• TSA Launches Program for Fast-Track Airport Screenings
    21 replies, posted
[TABLE] [TR] [TD][release] America [SUB][SUP][URL=http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2011/10/04/tsa-launches-program-for-fast-track-airport-screenings/]foxnews.com[/URL][/SUP][/SUB] - [b]TSA Launches Program for Fast-Track Airport Screenings[/b] Some frequent fliers can now move through airport security without having to take off their shoes or remove their computers, liquids and gels from carryon bags. It's part of a pilot program that the Transportation Security Administration launched today at airports in Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit and Miami. The initial trial is being rolled out to some U.S. citizens enrolled in Delta and American Airlines frequent flier programs, as well as some government "Trusted Traveler" programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS. Passengers who "opt in" to provide the TSA with additional information for pre-screening, may be directed to an expedited security lane for known, low-risk travelers. The idea is to allow TSA agents to focus their scrutiny on less known or high risk passengers. "This new screening system holds great potential to strengthen security while significantly enhancing the travel experience whenever possible for passengers," said TSA Administrator John Pistole. According to TSA officials, agents will continue random security measures at airports to maintain a level of unpredictability. But if the "TSA PreCheck" initiative works well at the four trial airports, the agency plans to expand the program. The system's opening run in Atlanta earned positive reviews from several of the passengers who used it, but it also illustrated that they won't be immune to all traditional security procedures. They came to the same security checkpoint as other passengers, but were ushered to a specialized line. Rodney Berry of Atlanta praised the new system even though his bag got searched by hand at the end. "It seems like it was faster, even though I got stopped," said the 42-year-old who typically flies at least once a week. The new PreCheck program is very small. TSA officials estimate that somewhere from 5,000 to 8,000 travelers could eventually be ushered through the specialized security lines daily. That's less than 1 percent of the average number of passengers screened daily at domestic airports. No one in the program is guaranteed an expedited screening, and the TSA says they're still subject to random and unpredictable security steps. McLaughlin said he could not disclose for security reasons exactly how the TSA will screen passengers in the pilot program before they check in. The government already pre-screens all U.S. passengers, typically checking their full names, birthdates and genders against government databases of potential terrorists. But frequent-flier programs and the government traveler programs collect more data. For instance, personal information provided in Delta's frequent-flier program includes the traveler's home address, email address or phone number, and preferred language. On Monday, the federal agency also announced it will spend $3.2 million on new technology intended to automatically spot fake government identity documents and airport boarding passes. It's expected to be tested early next year and will be incorporated into the pilot program. Brad Childress, 59, was among the first passengers to breeze through the specialized security line in Atlanta. He set off the metal detector when he forgot to remove a money clip from his pocket, but he called the process "a piece of cake." He wears leather loafers without shoelaces to the airport since he usually has to take them off as part of a normal security screening. On Tuesday, his shoes stayed on his feet. He said he never believed that the traditional security screening made the country safer. "I always thought that was a false sense of security anyhow," he said. The frequent traveler on Delta was unaware he had enrolled in the program, though airport officials say he may have authorized the airline to share his information on an electronic form without realizing it. Childress said he would have to learn more about the information he was sharing with the government before deciding whether he objected. "They already know where I'm traveling, they know where I live, they know what my credit card number is," he said. "So they know a lot about me." [I]The Associated Press contributed to this report.[/I][/release] [/TD] [TD][release][img_thumb]http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86DYLgWRMQs/TXbN6kC0L2I/AAAAAAAACHA/MitpdcakNvo/s1600/tsa%2Bimagers.jpg[/img_thumb] [SUB][I]The TSA | Transportation Security Administration.[/I][/SUB][/release][TABLE="width: 401, align: right"] [/TR] [/TABLE] [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]
[quote=]Brad Childress, 59, was among the first passengers to breeze through the specialized security line in Atlanta. He set off the metal detector when he forgot to remove a [b]money clip[/b] from his pocket, but he called the process "a piece of cake."[/quote] Huh? Anyways, I [i]guess[/i] this is okay... although they're still invading everyone else's privacy still.
[QUOTE=Keegs;32696980]Huh? Anyways, I [i]guess[/i] this is okay... although they're still invading everyone else's privacy still.[/QUOTE] [img]http://uncrate.com/p/2007/12/duck-bill-money-clip.jpg[/img] ??
[QUOTE=Keegs;32696980]Huh? Anyways, I [i]guess[/i] this is okay... although they're still invading everyone else's privacy still.[/QUOTE] A money clip is a small metal claps that holds money bills folded. It's like a wallet but only for money. [img]http://uncrate.com/p/2007/12/duck-bill-money-clip.jpg[/img]
[QUOTE=IceBlizzard;32696992][img]http://uncrate.com/p/2007/12/duck-bill-money-clip.jpg[/img] ??[/QUOTE] AKA a rather insecure way to store your money.
[QUOTE=IceBlizzard;32696992][img]http://uncrate.com/p/2007/12/duck-bill-money-clip.jpg[/img] ??[/QUOTE] Oh you motherfucker
Some airports in the UK have apparently been doing this for a while. I personally don't like the idea, from how it sounds anyway. I can't see how it would speed it up for anyone, perhaps the TSA should spend time focusing on speeding up their processes instead of setting aside space for some passengers to speed it up for them.
I know how we could speed it up. Dismantle the TSA and arrest everyone who controls it for violating the rights of millions of people.
So now not only are they violating constitutional rights, they are discriminating as well? Well I'll be.
[QUOTE=GunFox;32697260]I know how we could speed it up. Dismantle the TSA and arrest everyone who controls it for violating the rights of millions of people.[/QUOTE] I wouldn't go as far as to arrest everyone, they are just doing their job after all. But yeah, dismantle it etc
Ahaha okay you give the airlines thousands of dollars a month? Have a free pass to have your rights LESS violated. It's funny how you have to be enrolled in a government or airline frequent flyer program.
[QUOTE=MasterG;32697578]Funfact: i'm going to America on a school trip in 2 weeks time, and one of my friends who's coming with me is Indian, so we're probably going to be held up by the TSA for like 4 hours.[/QUOTE] Most likely.
This is such bullshit, now rich people get to buy their way out of getting gate raped whenever they fly. Completely defeats the entire concept of airport security. Terrorist organizations are not poor. If they feel the need to, they can get their people onto frequent flyer lists. All this does is further drive home the concept that rich people are better than us and not subject to the same laws as everyone else. Fuck the TSA, I will vote for any candidate, Democrat or Republican, that promises to abolish it.
Why not remove the TSA and go back to Air Marshalls or Wardens or whatever they are called. Seems cheaper to put a highly trained professional on a plane to look after it, as opposed to a massive screening process. (hell, 5 per flight probably costs less than the current spending) Of course a degree of screening is needed beforehand, but I've literally had to take my fucking glasses off to go on a plane. What, are my glasses loaded with semtex? This is also weird, but your TSA places look really temporary in some of the airports I've been in. Orlando International had a few metal tables with a few wheeled scanners. Meanwhile, the airport near Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt had a full permanent scanning station.
[QUOTE=Terminutter;32698450]Why not remove the TSA and go back to Air Marshalls or Wardens or whatever they are called. Seems cheaper to put a highly trained professional on a plane to look after it, as opposed to a massive screening process. (hell, 5 per flight probably costs less than the current spending) Of course a degree of screening is needed beforehand, but I've literally had to take my fucking glasses off to go on a plane. What, are my glasses loaded with semtex? This is also weird, but your TSA places look really temporary in some of the airports I've been in. Orlando International had a few metal tables with a few wheeled scanners. Meanwhile, the airport near Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt had a full permanent scanning station.[/QUOTE] There are Air Marshals on planes already. Believe it or not, on almost every flight you've been on, there's been a highly trained armed man in plain clothes watching everything you do.
[QUOTE=urbanmonkey;32699340]There are Air Marshals on planes already. Believe it or not, on almost every flight you've been on, there's been a highly trained armed man in plain clothes watching everything you do.[/QUOTE] Wonder if he had the same food I did on my last flight. If so, I hope he got a good bonus with his paycheck. Seriously, Virgin Atlantic's food is awful compared to BA. More on topic though, I honestly can't see how scanning everyone is beneficial.
[QUOTE=MasterG;32697662]Plus another one of my friends is mixed race, so he has a slight Pakistani accent. There's NO way we're getting through without a rigorous search from Uncle Sam's Freedom Enforcers. [editline]9th October 2011[/editline] Hell, if one of us forgets to remove something metallic, they'll probably just open fire on us.[/QUOTE] Just don't wear any clothes at all, it's your only chance.
I can't believe nobody in the government has done anything about the TSA. There's absolutely nothing logical about treating every single person that wants to travel via plane as a threat.
I love how they think terrorists are turbin wearing middle easterners who are poor. Even though most terrorist organizations are well funded and would just buy their way on to the quick list.
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