Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport TSA
I am a pretty even tempered, laid back person, but I almost lost it going through security this Sunday. I don't do carry-ons. Only a laptop if I have to bring it. Other than that, nada. This Sunday, my carry-ons included a wallet, cell phone, carmex, purel hand sanitizer (too many germs on planes), a book and my boarding pass. I didn't even have any keys with me. I was wearing my preferred travel uniform consisting of a button down shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes. I have flown enough post 9/11 to move through security without a hitch.
So on Sunday, when the screener said to take off my shoes, I said as I ususally do, "ah, it's ok, I won't set anything off." Here's where I start to get pissed off...she tells me, "no, take them off anyway, we aren't looking for metal." My first reaction was to think "then why am I about to walk through a METAL DETECTOR?" But she continues..."If you don't take them off, you will be searched." WOW! Now, let me clarify. I don't think I should have been let through without incident because of what I looked like (a "non-threat). I think I should have been let through because I gave them everything I had to search, and I had no other metal on my body. If you aren't looking for metal in my shoes, what about my POCKETS? Why don't you make me take off my pants and run those through the machine. I think this is a new form of discrimination...they were prepared to search me even though I sent no metal detectors off, only because I was still wearing my tennis shoes. Ugh, utterly reidiculous, unnerving, and a bit intrusive. I thought we were past this point in airport security. There was a time when everyone had to take their shoes off post 9/11, and people's buttons and zippers would set off the detectors. Today, it's supposed to be a lot better. Well, not in Phoenix.
So I am going to take a stand. Starting today, I am on a crusade to eliminate all funding for the TSA at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. They pissed me off, and now I think they should get nothing for their stupid rules. I don't blame the screeners, they were only doing their jobs. I blame the moron who thought this would be a good idea. And the worst thing, our taxes pay for this. That's why I am a republican...I can't stand Government.
So on Sunday, when the screener said to take off my shoes, I said as I ususally do, "ah, it's ok, I won't set anything off." Here's where I start to get pissed off...she tells me, "no, take them off anyway, we aren't looking for metal." My first reaction was to think "then why am I about to walk through a METAL DETECTOR?" But she continues..."If you don't take them off, you will be searched." WOW! Now, let me clarify. I don't think I should have been let through without incident because of what I looked like (a "non-threat). I think I should have been let through because I gave them everything I had to search, and I had no other metal on my body. If you aren't looking for metal in my shoes, what about my POCKETS? Why don't you make me take off my pants and run those through the machine. I think this is a new form of discrimination...they were prepared to search me even though I sent no metal detectors off, only because I was still wearing my tennis shoes. Ugh, utterly reidiculous, unnerving, and a bit intrusive. I thought we were past this point in airport security. There was a time when everyone had to take their shoes off post 9/11, and people's buttons and zippers would set off the detectors. Today, it's supposed to be a lot better. Well, not in Phoenix.
So I am going to take a stand. Starting today, I am on a crusade to eliminate all funding for the TSA at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. They pissed me off, and now I think they should get nothing for their stupid rules. I don't blame the screeners, they were only doing their jobs. I blame the moron who thought this would be a good idea. And the worst thing, our taxes pay for this. That's why I am a republican...I can't stand Government.
26 Comments:
funny i had the same incident happen to me today at the airport in Dallas..I've walked through metal dectectors in countless countries with these shoes ..never set anything off..so when I told her that and I thought she was cool..until I passed the metal dectector and she told me that I'd be needing a "male assist" ASAP...as if I was being noncooperative!
I just blamed it on the fact that I was in Texas:)
totally different situation...I would have you searched if you tried to walk into my building!!! That nice guy act doesn't have me fooled.
one time i walked through the metal detector with steel-toed boots and they said "are you wearing steel-toed boots?" i said yes and the lady gave a boys will be boys smile and just waved me down with the wand
they are probably looking for plastic explosives. i don't know much about building bombs, but i think you can make one without metal, or you can make one that can be assembled on the plane, with the explosive part in your shoes. but they must be doing this because of the shoe-bomber guy, just like they started searching women's breasts after some chechen women brought down two russian jets with plastic explosives
maybe you can go in wearing only a bathrobe and sandals, this way any sort of search they perform on you will be considered unreasonable
Forget the robe...just the sandals!
So....let me get this straight?
I might have explosives planted in my breasts? Shit! This is not good. Unfortunately, I will be in Phoenix and not looking forward to this.
People look at my breasts too much as there is.
So you hate goverment. It was bush who converted the entire airport security operation to a goverment agency in one the biggest bureaucratic birth grab of our time. At least before, you could complain to the airport and whatever private contractor they used. Now you have to go all the way to the white house cabinet to get to the top. Good luck.
I'm not saying that it was wrong. I'm just picking on you because you're republican and you picked W to be your leader.
Yeah, cuz airport security was obviously the best it could be before President Bush established Homeland Security. I would look for a different model to bash the President on.
I'm confused. I don't know you guys but feel compelled to comment.
The shoe checking thing has been common place since Richard Reid four years ago. You should know that they make you take your shoes off to check for explosives and not metal. You should know that the security area is not a place for humour. The role of airport security has changed, not allowing your shoes to be checked is just as bad as refusing to let them see inside your bag.
Believe me, the act of chosing to screen someone for reasons outside setting off the metal detectors is not new at all. I fit the exact profile of a drug mule. I'm a young woman who often travels alone. I've been getting stop for searches for years, long before 9/11, I get proked and prodded by the metal wand, patted down, you name it. This is what I'm willing to do to fly, I have issues with strip searches and am lucky that I haven't had to deal with that but think that your comparison of your shoes to your pants is a bit unreasonable.
Today its supposed to be better? What do you mean by that? Have they magically developed a universal scanner for plastic explosives that I missed, until they do..its just reality that we sometimes will have to be uncomfortable sometimes.
I'm sorry for the harshness but I really had a reaction to your post.
As a note, I am a liberal and Canadian. This isn't about politics.
Alfie, you know I love you. And I know that creating the TSA was the right thing to do. I just like poking fun at people's political opinions (both right and left).
Asha, If one would be looking for plastic explosives, wouldn't you check my POCKETS? That's my point. Why would I hide anything in my shoes if I know they aren't going to look at the rest of me. I think it is stupid to think that by scanning shoes, the world is safer. I meant that it is supposed to be better today because we have made significant policy developments to improve the efficiency and process of airport security. However, in Phoenix, I didn't see any improvements since the chaos that insued after 9/11. Granted that chaos was because no one in the world was prepared for what happened, and we needed to readjust. I just think that Phoenix is taking a little longer to improve.
So, the shoe checking thing is not commonplace, but rather the exception. The busiest airport in the world, O'Hare, doesn't MAKE you take off your shoes. Why should Phoenix?
I don't want to drag this out too long, but will add my comment anyway.
Based on your logic, why should they even bother scanning our bags if they're not going to check our entire person. Remember when we didn't have to remove our coats? Now we do. For some reason coats are okay but shoes aren't?
You make a fair point, they should ask you to empty your pockets and I remember reading about expensive body scanning machines that check for heat and material irregularities, not sure what the deal is with those but maybe that will solve your issue.
Commonplace does not mean everytime. I have only needed to remove my shoes every other time I fly through Newark and have had to remove my shoes in Chicago a few times. I was just trying to point out that I don't think pushing back at an airport security guard for asking you to remove your shoes is justified. We know why they ask. We know they have the right to ask. We also know that the the system is not perfect. Some airports dust check all laptops for explosives, some don't. I wish I knew why. But I don't feel upset or violated when they do.
I'm being difficult on purpose.
for asha: i say we joke about it because we want to make some sense of the issue. modern bomb-making technology allows a bomb to be assembled in minutes from seemingly ordinary looking materials. plastic explosives deliver a bigger yield than conventional ones, can be formed to a desired shape, and they only need a small electrical current to set them off. the infinitely customizable weapon should bewilder travel security, so they just go by what they have seen people do in the past (richard reid, chechen women) the laughing is cynical because it doesn't take too much creativity to successfully conceal and detonate an explosive like this, and people have been pulling it off since the late 70's. tsa's effort is like the drunk who lost his car keys, and he looks under a streetlamp because he couldn't see them anywhere else
I'm actually enjoying this banter.
We all seem to agree that the security methods are sub-par, often archaic and not advancing as fast as the bad guys. However, I don't think that means that they should stop looking in the most obvious places. People are dumb and its probably a matter of time before some idiot tries to light up his shoes again.
Don't get me wrong, I laugh, share and joke about it too..just not when I'm in line getting searched. We all know that talking back will get you searched. Its like when you're going through a drinking/driving road check (not sure if they are the same in the US), its the TSA's (or security people wherever you are) job to be unreasonable and unflexible, besides, it gives us more to bitch about later.
Cheers!
Asha, try to look at this from a customer service standpoint. In many US airports, EVERYONE is being asked to take off their shoes. As a frequent traveller, a year ago, the common approach of security was that security asked you whether your shoes usually set off the metal detector or not, if so or you weren't sure, they asked you to remove them. It was VERY accepted by security for you to engage in a dialogue and let them know if you thought you didn't need to take your shoes off.
Now, suddenly they are asking everybody and all they would have to do is explain, "sorry to inconvenience you but blah blah blah has a new policy that everyone has to take off their shoes". If security did that, I don't think anyone would gripe.
Thanks for the clarity Mike.
To be honest I've never been asked if I have metal shoes. I've always just been ordered to take them off. Might be because I'm almost always on international flights from the US, until recently. My terminal in Newark has a sign, saying remove shoes and jacket, nobody ever complains. I much prefer the all or none approach, seems more fair. If the problem is with how they are asking not THAT they are asking then its cool, we're not all that far apart.
anyway, I think this convo has dragged on long enough.
I am a TSA screener at PHX. I really and truly do sympathize with your distress over shoes, coats, etc. Some folks are asked to remove shoes. There are a number of classified reasons why you might get asked. They have to do with making sure your airplane doesn't get blown out of the sky, nothing more, nothing less.
If you refuse to remove them, you will be subject to extensive searching because it looks like you are trying to hide something.
We can expedite your movement through the checkpoint if you cooperate regarding the shoe thing. It takes MORE time to hand search you than it does to x-ray your shoes, and by the way, all those people behind you in line? They are already pissed off at you for delaying them when they see you giving the screeners a hard time about your shoes. You wouldn't believe some of the comments they make about people who refuse to doff shoes and coats.
TSA's procedures frequently change because the terrorist's tactics frequently change. We HAVE to stay one step ahead of them.
Try to remember this:
TSA screeners have to be correct and perfect 100% of the time, 24/7/365. The terrorist only has to be correct ONCE to make his day a cause for celebration all over the world.
So, before you get all upset at the inconvenience we are causing you, please don't take it personally. It's a dynamic and changing situation, and TSA's procedures and technology are constantly developing, growing, and adapting to it.
Just be glad you arrived safely at your last destination and got home again to whine about it.
Please understand that I absilutely understand and support everything that our TSA screeners do. I am not one to complain about slow lines, etc. My complaint was the POLICY that has everyone take off their shoes.
I support the TSA, and I understand what it means to have people threaten our livelihood, and if we could do more, spend more, do whatever else we can to keep us even safer, then I am all for it. So this post was mainly offering my frustration about what the TSA screeners are asked to do, and more importantly, what that yields. Let me ask you this...why wouldn't I just put whatever I am hiding in my shoes in my POCKETS? Again, no one has an answer to that question yet.
Listen, the TSA does a lot of good, and it has alot of policies that are just stupid. And there are some airports that do something one way, and other that do things other ways. It's not the screeners that are making these decisions, it's the policymakers.
Also a PHX TSA screener...
It would be difficult to hide enough plastic explosives in your pocket when we also request you remove all bulky outter wear.
Hope you return to the PHX airport soon....You don't have to take off your shoes at checkpoint A. You now have the option to be "sniffed" by our machine that smells out explosives! So you can be happy and wear your metal-less shoes without any trouble!!
BTW....all airports are suppose to inforce the shoe rule. Yet seems we hear most don't.
America what a great country.Infact it's one of the greatest countries in the free world... and don't kill you for critizing the way the goverment is run..
What is the problem with removing your shoes? Your screener sounded a bit abrasive and a little misinformed....Most shoes have to be removed... We are not allowed to profile people ( some civil rights B.S.) but we can profile footwear....you might not have metal shanks , detonators or knives hidden in your shoe but you can house explosives, narcotics.. and other prohibited items...
TSa screeners have been trained to detect explosive materials and their components...
When coming through the metal detector we do ask for your compliance of removing your shoes, empty metal objects from your pockets, remove outer garments / bulk clothing...(there are also signs posted all over the airport) letting you that you are subjected to search...
Recently at my post in NYC.. a family came through.,.. as their children stuffed animal made it through xray... I found a gun, drugs and Fireworks... Some nice parents..I also had to pat down a Handicapped elderly woman in a wheelchair.... I felt terrible.. she probably was someones' grandma... On her person I found a knive tucked under her arm..and her bag contained numerous torch lighters that were replicas of handguns... all prohibited items...
We check everyone.......not everyone is searched as intensively as others.. but everyone is searched...
My biggest and most important complaint is that TSa doesnt complete background checks on our employees,....anyone of us could be an evil doer... giving the rest of us a bad name...
I am proud of the job I do...and I know that each passenger I let in.. is no harm to others...
Oh and to the guy who like to make fun of us...
well dont think we don't make fun of the unruly passengers who act like spoiled children and hold up the other passengers....we get a good laugh at you!
Oh and one more thing.... TSa might have ridiculous rules...(which by the way are constantly changing)..But remember in order to fly... you must comply.............
NYC Person...I don't know if you are going to read this, but the one thing no one has been able to tell me with a realistic response is why my shoes are a threat in Phoenix and not Milwaukee?
After reading these posts I have to reply with comments that somewhat helps everyone.
If you are asked to remove your shoes please complain, but not to the Screener doing their job. We get into too many arguments daily about shoes/coats prohibited items and this slows down the line of passengers. We cannot change policys, just enforce them.
Ask for a Supervisor POLITELY! If there is a Supervisor available then inform that individual of your complaint NICELY. If there is not a Supervisor available then you might try the TSA website for complaints. I do know some airports give out contact card info for complaints.
As matter of fact the Pat Down procedure was changed due to credible complaints from passengers.
As a passenger you have to remember we are tested frequently, if we fail we are subject to various things up to termination. We are monitored more via video than all passengers to ensure each procedure is performed correctly. If something goes arry then the video is pulled and viewed to see "What the screener did incorrectly". The blame is almost always on us...
Now...how would you like a day like that?
Smile the next time you walk thru, and say Thanks! I promise you will get a polite response.
"TSA screeners have to be correct and perfect 100% of the time, 24/7/365. The terrorist only has to be correct ONCE to make his day a cause for celebration all over the world."
ACTUALLY, the TSA screener has to be correct only ONCE, the day the terrorist tries to create another worldwide celebration.
Is New Year's eve on that list? What terrorist made that worldwide celebtation?
The rule on shoes: if the heel is less than an inch and you do not alarm the WTMD, then you are clear to go. (That's some of the "classified" info that is alluded to above; it actually isn't classified, it's only SSI). However, not all airports follow this SOP.
Also, even if your shoes are greater than one inch and you do not alarm the
WTMD, then the screener should only do a swab of your shoes and not a full secondary screening. Some airports, such as DEN, can't figure out how to keep secondary screening separate for these shoe only people, so they give the full treatment to all. Not quite in the spirit of the SOP.
Listen folks...I am in 2 to 4 airports a week traveling for business. PHX is nothing compared to several other airports I can name. Granted, I do live in metro PHX; however, if you want a truely hell situation try Toledo, OH. &*&^$&#*&^@#$ is about all I can say about the three times I've HAD to fly to that lovely airport.
I can deal with the occassional search, taking off my shoes (even in blessed winter) and even TSA handling my $900 carry-on bad like it is their bowling bag...but the last time I flew out of TOL I had never been treated more rudely by TSA personel. Just as an example...5 times I had to show my ticket to a TSA employee...once to enter security, then to enter the area BEFORE getting to the screening area, then to enter the screening area with the giant metal detector, then on the other side of the screening area and finally before I left the security check point. My GOD, are they so incompetant they don't trust themselves? The highlight of my TOL experience; however, had to be the near strip search of my person and my carry-on by the TSA person. They poked and prodded me so roughly I felt like I had just visited the Proctologist and had a COMPLETE exam...yes, let your imagination run with this one.
After I asked for the head TSA person in charge, I was asked why and then after explaining,in brief, my complaint I was told he was too busy at the moment.
In TOL's defense I have run into similar situations, although NOT as extreme in other small 'dink' airports and as such tend to avoid these miserable situations as best as possible.
On a happy note.... Ft Wayne, IN ( relatively close to Toledo, OH) has become my preferred airport in the area as the TSA people are human, professional and expediate when at all possible. MANY airports can take FWA as an example at how to correctly run security!
They were looking for explosives. Richard Reid's shoes did not set off metal detectors. It was probably a part of the 'randomness' policy that the new Administrator of TSA has announced. TSA tries to mix things up a bit now rather than every single airport do the exact same process. Sometimes various airports add a little extra security for shoes or maybe umbrellas or whatever. 100% security would shut down air travel, they are trying to balance security with the convenience that the american travel (as evidenced by yourself) demands.
Some of you people make me laugh. regardless of it being intrusive or annoying... would you rather have the inconvience of your life ending abruptly due to a hijacker or explosion on board-- or deal with bending your lazy ass down and removing your shoes? how soon we forget how fragile life is, and how evil people can be. an extra 5 minutes of your time and bending over wont kill you, but NOT doing it absolutly may kill you!!! -your also forgetting that terrorists are smart, smarter than our dumb lazy american asses, so if we keep doing things the same everyday they will figure it out and find ways around it (remember 9-11?) switching things up is the best way to nip anything that may try to sneek by. so next time you get pissed or have to wait an extra 2 minutes to board due to security, you should be thanking god for the fact that there is measures in place to keep up safer NOT bitching that you have to wait a few extra minutes to get your lazy ass in a seat to drink your overpriced starbucks latte!
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