TSA Implementing New Screening Procedures for All Electronics 'Larger Than a Cell Phone'

[thisisnotmyname]

I'd love it if those that hate on TSA, because they were jedi mind tricked into it most probably, to have a separate line and board with no safety checks. No infringing on their freedoms! I bet there wouldn't be to many takers. lol.

I don't have the time this morning to rehash it all again but yes, I'd be in favor of having that separate line and use it if the funds currently used on TSA as it exists were reallocated (and likely greatly reduced) to more effective means of screening. You can look through my post history if you want to read more about my thoughts on the matter.

 

[CarlJ]

Last two times I flew we all already threw everything into the bins, including our phones and Apple watches. Then we walked through the scan-u-nekkid machine with only our clothes on--no shoes or belts. No biggie.

Last time I was on jury duty I walked through the metal detector, shoeless, with no alarms, and the guard said, "You'll have to take off your belt and go through again." I pointed out: a) it hadn't set off the alarms, and b) it was nylon webbing with a plastic buckle and thus could never trip the alarms. He said, "it's policy". The primary goal is following procedure, not catching bad guys.
[doublepost=1501089093][/doublepost]Macrumors quoting TSA official:

"It is critical for TSA to constantly enhance and adjust security screening procedures to stay ahead of evolving threats and keep passengers safe. By separating personal electronic items such as laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles for screening, we can make it easier for teams of crooks to permanently separate you from your electronic items." Gowadia meant to say.​

FTFY.

 

[TheTruth101]

Well... actually... having a laptop with you is basically for the 2 hours you will be waiting before boarding the plane. One on the plane... go to sleep (if you can) because there is no room for anything. You can work on your laptop until you get a Coke served. I mean... the experience is embarrassing.

 

[Nunyabinez]

This is sorely needed in response to the increasing number of terrorist attacks taking place on airlines recently... oh wait.

 

[ksnell]

Why is TSA still a thing? Weren't they proven to be useless at catching weapons etc.? like 95% of weapons were never detected during a study carried out some time ago. Why the hell are they adding extra screening procedures when there hasn't been any attacks carried out by terrorists **** knows how long.

As much as I agree with you and dislike the TSA and many of their practices, I do see they are in a lose-lose situation. They are blamed for being overbearing with their security measures, all the while being labeled as incompetent, and then the second an attack happens they will be blamed again.

If the TSA makes an area a weapon-free zone, the TSA immediately becomes responsible for everyone's lives in that zone and must do what they can to protect them.

 

[576316]

Here in the UK, you're always asked to remove all electronics and anything with a battery from your carry-on bag. They get placed into a tray and X-Ray'd along with your bag.

 

[eroslws]

Huh ive been doing this for as long as i can remember. I even have to put my phone in the seperate trey (Europe, Middle East, Central America)

I got TSA Pre on my first time travelling to the US in 2015 and i still dont know how or why i got it lol

TSA Pre works on probabilities and (I imagine) some algorithm based on threat levels. If you are a Known Traveler you have a very high chance of being selected to be in the TSA Pre line; otherwise, you have a low chance of being selected to be in the Pre line. I have always been in TSA Pre since obtaining my membership and any travelers with me (family, etc.) also get Pre, regardless of their status. I guess one day I'll be randomly placed into normal security, but I've yet to have that happen in the past 20+ roundtrips.

 

[skinned66]

How much safer do you feel?

 

[Iphtashu Fitz]

How about the screwdrivers that I forgot to take out of my bag and got em through every single time? Can I still get those though? #SafetyFirst

A couple years back when my wife and I were travelling the TSA stopped us to search the backpack she was using as carry-on after it went through the x-ray machine. They found two screwdrivers w/ approx. 4" shafts in the backpack that I had misplaced months earlier and we didn't spot when packing. The TSA agent took the screwdrivers and walked off with them to check with a supervisor. A couple minutes later she came back and handed them back to us, no questions asked.

 

[ksnell]

This whole pre check thing just seems like a "we had to find a way to make extra cash". What is to prevent you from becoming an extremist after the fact? Perhaps it's just my ignorance of the process, but it simply seems like a way to generate money without any real security effort.

Certainly revenue generating, but I believe individuals have to get a full background check again every 5 years. My guess is, if enough people get these background checks to be able to go through the quicker line with less security measures, it will relieve some pressure on the general access TSA line.

What I wonder is if you are in TSA Pre-Check, do you go on a private monitored list after qualifying.

 

[KidPub]

Clearly it is working hugely well; since implementing this policy, there have been NO terrorist attacks on US airlines!

 

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

They'll ban punching and kicking too. That will improve security.

 

[rotlex]

Security theater, and just another reason I only fly if it's business anymore. (And thankfully that is very unoften).

 

[simonmet]

Thank goodness for this. I'm enrolled in TSA Precheck. It is wonderful to not have to take your laptop, iPad out of the bag or your shoes off when going through security.

Shoes off? Wow! Is that because they're steel-capped?

You've had to put laptops in a tray in Australia too for as long as I can remember (10-15 years or more) but never understood why. You can at least have other things in the same tray.

My guess is it's to improve detection rates which seem to be quite poor based on the limited anecdotal evidence here. I've been pulled up a few times correctly and only once incorrectly (false positive) for a portable shaver, so the system seems to work ok in Australia.

 

[mrow]

I have seen this as well. It works very good... at the airports that have the equipment. Others? Not so much.

If you travel frequently, getting TSA Pre-Check and using your passport for ID will get you thru much faster. The $85 every 5 years to have pre-check and a Known Traveler ID number is worth it.

Quite a few credit cards these days will refund the $100 fee they charge to apply for Global Entry, which is the fast lane for going through customs when you’re returning to the US from international travel. If you get Global Entry you also get PreCheck. My wife and I both have credit cards that cover the $100. Best $200 we (never) spent.

 

[Solomani]

Not really a big deal. Just apply and pay for TSA Precheck. Yes, you are essentially paying the Government a "bribe" so that they promise to not harass you during travel screenings.

 

[jerryk]

Glad I am in the known traveler program which includes TSA Pre. In addition to zipping through security on the way out, you also zip through customs upon re-entering the US.

 

[TheAppleFairy]

Once they get into 100% mandatory cavity searches I am done.

 

[farewelwilliams]

let's annoy everyone and give everyone cancer with xrays so that people might think they're slightly safer.

 

[norbinhouston]

This is sorely needed in response to the increasing number of terrorist attacks taking place on airlines recently... oh wait.

Right, because the measures are working. Oh wait.

 

[jmoore5196]

TSA is American Gestapo.

I didn't have a problem taking my laptop out of my bag until several years ago, when I was flying overseas with a brand new 15" MacBook Pro. I got a little upset when the TSA agent carelessly tossed someone's shoe on my laptop.

Now I fly with everything in a sleeve (even my iPad Pro) which - until TSA arbitrarily changes their arbitrary rules - bulks up my carryon bag a bit but allows my equipment to emerge from the tunnel unscathed.

When I was flying with an 11" MacBook Air, some airports would allow it to remain in the bag and others would not. When I called attention to the fact that TSA's own documentation said the 11" MBA could stay in the bag and that I was, in fact, traveling with a computer TSA had already decided did not have to come out of the bag, I was subjected to 'extra' screening. This happened in small airports and large ... Newark's agents, in particular, claimed not to be able to distinguish between an 11" and 13" MBA.

I'm now a 'known traveler' so I typically get Pre check. Best money I ever spent!

 

[norbinhouston]

Shoes off? Wow! Is that because they're steel-capped?

No its so they can X-ray your shoes, there was already an attempted shoe bombing. I guess its pretty popular to hate on the TSA.

 

[winston1236]

I'd love it if those that hate on TSA, because they were jedi mind tricked into it most probably, to have a separate line and board with no safety checks. No infringing on their freedoms! I bet there wouldn't be to many takers. lol.

Cool story. Doesn't change the fact that it is a government jobs program that they would never cancel because of what it would do to the unemployment rate.

 

[Dan DeWilde]

I have seen this as well. It works very good... at the airports that have the equipment. Others? Not so much.

If you travel frequently, getting TSA Pre-Check and using your passport for ID will get you thru much faster. The $85 every 5 years to have pre-check and a Known Traveler ID number is worth it.

Actually Global Entry is the better deal. Same 5 year span, includes TSA PreCheck, and expedites your process through customs... for only $10 more.

 

[Nunyabinez]

Right, because the measures are working. Oh wait.

Has there been a terrorist attack on a plane in the US that I am not aware of since 2001?