Unfortunately, I think this is just the beginning of what the TSA is going to do.
About 3 months ago, I was going through the TSA security checkpoint at Chicago’s Midway Airport. I forgot to take the laptop out of my bag, so the security screener stopped my bag. The following then happened:
Screener: “You forgot to take your laptop out of your bag. So your going to have to pay the fee.”
Not sure what he was referring to, I did not respond, but he repeated his request about the fee 2 more times, with a stern tone.
Me: “What fee ?”
Screener: “The fee for me to inspect your bag. It’s going to be an extra $10.”
I didn’t respond, since at first I thought it was just some joke. But he kept repeating it and refused to give me back my bag. Finally it seemed like he was serious.
Me: “OK.. Can you provide me with some kind of invoice or receipt of services for this fee?”
Screener: (after a 5 second pause and blank stare). “Next time just remember to take your laptop out of your bag.”
At the time, there was no one else waiting behind me on line. There were just the two screeners: one male working the security machine for the carry-on bags and a female standing behind me.
As I took my laptop bag and started to walk away, the female screener behind me said “Just a joke... you gotta have some fun sometimes...” It never seemed like a joke to me, since neither of them laughed or smiled even once during the incident.
It was a weird experience, but since I had not heard anyone else having this kind of experience, I wrote it off. But now, I think what we are hearing about is just the start of much more abusive behavior.
Some joke. Sounds like a Federal employee soliciting a bribe.
If it happens again, the one solicited should pull out a cell phone, turn on the camera and request the screener repeat the question.
Interesting that this was in Chicago.
The TSAholes have a warped sense of humor. They actual placed what looked like bags of cocaine in passengers carry on luggage recently, made a big scene in front of the terrified passenger, and then said, “Just kidding. It was a joke!” I heard about this happening.....I forget which airport.
SOunds to me like someone wanted some ‘beer money’. Such holdups are common, as I understand, in the third world where ‘gratuities’ smooth things along, but we are already paying these officials well. If it happens again, report pay the fee (to get your stuff), then report them. It might help to have a few bills in your wallet that you have the serial numbers written down for if you fly through there frequently—that could be damning evidence indeed if those bills ended up in the TSA pocket. Either that or tell them you have no cash and offer to write them a check...