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BartSimpson

I post here that to safely carry MJ in domestic air travel, you should put it in your whitey-tighties or granny-panties.

Well this is no longer good advice. The TSA is installing new technology that effectively views the nude body of the traveler. Backscatter x-ray, combined with thermal imagery, will no longer hide this area from the screener.

The first device will be installed in Phoenix Sky-Harbor this week. It will only be an issue if you begin your travels by entering that airport. If you are changing planes there (it is an America's Worst/US Airways hub) you will not be subject to this screening. It will soon be installed in numerous airports.

This will intially be used for secondary screening - after you set off the magnometer or if you are "randomly" selected. You will be given the choice of a physical pat-down search or the x-ray. If given the choice, take the physical search in protest of this technology.

This is a huge change in screening technology, and the TSA procedure uses a remote screener to review the display, who will then communicate the anomaly in the display to the primary screener. You are literally naked in this display, although the TSA is quick to say they "blur" private parts and erase the image after you leave the device.

Finding contraband to justify additional machines is an unspoken TSA Policy. Expect that if you have a baggie in your bra, they will not overlook it.

Some examples of the Technology Display but use the goggles.

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totoro

but what justifies the secondary screening? What is it that makes you a suspision and requires the use of this? Setting of the metal detector? And in the physical patdown, are they allowed to touch the NoNo parts of your body? Is it still safe to carry a dime bag in your pocket? BTW, I never have carried a baggie in my pocket, but a couple of my friends have, but do they have NARC dogs in domestic airports?

troublemaker_42

Why not read at least part of this thread totoro, instead of asking the same questions everyone else has already covered? Even the previous 5-10 pages should cover what you are asking

BartSimpson

You don't travel much, do you.

Secondary screening is both random, as well as a result of triggering the magnometer, and a host of other reasons. You may decline the magnometer for medical reasons, because you have a pacemaker or replacement hip, but you will be hand searched. You may buy a one-way ticket with cash, and no luggage, and you will be extra special screened. Or you could be the lucky one who is picked because you are the next in line, and they haven't screened anyone ahead of you.

Physical searches by the TSA may include using the back of the hand to check your private parts - most often women's breasts, but it may include your crotch.

Drug dogs are not used by the TSA in domestic air traveler screening.

Is it safe to still carry a baggie in your pocket? Take a look at the photos and see for yourself. My purpose in starting this thread was to highlight my belief that it is now a vulnerability due to this new technology.

And I started this new thread because it is such a change in air travel that the prior thread - "The Plane Truth" - is outdated, but it is still worth a read as TM42 has suggested.

darkreaver

Nothing really justifies it. The publics need for extra security measures is the real justification. Airports randomly select people and their bags, its happened to me and my family at least once, although we do a lot of travelling. They pick random people and search their stuff, really I guess there is no legal justification other than it's their facility and they are responsible for ensurng safety and all that jazz.

 

ninfan77

I haven't seen this xray machine or heard of it in use. The article i read that from was over a year old.

TSA is woefully incompetent. They do have the new puffer machines that send a burst of air at you to create an image and detect any chemicals/explosives on your person. These are 500k + machines, that are NOT beign rolled out in all airports, only major hubs.

I would suggest starting your trip from an outstation, (99% will never see this equipment anytime soon) once you are at the hub, you are already thru security and can travel safely to your gate area.

BartSimpson

The article I posted is current, and they are installing the equipment in Phoenix this week.

ninfan77

Ya i just saw that. Thanks.

Anyhow, my advice of starting your journey from an outstation is still good advice. Typically they are smaller airports 1-2 carriers (heck ours has 1 gate) and TSA is 4 ppl w/ an xray machine for carry ons.

Once u clear this security you are homefree at a hub.

BartSimpson

Your suggestion is good, but most folks have little choice of which airport they can depart from, and connecting flights to these off-hub airports may not be convenient, or expensive if not with a feeder airline.

My personal experience of getting busted occured in a small airport, because the x-ray machine was down and the TSA was hand searching checked luggage - I learned the lesson that I work hard here to spread.

Please, if you work in an airport - add more comments. It is vital that we get the best information possible . . . so please! Tell us more!

You are absolutely correct, once you get through the initial TSA security checkpoint, you are in. But on occasion, some incident occurs and terminals are evacuated so that everyone is screened again. It has happened to me when traveling through LAX. Prudent travel means you have a plan, based on the best knowledge available.

ninfan77

Yea i'm not sure i can really add a lot more to these threads than what Bart has already covered. \
RE: the outstations, i'm lucky enough to have 4 airports nearby. 2 outstations, 1 US Air hub, i'd call the other an outstation, but its an Int'l airport destination, but still only has like 6 gates.

I will also say, that you need to know the TSA guidelines regarding carry ons/carry on items before you leave. I guarantee if you screw this up, you will be hand searched.

I haven't read the bulletins lately, but you know the routine, gels,liquids, quart sized bag etc.. For gods sake leave the loose change, and metal items in your carry on. Only thing on your person at TSA should be your weed, boarding pass, and identification.

And i'm sure i posted this before, maybe not. But look at your boarding pass (the agent should notify you but may not) for a ***SSSSSS*** in the corners, under your seat assignment, or a Red (usually hand written) S on the boarding pass. This means you WILL be hand searched at the TSA checkpoint.

Obviously TSA has the option of picking people at random (sitting near the checkpoint and watching is a good idea). But if you have that S on your pass, its entirely up to you if you wanna risk carrying contraband thru (lol i wouldnt).

I will say the few people i've seen caught for contraband are caught in the following ways:

1. They "look" dodgy. If you look like a stoner you may be searched. DRESS nice when you fly, (also helps for upgrade). This means, business casual, polo shirt, slacks, decent shoes (no sneakers). If first class is available you may get bumped, and only if you are dressed this way (its actually not allowed to fly w/ jeans in 1st class).

2. They didnt know TSA guidelines for the DAY they flew (yes it can change that fast) and ended up being patted down.

3. They kept paraphanelia in their carry on (even clean) makes an alert TSA agent think twice.

4. Questionable items in their carryons. This doesn't happen alot, but pocketknives, hell even saw a "dummy" hand grenade once. This goes back to rule #2.

5. Make sure your ID is valid. Expired passports automatically keep you off the plane, however expired Drivers license usually will keep you on, but you will be searched (and probably your checked luggage too). Remember, college/school Id is NOT i repeat NOT a valid form of ID. Birth certificate, drivers license, passport. Thats pretty much all u wanna have.

Thats it for now, if i think of more i'll edit.