What Next?

“You know the drill: spread ‘em!” An outtake from a popular cop show? No, the phrase now heard at airports around the country spoken by any one of the innumerable TSA screeners. Regular readers know my feelings regarding this agency and I will try to avoid redundancy as I address this latest affront to the traveling public.

First, let’s look at what we know. The TSA  (no, it does not stand for Thousands Standing Around, but I must admit it would be appropriate) is tasked with creating the image of providing meaningful security. To think that this assemblage is comprised of experienced security professionals is laughable. One look no further than their on-line application to see how low the standards are. I’d be surprised if much difference was found between this application and those from fast-food chains. Suffice it to say that your screener is more than likely nothing more than a clerk: one who knows nothing more than policy, if that, and cannot see any shades of gray while exercising the duties of the job.

We also know the TSA is reactive rather than proactive. They started looking at our shoes after the shoe bomber. They limited our liquids to three ounces after the London plot was exposed. And now they seek to examine our unmentionables almost a year after the underwear bomber. In other words, they are protecting us from yesterday’s dangers with nary a look at what might happen tomorrow. Now, since the cargo plane scheme, print cartridges are outlawed. I find the mentality as simplistic as Whack-A-Mole. They keep looking at the last hole rather than getting ready for the head to appear in a different location.

That about sums up what we know about the TSA, doesn’t it? A group of inexperienced folks strictly following procedures while looking for old dangers. The new procedure that has caused such an uproar is only the latest in a series of steps that accomplish little more than adding another layer of paint on a façade. And what a procedure it is. You’ve got to admit, though, that at least you’re given a choice: submit to a naked photo session or allow a stranger to grope you. Boy oh boy, where do I sign up?

Now here’s what we don’t know: will the traveling public finally say they’ve had it with the poking and prodding or will they meekly submit to yet further intrusion? Will they endure the pat-down so as to attain a greater good or will they surrender to the more timely radioactive picture of their nether regions? Will they demand adherence to the 4th Amendment or acquiesce in the name of homeland security? So far, the reaction gives me hope that we have, indeed, reached the limit, but my only fear is that the indignation will wane in the name of expediency. The idea of an opt-out day just prior to Thanksgiving is admirable, but the opting-out decision must become a daily philosophy if we are to have any hope that this procedure will be amended or rescinded. 

Day in and day out, we must choose a pat-down in a private area. The TSA doesn’t want you to opt out in favor of the pat down because it takes longer and requires more personnel. Add the request for a private pat down and the need for both time and people are amplified. And when requesting the private pat down, keep one more thing in mind: the private session will have an additional person in the room. This person is another TSA representative to make sure there are no liberties taken. Well, what about a passenger representative? I’d suggest taking a friend in with you to back up your side of the story if anything seems untoward. You can bet that the two TSA types will provide cover for each other, leaving you out in the cold. No, take a friend/witness of some sort. Yes, it will take longer and yes, the delays may seem eternal. But only then will the process change.

In the meantime, we may hear requests for patience as procedures are “tweaked”. Don’t believe it for a minute. If you reconsider and agree to submit to the “simple scan” you can be assured that change will be further delayed. We’ve got to stay the course until sanity returns to our airport security process. You may also consider writing to airlines and airports of choice and telling them that your travel plans will not include flying until such time that these onerous procedures are eliminated. It will add to the pressure needed for the TSA to alter their approach..

This is truly a grass roots effort as the higher-ups have no real desire to change procedures they have put into action. We’ve all heard the “take back our country” campaign slogans leading up to the election earlier this month. How about taking back our airports? Perhaps we can create a TSA that bases its screening on current threats while using additional techniques seen in countries around the world. It would cost more to obtain the services of true security professionals, but I can’t help but think that air travel might once again become somewhat of a pleasurable experience. And wouldn’t that be money well spent?