TSA Experiences Today at Lubbock Airport...

[Azza]

My only complaint about increased airport security is the whole: "don't wear underwires" thing. It would be embarassing enough to set off the metal detector with those but then being asked to remove the sweatshirt over the skimpy tank top without the benefit of underwires leaves much to be desired.

Try having Body Piercings in places that cant be seen. Then they wanna know why the detector keeps getting set off...

 

[Dive-aholic]

I'm still curious about this? Aren't unattended cars parked close to the terminal supposed to be one of the big no-nos - so a terrorist cannot blow us up without sacrificing himself at least...?...

Ever fly out of Philly. The baggage check in area is not climate controlled. No stores or restaurants outside of security. In other words, drop off the passengers at the curb, check those bags and get through security. No stragglers allowed.

...Need pictures please... ...

Me too

...Take the batteries out of those dive lights people! She'd stop and remove batteries from everyone she searched.

Don't worry about the batteries. Just pack the lights with your BP. I carry my BP on to save my check in weight. I have a back up light strapped to the harness. I also pack my can light in there - you know, the thing with 3 sticks taped together (aka batteries) - TSA picks up the can light and puts it aside to get to the BP. A big hunk of metal creates quite a distraction. In fact, the last guy asked if it was a rebreather!

 

[scubarick314]

I have a titanium total knee replacement and a couple times I have had a TSA agent wand the knee, see the ten inch scar, and still pat the knee down while I was wearing shorts.

 

[DrSteve]

I'm always pissed at the having to remove shoes thing. On the 3rd flight of my day all of a sudden I'm told to take my shoes off. I've even seen people wearing flip flops have to remove them. I asked in Cleveland one time "where does it tell me to take my shoes off? If there was a sign we'd all get through a lot quicker" I was told there were 5 TV's, so I asked if they could point out *one* and they couldn't!

 

[TCB]

It appears there may be hope that some of the sillier restrictions and rules may be lifted: Airline screening hassles may be cut. Did someone in DC develop a sudden case of common sense?

Of course, at the same time, we hear that the TSA is making sure no dangerous babies are allowed on flights: 'No-fly list' keeps infants off planes.

 

[DandyDon]

It appears there may be hope that some of the sillier restrictions and rules may be lifted: Airline screening hassles may be cut. Did someone in DC develop a sudden case of common sense?

That would be nice, but how often do we see a feel-good law or regulation made more sensible. I wish we could grow industrial hemp here, like they do in Canada, but it's in the marijuana family - so politicians win votes by outlawing it and lose votes if they want to legalize it.

Of course, at the same time, we hear that the TSA is making sure no dangerous babies are allowed on flights: 'No-fly list' keeps infants off planes.

I saw that. Do you feel safer...? :14:

 

[Web Monkey]

The TSA is quite reasonable and consistent compared to some of the airlines.

I was trying to check in at JetBlue with my SCUBA stuff, including a 19 Cu Ft pony tank in the checked luggage.

The gate agent told me I'd have to remove the tank, since they weren't allowed to carry oxygen.

I explained that it was an air tank, not an oxygen tank, that it never contained oxygen, and absolutely didn't contain any now, since the valve had been removed, and anybody could look right into the tank and see it was empty.

No dice. I had to leave it in my car.

When I returned, I wrote to JetBlue and explained this all over again, and was told once again, they weren't allowed to carry oxygen tanks.

I explained that the tank was an air tank, was not O2 clean, was not certified for or labeled for oxygen, had never contained oxygen, and sent them links to the TSA and the DOT that specifically recognize empty air tanks as non-hazardous.

Got a reply back about not being allowed to carry Oxygen containers again.

Not wanting to make the airline's list of cranks and nut-jobs, I gave up.

Anybody have any suggestions?

Terry

It appears there may be hope that some of the sillier restrictions and rules may be lifted: Airline screening hassles may be cut. Did someone in DC develop a sudden case of common sense?

Of course, at the same time, we hear that the TSA is making sure no dangerous babies are allowed on flights: 'No-fly list' keeps infants off planes.

 

[DrSteve]

I for one feel much safe and I quote:
Any of the changes proposed by the staff, which also would allow scissors, ice picks and bows and arrows on flights, would require Hawley's approval, this official said, requesting anonymity because there has been no final decision

Let's keep those nast nail clippers on the list and allow ice picks and bows and arrows!

As for those babies...

 

[DrSteve]

The TSA is quite reasonable and consistent compared to some of the airlines.

I was trying to check in at JetBlue with my SCUBA stuff, including a 19 Cu Ft pony tank in the checked luggage.

The gate agent told me I'd have to remove the tank, since they weren't allowed to carry oxygen.

Anybody have any suggestions?

Terry

You could try and write to the watch dog agency for the aviation industry - I forget the name, but there is one. Also, instead of writing to the customer service department, check out the CEO or something from the company financials and write to him, also the better business bureau may be able to do something.

 

[DandyDon]

I carry a copy of this from TSA and put a copy with my pony: http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1190.xml

Transporting Scuba Equipment

Some scuba gear can be transported on-board the aircraft. Please refer to the guidelines below:

Regulators, Buoyancy Compensators and mask, snorkel and fins are all acceptable as checked or carry-on baggage.
A compressed gas cylinder is allowed in carry-on or checked baggage ONLY if the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder and the cylinder is no longer sealed (i.e. the cylinder has an open end). The cylinder must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection inside. TSA Security Screeners will NOT remove the seal/regulator valve from the cylinder at the checkpoint. If the cylinder is sealed (i.e. the regulator valve is still attached), the cylinder is prohibited and not permitted through the security checkpoint, regardless of the reading on the pressure gauge indicator. TSA Security Screeners must visibly ensure that the cylinder is completely empty and that there are no prohibited items inside.
Knives and tools are prohibited from carry-on luggage. These items should be packed in checked luggage. Any sharp objects packed in checked luggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners.
Spear guns are prohibited from carry-on luggage. These items should be packed in checked luggage.

Compressed gas cylinders are not allowed, but as long as your pony meets TSA, there's nothing on Jet Blue site prohibing it. Print this out too maybe: http://www.jetblue.com/travelinfo/howToDetail.asp?topicId=29