NationStates Jolt Archive

Just came back from a short trip to the Dulles area. I had to repack before heading through the Atlanta TSA screen, though. The tools, equipment, etc that I packed in my checked bag were overweight by about 6 pounds. The airline wouldn't accept the bag until I lightened it.

So I took the most expendable item and put it in my carry-on backpack. It was a couple of eyebolts with a bunch of turnbuckles hooked on to them. You non-mechanical types will just have to look those up, but it's sufficient to say that they are about 6 pounds of metal that would make a wonderful bludgeon.

So I get to the x-ray machine and put my bag in. I walk around to the other side to collect my clothes, wallet, bag... Then I hear the expected call "Bag Check!"

The screener brings my backpack down to the end and asks if it's mine. I admit to ownership and he starts pulling stuff out of it. Finally, he grabs my shaving kit, opens it and, with great satisfaction, pulls out my toothpaste.

"This is too big," he tells me, "Trash it, ship it, or check it." I couldn't believe my eyes and ears, so I say "What?" He repeats himself and I tell him to trash it.

This must tie into that story that has been on the news lately about how many people use drugs in the workplace. Surely my toothpaste is more of a threat as a hunk of metal, is it?

Anyone else feel like TSA is no protection at all?

I think it's clear what's going on here.... Collgate is a terrorist organisation! *nods*

Welcome to a year ago, population you and every other idiot who tries to carry something prohibited on a plane.

I think I'm not alone when I say:
Haha, oh wow.

Welcome to a year ago, population you and every other idiot who tries to carry something prohibited on a plane.

You didn't get it, did you?

It wasn't about the toothpaste, it was about the 6 pound hunk of stainless steel they let him carry on the plane in his carry-on bag.

You didn't get it, did you?

It wasn't about the toothpaste, it was about the 6 pound hunk of stainless steel they let him carry on the plane in his carry-on bag.

Can't make a bomb out of that.

Welcome to a year ago, population you and every other idiot who tries to carry something prohibited on a plane.

It isn't that hard to "smuggle" dangerous items such as toothpaste you know.

You just put in your pants pocket.

Can't make a bomb out of that.

Would you like to explain how you make a bomb with toothpaste?
Well, I'm guessing it has something to do with the fluoride in it, but I'm curious.

Can't make a bomb out of that.

...

No, but you can make a bludgeon and take out the pilot, thus either hijacking the plane or forcing it to crash.

In Europe we're limited to carrying a total of 100ml of fluids as carry on luggage, this includes shaving foam, toothpaste, perfume, various cosmetic creams. This was allegedly due to a specific terrorist threat, all your items up to 100ml must be packed in a re-sealable clear plastic bag. Anything over this you either check it in with your hold luggage or bin it. Perhaps America has now implemented the same system?

In Europe we're limited to carrying a total of 100ml of fluids as carry on luggage, this includes shaving foam, toothpaste, perfume, various cosmetic creams. This was allegedly due to a specific terrorist threat, all your items up to 100ml must be packed in a re-sealable clear plastic bag. Anything over this you either check it in with your hold luggage or bin it. Perhaps America has now implemented the same system?

That arose from a threat a year ago, where terrorists planned to destroy a dozen transatlantic airliners by smuggling chemicals on board with containers, then mixing them in flight. The plan failed, but would've been deadlier than 9/11. Anyhow, the US implemented similar regulations simultaneously.

To respond to the thread, why aren't we posting soldiers at our airports, like they do in Europe and Israel?

That arose from a threat a year ago, where terrorists planned to destroy a dozen transatlantic airliners by smuggling chemicals on board with containers, then mixing them in flight. The plan failed, but would've been deadlier than 9/11.
Allegedly.

To respond to the thread, why aren't we posting soldiers at our airports, like they do in Europe and Israel?
Because it's an inane idea?

As inane as sending tanks to Heathrow airport. Tanks, for Pete's sake! What the hell would they have done?

Scaremongering at it's worst/finest.

Would you like to explain how you make a bomb with toothpaste?
Who says it's toothpaste? Hell, these days there are recipes on the web on how to make explosives using your own urine (plus a few other ingredients you can carry onto a plane).

Strictly speaking you could bludgeon someone with a heavy book. I suppose they've gotta draw a line somewhere...if someone knows martial arts, they might not need any weapons at all.

Strictly speaking you could bludgeon someone with a heavy book. I suppose they've gotta draw a line somewhere...if someone knows martial arts, they might not need any weapons at all.
The only sensible course of action is to ban people from flying, just in case.

And, as we all know planes can be used to kill people, all planes must be grounded.

Won't someone think of the children!!

Can't make a bomb out of that.

Yeah...umm...what?

Just came back from a short trip to the Dulles area. I had to repack before heading through the Atlanta TSA screen, though. The tools, equipment, etc that I packed in my checked bag were overweight by about 6 pounds. The airline wouldn't accept the bag until I lightened it.

So I took the most expendable item and put it in my carry-on backpack. It was a couple of eyebolts with a bunch of turnbuckles hooked on to them. You non-mechanical types will just have to look those up, but it's sufficient to say that they are about 6 pounds of metal that would make a wonderful bludgeon.

So I get to the x-ray machine and put my bag in. I walk around to the other side to collect my clothes, wallet, bag... Then I hear the expected call "Bag Check!"

The screener brings my backpack down to the end and asks if it's mine. I admit to ownership and he starts pulling stuff out of it. Finally, he grabs my shaving kit, opens it and, with great satisfaction, pulls out my toothpaste.

"This is too big," he tells me, "Trash it, ship it, or check it." I couldn't believe my eyes and ears, so I say "What?" He repeats himself and I tell him to trash it.

This must tie into that story that has been on the news lately about how many people use drugs in the workplace. Surely my toothpaste is more of a threat as a hunk of metal, is it?

Anyone else feel like TSA is no protection at all?

I hate the increased security shit. No bullwhips? Who except Indiana fucking Jones carries those?

Would you like to explain how you make a bomb with toothpaste?
Well, I'm guessing it has something to do with the fluoride in it, but I'm curious.
It obviously wasn't really toothpaste, it was a tube of C4.

Just came back from a short trip to the Dulles area. I had to repack before heading through the Atlanta TSA screen, though. The tools, equipment, etc that I packed in my checked bag were overweight by about 6 pounds. The airline wouldn't accept the bag until I lightened it.

So I took the most expendable item and put it in my carry-on backpack. It was a couple of eyebolts with a bunch of turnbuckles hooked on to them. You non-mechanical types will just have to look those up, but it's sufficient to say that they are about 6 pounds of metal that would make a wonderful bludgeon.

So I get to the x-ray machine and put my bag in. I walk around to the other side to collect my clothes, wallet, bag... Then I hear the expected call "Bag Check!"

The screener brings my backpack down to the end and asks if it's mine. I admit to ownership and he starts pulling stuff out of it. Finally, he grabs my shaving kit, opens it and, with great satisfaction, pulls out my toothpaste.

"This is too big," he tells me, "Trash it, ship it, or check it." I couldn't believe my eyes and ears, so I say "What?" He repeats himself and I tell him to trash it.

This must tie into that story that has been on the news lately about how many people use drugs in the workplace. Surely my toothpaste is more of a threat as a hunk of metal, is it?

Anyone else feel like TSA is no protection at all?

The security screeners at ATL are a joke. Nine times out of ten they don't even look at your ID to make sure it matches the name on the ticket. (I fly through Hartsfield Jackson frequently)

I did a lot of work on the TSA this spring, and wrote a major paper on its failings, the root causes of its failings and how to correct it, and the conclusion I came to was pretty painful:

TSA was created out of, essentially, thin air. The upper echelons were staffed with cronies of the Bush administration, the mid-levels were staffed by incompetents who had transcended the Peter Principle and the lower levels were staffed by those who would usually be classified as the working poor. To begin with, they had low job motivations, combined with poor mid-level management, their motive to succeed and do first rate work was essentially obliterated from existence. The unionisation process has been slow, and hasn't permitted for the reward of competent low level TSO's, nor the punishment of poor performing low level TSO's.

Furthermore, the ability of the American government to create a new national network from scratch is virtually non-existent. Our federal bureaucracy is usually little more than a gigantic ATM for the states, to carry out policies mandated by Congress, and as such, there is little experience in implementing national policy implementation bureaucracies. Beyond that, the sheer size of the US and our air transit network is absolutely monstrous, and the organizational challenges of such a situation are immense.

The only viable solution to safe airtravel is to sedate every passenger and put them in straightjackets. Nuff said.

This thread reminds me why I rarely fly the airlines anymore and prefer to just fly in the Piper Cherokee 180.

This thread reminds me why I rarely fly the airlines anymore and prefer to just fly in the Piper Cherokee 180.

Can it cross the atlantic and get you to thailand? :D

Can it cross the atlantic and get you to thailand? :D

Actually, both Cessna's and Pipers can cross the Atlantic, We just have to make a stop at Iceland or Greenland to refuel. :)

Because it's an inane idea?

As inane as sending tanks to Heathrow airport. Tanks, for Pete's sake! What the hell would they have done?

Scaremongering at it's worst/finest.
The point is detterance. And I admire the security system at Heathrow Airport. It's effective and imposing at the same time.

The point is detterance. And I admire the security system at Heathrow Airport. It's effective and imposing at the same time.

I don't know what "detterance" is. Deterrence, however....

This just confirms what I'd always suspected the initials "TSA" stood for the first time I flew with them in place: This Sucks Ass.

I'm still pissed about having to remove my shoes at the airport three years ago. In my culture, the feet are sacred, and baring them in public is a sin. *Nod* My civil rights were clearly violated. :(

I don't know what "detterance" is. Deterrence, however....

This just confirms what I'd always suspected the initials "TSA" stood for the first time I flew with them in place: This Sucks Ass.

Spell-check failed me :).

I'm still pissed about having to remove my shoes at the airport three years ago. In my culture, the feet are sacred, and baring them in public is a sin. *Nod* My civil rights were clearly violated. :(

Whoa. Pedicurists must be like unto Satan to you, then.

Whoa. Pedicurists must be like unto Satan to you, then.

Nah, I only get religious when standing in line at the airport security gate. It's the damnedest thing. :p

Nah, I only get religious when standing in line at the airport security gate. It's the damnedest thing. :p
That's part of the inconsistencies that bother me. In Atlanta, it's shoes off -- at Dulles shoes on are okay. In Atlanta, they make a big deal of checking your boarding pass as you walk through the metal detector. At Dulles, they check your ID and ticket twice, then stamp it, but don't want to see it when you walk through the metal detector -- In fact, no one ever checks to see that there is a stamp on the ticket...

Every airport has its own variation on what ought to be a standard policy and none of them get it right. The way to find a terrorist is to talk to them. Ask them questions about their trip and watch them as they respond. Otherwise, you have a bunch of undereducated people that barely speak English trying to find toothpaste tubes that are too big. And missing the big picture.

I made a little mistake on a trip coming back to the DC area from a SCUBA diving in the Caribbean. While packing up all my stuff, I put my BC (buoyancy compensator - the inflatable vest thing) and regulator in my carry-on and checked the rest.

I was randomly chosen to go through thorough searching of my bags by hand, and while not strip-searched, was made to drop my trousers there in the checkpoint (just in case i was hiding something behind the zipper). Humiliating I suppose, but I dont really care about that, just annoyed because it is all such a complete waste of time.

The mistake I made was not discovered until I unpacked.
My dive knife was in my carry on. 6-inch steel blade, florescent handle and sheath (so you can easily see it if dropped in murky water), and most certainly more dangerous than the nail clippers confiscated from the woman in front of me.

In Europe we're limited to carrying a total of 100ml of fluids as carry on luggage, this includes shaving foam, toothpaste, perfume, various cosmetic creams. This was allegedly due to a specific terrorist threat, all your items up to 100ml must be packed in a re-sealable clear plastic bag. Anything over this you either check it in with your hold luggage or bin it. Perhaps America has now implemented the same system?

This is why I'm going to make a point not to fly if I can help it. I haven't flown since.... it's been about 3-5 years but the point is that all these restrictions really piss me off and I'd rather stay where I am and not have to deal with them.

The mistake I made was not discovered until I unpacked.
My dive knife was in my carry on. 6-inch steel blade, florescent handle and sheath (so you can easily see it if dropped in murky water), and most certainly more dangerous than the nail clippers confiscated from the woman in front of me.
The same thing happens to me more times that I can remember. I typically carry some test equipment in my carry on -- a multi-meter and some adapters to measure various things without having to tear connectors apart. I usually put some tunable filters in -- just in case. Nine times out of ten, no one asks about the mess of wires, meters, and metal-cased objects -- No, they're much happier to take away my little Swiss Army knife that I keep on my key chain.

Going back to the guy from OSU, the one good thing that happened when the TSA was established was that they weren't unionized. At least the worst of the worst can be fired.

It obviously wasn't really toothpaste, it was a tube of C4.

They actually have those. They use them around door frames to blow them open rather than using a battering ram.

But, yeah, security's a joke these days. Especially at the amusement parks I go to. King's Island has metal detectors, as if you were going to bring something anyway. I don't see why people would bring a bag, considering that there are rollercoasters to ride and if you don't want to lose your things, you put them in a locker.

This is why I'm going to make a point not to fly if I can help it. I haven't flown since.... it's been about 3-5 years but the point is that all these restrictions really piss me off and I'd rather stay where I am and not have to deal with them.
I had a friend like that. Back in the Nineties, before it was too much trouble, he still hated flying. He'd take Amtrak where ever his company sent him. It would usually take a full day just to go from Macon, GA to Washington/Baltimore and I think the desired effect was that the company didn't ask him to travel very often.

Personally I'm waiting for the company to give me my NetJets credit card...Not holding my breath, though.

Welcome to a year ago, population you and every other idiot who tries to carry something prohibited on a plane.

what, toothpaste?

The mistake I made was not discovered until I unpacked.
My dive knife was in my carry on. 6-inch steel blade, florescent handle and sheath (so you can easily see it if dropped in murky water), and most certainly more dangerous than the nail clippers confiscated from the woman in front of me.

I had a similar problem with my hook knife on the way to Spain.

I had a similar problem with my hook knife on the way to Spain.

I met a woman in the exhibit hall at our last conference who accidentally brought a box cutter on board a cross country flight in her purse the same way. Box cutter. Nice.

Got to watch out for those nail clippers. Some one might pinch your neck and you could die from an infection weeks later.

what, toothpaste?

Not just toothpaste, but toothpaste in an oversized container.

The baggage police worry so much about the minutiae and so little about the big picture, you'd think they were regular contributors to NS General.

Carrying on with the fluids thing, I have flown regularly with my baby daughter. We carry 2 bottles of milk, I have always been asked to taste each bottle at the security desk while my daughter screams like mad cause mummy is stealing her milk. I did ask if she could taste the milk instead of me, they said no because the she wouldn't provide adequate proof that it was really milk!!! So as I took a gulp out of each bottle I could look down at my screaming daughter and tell her that she couldn't have it because the big security man said she couldn't. :D

I did ask if she could taste the milk instead of me, they said no because the she wouldn't provide adequate proof that it was really milk!!!

That makes no sense. Wouldn't you be more likely to lie?

Got to watch out for those nail clippers. Some one might pinch your neck and you could die from an infection weeks later.

Yeah, if someone tried to kill you with nail clippers, and you found out about it...

That makes no sense. Wouldn't you be more likely to lie?

Well I thought I was far better at lying than my daughter, but the security guy obviously knew better. Wish I could be as clever as him :D