vote. Both parties, do both.
It is a bit irritating when you have pre-check to be headed through the regular line with only the privilege of not removing shoes. I understand that we have to have this theatre--for reasons I still can't grasp, but if you get people to go to the trouble of signing up and paying for a thing then you should be able to deliver.
112
TSA Precheck is nothing more than a scam to get you to pay $85. Only a limited number of airlines are signed up for pre-check (and very few non-US carriers) and the TSA randomly selects a number of Precheck enrollees to NOT receive such privilege on any given flight. All that means that you must STILL show up early to ensure that you get on your flight. I find it odd that the TSA is begging for more money in its budget to get more agents when it is already getting a lot of money through Precheck enrollment fees despite giving the Precheck enrollees very little benefit for what they've paid for.
6
Those at the top want to get paid even more.
1
TSA claims it does not get much, if any, of the $85 fee. Most of it goes for the background "check."
Signed up for the TSA pre-check only to find that line closed at Newark. Systems only work when people are actually working there.
206
Yep. Flew through San Juan and was told pre-check is only staffed 9-5. Great job, people.
9
I was just thinking of registering for the pre-check program, but your comment made me rethink. I think I'll do some research on SFO & the pre-check line. Thanks.
As usual we have the Republican-controlled Congress to thank for the inadequate funding of TSA and the concomitant reduction in the number of TSA agents available to screen airline passengers. But I bet every Republican member of Congress has TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry, so they couldn't care less what happens to the rest of us.
432
Nope, they have their private jets.
4
This is grossly inaccurate.
In FY 2016, TSA budget increased almost $49 million to a totally of $7.3 billion. Despite this increase, TSA eliminated 2,860 positions from it workforce. Likewise, the 2017 budget has increased upwards of $70 million. They simply can't spend the money fast enough.
TSA sees no problem with this. In fact, they think they're doing a great job. On the elimination of 1,666 screeners, they laud themselves, "[Risk-based security] methods have proven more efficient in moving people through the checkpoint than regular screening lanes and require fewer resources than a traditional screening lane. This reduction reflects TSA’s goal to continue transitioning to a smaller, more skilled, professional workforce..."
Despite an increasing budget, smaller screening workforce, and an abysmal 95% failure rate in auditing, we seem to consider this a very successful operation.
In FY 2016, TSA budget increased almost $49 million to a totally of $7.3 billion. Despite this increase, TSA eliminated 2,860 positions from it workforce. Likewise, the 2017 budget has increased upwards of $70 million. They simply can't spend the money fast enough.
TSA sees no problem with this. In fact, they think they're doing a great job. On the elimination of 1,666 screeners, they laud themselves, "[Risk-based security] methods have proven more efficient in moving people through the checkpoint than regular screening lanes and require fewer resources than a traditional screening lane. This reduction reflects TSA’s goal to continue transitioning to a smaller, more skilled, professional workforce..."
Despite an increasing budget, smaller screening workforce, and an abysmal 95% failure rate in auditing, we seem to consider this a very successful operation.
9
No, the 2017 budget for TSA hasn't been approved. Obama's proposal, on March 1, 2016, was for $7.6 billion for TSA, of which "$3.0 billion [was designated] to support 42,848 FTE Transportation Security Officers (TSOs), an increase of $72.1 million and 323 FTE over FY 2016, to ensure effective screening operations while minimizing wait times. This funding will help to ensure that TSA maintains an appropriate staffing level at our checkpoints." We'll see what the Republicans do to this proposal.
2
Dear America: When you let Republicans starve the beast by cutting all government budgets and hiring, you no longer have security lines that work, railroad safety, bridges that don't need repair, air traffic control that isn't from a bygone era and subways with room to stand. You get what you vote (or don't vote) for.
1094
Don't forget also, vicharmon, Republicans are proposing an 838 million dollar cut to the IRS—and companies like apple, EXXON, GE pay nothing at all; oil companies even get subsidies. We no longer lead the world in building, civil innovation or transportation.
4
Ah, so your answer is an always larger, more inefficient government. so glad you have such deep pockets.
1
This particular beast (DHS) was being fed about $18 million per year in 2001 and is now up over $61 billion (see http://www.downsizinggovernment.org/homeland-security/tsa ). If that's starving let me go on a diet at my neighborhood Dunkin' Donuts!
1
TSA lines aren't the only problem at airports. We came through SFO on an international flight and they only had two border control interrogators for American passport holders.
230
Thank your representatives and senators for keeping government spending down so that airport security is underfunded.
That's because everybody coming back to the US through SFO uses the Mobile Passport app (and they're all gonna be mad at me for telling you about it)-
Yep. Imagine how it is for non-US passport holders! The best thing about getting a Green Card was finally being filed into the "U.S. Citizens/Residents" line.
Bush created the TSA and still Repubs can't fund it properly.
Hey Repubs,
If TSA works then Bush will get good name not Obama, pl help Bush.
Hey Repubs,
If TSA works then Bush will get good name not Obama, pl help Bush.
43
Bush will never get a "good name". His presidency will go down in infamy.
10
Thanks to the Republicans in Congress for refusing to properly fund our government.
496
Most if not all Republicans in Congress fly private so this doesn't effect them. Therefore, they could care less.
1
But they're too busy making sure President Obama is a one-term president, and that nothing gets done by the government, so that the nation can collapse completely! Would you have them give up their dream of triggering the downfall of civilization, as their holy book insists they do?
8
All of these comments that echo the same sentiment are absurd and act as evidence why we are where we are. This isn't about stifling government involvement and it's more a byproduct or government incompetence and poor spending. Any current and recent improvements have been made by private entities, corps., etc. Under Democrat control all we've seen is a triple digit increases in debt with virtually zero tangible improvements as well as consolidation in most industries almost directly against anti-trust regulation. People are delusional and we actually need less government control and more private enterprise. Pretty soon we will have one oil company, one health insurer, one central "private" bank. It's a disaster in the making all orchestrated by Democrats. This has nothing to do with Republicans. Read the news people and not the NYtimes. Like the real news.
Instead, we need rational staged screening that begins before anyone even enters the airport terminal.