I just read a post by my friend Matt Galligan sharing a particularly bad experience he had with the TSA.
One agent began to escort me through the machine, where I assumed falsely that I could just walk straight through. When she realized I was an “opt out”, she escorted me back through. It was then that I let her know of my concern for my materials and I’d appreciate the opportunity to watch over them. Her exact words back to me: “No, no you can’t watch your stuff. You need to go back over there.”
Like Matt, I always opt out of the nudie photo makers at the airport. My experience varies from airport to airport, but more often than not I’m greeted with scowls and “are you sure you want to do that?” While I’m worried about the health issues (it says a lot that the TSA won’t let anyone test them!), it’s my small way of protesting the security theater that inconveniences everyone without making us any safer.
The fact that they don’t let you watch your items while you are waiting for a pat down is unbelievable. Hearing Matt’s story reminded me of the time I walked through for my pat down just in time to catch someone “accidentally” walking away with my brand new mac book air. He apologized and handed it back, but if TSA had kept me waiting even 30 seconds longer it would have been gone.
TSA is a joke and people need to start speaking up if we want things to change.
Completely agree. Last week when I opted out, they lady had to call 3 times to find someone to handle my screening, and the last reply someone shouted back: "He is an opt out, let him wait"
The TSA has been getting worse for years, the whole system needs a complete overhaul.
Despite the statements on the TSA website, passengers are routinely denied access to their property often resulting in thefts.
This agency needs to be held accountable for their actions and those who expose passengers to needless risks punished.
As a further protest to their sexual assault-searches, you could make it as uncomfortable for the assaulter as possible.
When they touch you, moan and groan a little as if you are getting off on that. :p