Skip to main content

Tagged With "TSA"

Comment

Re: Buddy, Can You Spare 5.3 Million Dimes?

Former Member ·
This is a no brainer. The money was left behind by frustrated travelers. It should be used to minimize some of the frustration and indignity imposed on travelers at the TSA checkpoints. Little things would make a big difference in the "reassembly area" : + Buy easy-to-clean sturdy benches for the re-assembly area. + Put footstools in front of benches to help with putting on shoes. + Put baskets under the benches so people can place their small backpacks, purses, shoes, and belts out of the...
Comment

Re: Buddy, Can You Spare 5.3 Million Dimes?

FlashFlyer ·
Sounds great...especially if your airport has a reassembly area. I've been in some where it's go so little space people are dressing on the end of the belt and holding everything up (LaG, for one). Your last one is the best, though...
Comment

Re: Buddy, Can You Spare 5.3 Million Dimes?

Former Member ·
Yes, some facilities have no space for reassembly. The least they could do is hand people clear plastic bags for all of their little stuff at the beginning. Toss coins, keys, cell phone etc into clear plastic bag. Toss belt and shoes into clear plastic bag. Slam plastic bags into bin with your luggage items. Grab your plastic bags and luggage items out of bin at the exit and run for your gate, shoeless. At least people would not be fumbling around, trying to get their small odds and ends out...
Comment

Re: Holiday Flying: How to Beat the Wrap

PortMoresby ·
Just a note of caution, if, as PHeymont suggests, the airport mall tempts you to pick up holiday cheer and other liquids, don't forget connections and possible second trips through security. Just because you bought it at the airport doesn't mean they won't snag it if you have to leave airside to get to your connection. I can imagine very well supplied TSA holiday parties courtesy of some chagrined passengers.
Comment

Re: Holiday Flying: How to Beat the Wrap

Paul Heymont ·
PM is right, and the caution applies especially to liquids. There are some exceptions for duty-free items sealed in special bags, but not always.
Comment

Re: Holiday Flying: How to Beat the Wrap

Former Member ·
Thanks for the good information. I would not have thought about the airport mall, Amazon Locker or the big box stores. Those are terrific ideas. I have given up on gift wrapping and just toss a few colorful gift bags and some tissue paper into my luggage. Later, I put the gifts in the bags for the big "reveal" for the recipient.
Comment

Re: Your TSA Approved Locks Won't Keep Thieves Out

Paul Heymont ·
Which seems like a lot of trouble for thieves to go through, when simple snips will cut the lock...if you don't feel like cutting into the suitcase with a box-cutter. I'very always viewed suitcase locks as a device to keep the zipper from opening accidentally during handling, and once I discovered that European security people didn't have or use the keys (they clipped the locks), I went back to using twist ties or cable ties. Much cheaper, work well.
Comment

Re: Your TSA Approved Locks Won't Keep Thieves Out

PortMoresby ·
I assume locks on suitcase are like locks on our doors, as someone installing one at my house once said, to "keep honest people out". Or maybe just slowing down the dishonest ones, although not by much, I'm sure, in either case. A better plan might be to have nothing of value to such people where they can take it. The highest probability of theft from our bags seems to be from the baggage handlers. I wonder how they choose bags to go through? Maybe by size, the smaller the bag, the less...
Comment

Re: Your TSA Approved Locks Won't Keep Thieves Out

DrFumblefinger ·
I've always viewed locks as a deterrent, not as a security vault. Something to make it difficult for the baggage handler who'd like to snoop through my bag from doing so without inconvenience and making it obvious that it had been done. I never check in anything valuable. Those things always come with me in my carry-on bag, which I also keep locked.
Comment

Re: TSA limits PreCheck to those who've paid

TravelGirlJenn ·
Well, shoot. I've benefited on "Managed Inclusion" during the last few trips at Oakland for work. I've been contemplating the actual program or Global Entry because I will be traveling for work so much, now it looks like I may have to bite the bullet.
Comment

Re: TSA, American testing automated security screens

DrFumblefinger ·
This sounds like a nice idea. A modernization of a tedious process. Hope it works!
Comment

Re: TSA: More lines, delayed flights

Travel Rob ·
European airlines have taken a big hit this year with Europeans staying home more. It was because of terrorism before airport security and also in public places in Brussels and Paris. Isn't that more of a risk now? We have accepted that minor risk on other forms of transportation and still go about our lives. I'd vote to cut back on scanning 100% of the people in airports to occasionally, like we did a few years ago. We can still walk through metal detectors. I guess the added carry-on bags...
Comment

Re: TSA: More lines, delayed flights

Paul Heymont ·
Several Senators suggested last week that the airlines kill the bag fees to speed up the lines, but there was an audible silence on that... Meanwhile, in Paris the lines have been growing, too, and causing delays at CDG; the airport authority is calling for more staff to speed up border controls.
Comment

Re: TSA: More lines, delayed flights

DrFumblefinger ·
I hate the bag fees, but they're not the problem. The TSA is. Everyone would still have a carry-on bag, albeit a smaller one if they could check a suitcase for free. My experiences in Calgary, Frankfurt and Spain in the past month. Waiting times were never more than 10 minutes and usually less than 5 minutes to be screened. You just need enough of and a motivated staff that gets people through quickly
Comment

Re: TSA strands 450 overnight: could it get worse?

DrFumblefinger ·
What a mess. The very agency that is to protect citizens from terrorist activity is creating an environment wherein "tent communities" are springing up at America's airports. How embarrassing is that. Talk about a target rich environment for the bad guys. The TSA's funding, even with "cuts", is about US$ 7.3 billion for 2016. In contrast, Canada, which has 1/10th the population of the USA, has an airport screening budget of about CDN $0.56 billion, and Transport Canada acknowledges it has...
Comment

Re: TSA strands 450 overnight: could it get worse?

GarryRF ·
Most countries around the world exchange ideas and processes to fulfil the common good. But some countries refuse to enter into a dialogue and share ideas. Russia is another one.
Comment

Re: TSA strands 450 overnight: could it get worse?

Paul Heymont ·
To be fair to the TSA (which I find hard to do), the $7.3 billion is not all for screening, only about half is. That said, while airports are looking to outsource the screening, maybe they should hire Transport Canada! As for the PreCheck point: TSA can't seem to make up its mind. When it started, they semi-randomly selected 'extra' people to go through it, on the theory that they would like it enough to buy it—and some did, but not enough. Then the people who had paid for it started to...
Comment

Re: TSA strands 450 overnight: could it get worse?

Travel Rob ·
The few US airports that have private security companies handling the screening are reporting good results and I think that's a good option for the airports. My guess is for liability reasons, airports are scared to dump the TSA. After seeing the comments by DrFumblinger and PHeymont, I do think we can learn from Canada on this. I did a little more reading on Canada's airport security. It seems all major airports in Canada have private screening. The airports give out three year contracts.
Comment

Re: Is bad PreCheck planning responsible for TSA delays?

Travel Rob ·
I don't like the whole concept of PreCheck because when they started this added security at airports, they insisted terrorists could be anyone and that's why we need to check everyone. We enter trains, buses and metros without a PreCheck, and it doesn't take forever. There is a history of attacks on those means of transportation too. And now attacks could just as easily happen at the ticket counter at the airport as on the plane.
Blog Post

TSA hits the million mark for Pre-check

Paul Heymont ·
TSA's Pre-check program has enrolled a million "trusted travelers" in its program, designed to speed up processing at airport security.
Blog Post

TSA Pre-Check: Less access if you're not signed up

Paul Heymont ·
TSA's Pre-Check, which allows travelers to pass through airport security without having to remove shoes, unpack laptops and generally move faster, will focus on passengers directly enrolled in the program, or in other government "Trusted Traveler"...
Blog Post

She believes she can fly...no ticket needed!

Paul Heymont ·
Marilyn Hartman seems to have a need to fly, and no intention of bothering with mundane issues such as tickets or security. The 63-year-old California woman has a long history as a serial stowaway, and a number of arrests while trying. Considering how...
Blog Post

TSA-confiscated items: Wonder where they go?

Paul Heymont ·
Every day, hundreds of items are surrendered to TSA at airports around the country (note the word: TSA doesn't like to say confiscated). Where do they all go?   Seems that after the liquids and aerosols are disposed of, the rest go on trips of...
Blog Post

TSA limits PreCheck to those who've paid

Paul Heymont ·
TSA PreCheck, the program that allows passengers to go through airport security lines with their shoes and belts on, and their laptops in their luggage, will now be limited to those who actually have paid for it, TSA on Monday ended the program where...
Blog Post

Your TSA Approved Locks Won't Keep Thieves Out

Travel Rob ·
The TSA requires any lock on luggage to be branded as “travel sentry approved”, so they search the bag without breaking the lock. Those master keys for the TSA to get into the bags have been closely guarded by...
Blog Post

In 2016, TSA may not take some states' driver's licenses at airports

Travel Rob ·
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 and it requires certain security features to be on Drivers Licenses. The Department of Homeland Security announced a plan of enforcement two years ago. And in 2016, the agency will start enforcing...
Blog Post

Air Canada joins PreCheck, more foreign carriers to follow

Paul Heymont ·
Air Canada has become the first "overseas" carrier to join TSA's PreCheck program that allows program members to move through airport security faster, and with less unpacking and undressing. TSA says more carriers will soon follow. For reasons that...
Blog Post

Federal Judge: No-Fly rules won't fly

Paul Heymont ·
A Federal District Court judge in Oregon has ruled that the TSA's no-fly list is unconstitutional because there is no way for a citizen who believes he or she was put on the list in error to get off. She ordered the government to come up with...
Blog Post

TSA: Keep your phone charged, we may make you turn it on!

Paul Heymont ·
New security measures for U.S.-bound flights are looking for possible hidden non-metallic explosives. One concern is the possibility that explosives could be placed in a hollowed-out phone, laptop, etc. and set to detonate when the device is turned...
Blog Post

Lufthansa first European airline to join PreCheck

Paul Heymont ·
Lufthansa becomes the first European airline to partner with TSA PreCheck.
Blog Post

Those TSA lines: in most cities, they've shrunk

Paul Heymont ·
Those long TSA lines of a few months ago are largely gone, but some of the solutions may not be permanent.
Blog Post

Progress in clearing TSA logjam

Paul Heymont ·
Added agents and overtime have helped bring down the long security lines that last month stretched to hours and stranded travelers.
Blog Post

TSA, American testing automated security screens

Paul Heymont ·
TSA and American Airlines are teaming up to try out high-tech automated security lanes to speed up getting through airports.
Blog Post

Buddy, Can You Spare 5.3 Million Dimes?

Paul Heymont ·
Apparently so! That's how much loose change TSA scooped out of bins at scanning, left behind by travelers too frazzled or too hurried to pick it all up. And then there's the question of what to do with it...find out HERE
Blog Post

Holiday Flying: How to Beat the Wrap

Paul Heymont ·
Traveling for Christmas? With presents? You’ll want to read on for some good advice. A couple of weeks ago, TravelGumbo offered advice on “flying through the airport.” We weren’t referring to the old Hertz commercials with...
Blog Post

TSA's Blog: Hidden guns, human skull and an exploding suitcase

Paul Heymont ·
The Transportation Safety Administration publishes a year-end list of what it's found in screening—helps justify the budget, yes? This year's list includes 1813 handguns, endless lists of black powder canisters, explosive "initiators," swords...
Blog Post

Is bad PreCheck planning responsible for TSA delays?

Paul Heymont ·
A veteran travel editor argues that the 90-minute+ security lines growing at airports stem in part from TSA's mishandling of its PreCheck program.
Blog Post

TSA studying NFL security for airports

Paul Heymont ·
Where are you most likely to be scanned and probed? After airports, the likely answer is stadiums and concert venues—and the TSA is seriously interested in advanced technology now in use at the San Francisco 49ers' Levis Stadium.   The...
Blog Post

TSA: More delays, more complaints, some hope

Paul Heymont ·
TSA lines are getting very long again at many airports, with passengers told to allow 3 hours at some. At Atlanta, the solution is part of the problem.
Blog Post

TSA: More lines, delayed flights

Paul Heymont ·
More problems with security lines at major airports, including nearly two hours at Chicago. At DFW, American delayed flights because of lines.
Blog Post

TSA strands 450 overnight: could it get worse?

Paul Heymont ·
The ongoing crisis of short staffing and long lines has now led to 450 American Airlines passengers missing evening flights at Chicago O'Hare.
Blog Post

TSA adds agents after airport complaints

Paul Heymont ·
After complaints about growing delays, TSA has gotten an OK to cancel layoffs, hire agents and move teams. But the delays are still growing...
Blog Post

Body Scanners now can be mandatory if TSA deems it necessary

Travel Rob ·
TSA can force people through the body scanners if deemed necessary.
Blog Post

Atlanta tells TSA 'shape up or ship out'

Paul Heymont ·
Atlanta's busy airport, upset over long security delays, threatens to replace TSA screeners with private contractors.
Comment

Re: TSA-confiscated items: Wonder where they go?

GarryRF ·
How could that system could be cost effective? But I do like a well researched article. Only a female journalist would refer to a Cricket bat as a "wooden club" Makes my toes curl !
Comment

Re: TSA-confiscated items: Wonder where they go?

Paul Heymont ·
I think you've confused gender with nationality, Garry. I think there are many Americans, bereft of knowledge of the game, who might make that mistake.
Comment

Re: TSA-confiscated items: Wonder where they go?

DrFumblefinger ·
Isn't a cricket bat something you use to whack those pesky insects with?
Comment

Re: TSA-confiscated items: Wonder where they go?

GarryRF ·
Shame on you DrF !! Canada ( and Alberta ) have some wonderful Cricket Teams. I believe you spend too much time close to the border.
Comment

Re: TSA: More delays, more complaints, some hope

Travel Rob ·
I was in the Atlanta airport in October and the TSA line was a mess then. I think the very fact that they have crowds before people go through security make the airports far less secure.
Comment

Re: TSA: More delays, more complaints, some hope

GarryRF ·
The overcrowding of US Airports is easily solved. Drag the minds of those who make decisions into the 21st Century. - Better late than never. If you're only making an international connection in the US - you stay in the International Departures Lounge until your onward flight is boarding. The rest of the world has been doing it for decades. And one other thing. Stop confusing making travel safe with just insulting people who are not Americans. You've had long enough to get your act together.
 
×
×
×
×