When You Should Give The Shirt Off Your Back

NEWSDAY ^ | june 2, 2002 | Elliot Hester

[blackbag]

Whenever I hear about passenger "outbursts" at airport security checkpoints, my temperature rises a few degrees.

What are these problematic people trying to accomplish? Why are they being so thorny with the very people who are trying to keep them safe?

But after my recent clash with airport security at Miami International Airport, I realize that some passengers have valid complaints.

Traveling for pleasure and dressed in civilian clothes, I placed my carry-on on the conveyor belt and prepared to walk through the metal detector.

[buffyt]

You are right. It is reverse discrimination. Against Whites.

[RANGERAIRBORNE]

When this monstrosity of a worthless program (that is, Federalizing airport screeners) was passed, and Bush failed to veto it, I reasoned something like this: "These people are arrogant morons- they are going to irritate the Hell out of the traveling public, which includes many of the better-informed and higher-earning folks in this country- and they, in turn, are going to blame the Democrats who pushed this nonsense through".

While that was a good theory, it is not working out in practice- the Administration is taking ALL the blame for these snafus, and the Democrats are off taking potshots about old FBI memos.

When will Bush realize that he is making too many mistakes that impact real people (people who VOTE), and reverse course? I hope not before it's too late, and we have a Democrat House and Senate, and President Hillary on the way!

[Kermit]

They're from the government. They're here to help you. :^|

[Darth Sidious]

When will Bush realize that he is making too many mistakes that impact real people (people who VOTE), and reverse course?

When Bush becomes like one of the "real people" in this country... which is to say, he never has been and never will be. Why should he care about why this impacts us? He's already been installed into a cushy comfort zone for life... he's as far removed from "real people" as one is apt to get in this world.

Things like this are put into effect by those "who know what's best" for the rest of us, doncha know?

[buffyt]

Eggsactly! Whites, blacks, Asians, Hispanics are searched while Mid Eastern looking males pass on through! If you look American you are a target.

[Redcloak]

I am convinced that they pulled me precisely because I was the "waspiest" man in that line.

My experience since 9/11 has been totally the opposite, which is amazing when one considers that I do look like a middle-eastern terrorist!

[varon]

And this little Hitler will probably soon be a Federal employee...

Yeppers, like maybe the Director of the FBI ;-)

[blackbag]

I was flying the first day the airport reopened. 9-14-2001.
My experience that day although the plane was full the "swarthy" types.
They WERE being watched and searched. Since that time I have witnessed
a number of odd serches. Seems like security was more sensibleback then compared to now.

[justlurking]

I fly almost every week on business and I've been watching the "random" searches. From what I've seen, these factors will get you singled out:

• You are traveling on a one-way ticket.
• You bought your ticket within the past seven days.
• Your ID is not "perfect" (i.e. an expired driver's license).
• You are standing in front of the pack waiting to board the plane (frequent flyers are typically waiting there, having just come from the airline's club and not bothering to sit down).
• You are the last person on the plane (the screener admitted this to me)
• You have any significant metal on you (even if it doesn't set off the alarm). I got hung up last week because I forgot to take about $2 in change out of my pocket. Don't forget about metal eyelets for shoelaces.

I can't avoid the "random" check for explosives in my carry-on bag, because it has so many cables, power converters, PC cards, etc. I'm now required to take my computer out of the bag and run it through separately and that can be a real pain at some checkpoints because they don't have a table that I can use.

But, I've learned the routine and have figured out how to minimize my delays. Now that American has opened separate checkpoints for first-class and frequent flyers in a few airports, it makes things even easier.

I no longer fly unless the drive exceeds 4-5 hours. Even if the flight is less than an hour, I have to start to the airport about 2-1/2 hours before my flight departs and expect another hour on the other end.

Airlines are starting to figure out that people aren't flying because it's too much hassle -- not because they are afraid it isn't safe.

[RichardsSweetRose]

If ever you have a problem at the security checkpoint, never, ever ask to see the manager.

And remember to take off your jacket, even if it's actually a shirt.

AND IF YOU ARE A WOMAN, ESPECIALLY A WELL ENDOWED ONE, NEVER, EVER, AND I DO MEAN NEVER WEAR A LONG LINE BRA!!

[blackbag]

"AND IF YOU ARE A WOMAN, ESPECIALLY A WELL ENDOWED ONE,
NEVER, EVER, AND I DO MEAN NEVER WEAR A LONG LINE BRA!!"

ooh la la..