Long Airport Security Line Article...

So I've just thought of this...

The passenger terminal uses TSA for screening, but what about the cargo ramp? I've never ridden on UPS or Fedex, but I imagine people getting access to airplanes over there have to go through some sort of screening to get into the sterile area. Also, I can't imagine that there are smurfs over there doing that screening, and I'm pretty sure someone told me it's contracted out. How accurate is that?

AND if that IS accurate, what's stopping airlines or airports (whomever is in charge of that crap) from just contracting out the screening in the passenger terminals?

No, FedEx and UPS ramps do not use TSA for security. Most FedEX ramp locations use private security (Allied Barton is the company that does most of FedEx's security with metal detectors/x-ray baggage scanners). Definitely no nudy scanners on the cargo side of the ramp. Some FedEX facilities don't even have a typical security checkpoint. You have to get a FedEX employee to let you in using their SIDA badge and escort you (BWI, PDX for example).

If you're jumpseating on FedEx at a facility that has the baggage screeners/metal detectors, then you and your bags will be processed that way. At the stations which don't have that equipment, one of the load supervisors hand searches your luggage. Overall it's miles better than any interaction with the TSA in my experience.
 
jskibo said:
Still short at GRR :) Thank Allah for Platinum status, don't have to wait with the unwashed masses! :)
ORD is s mess. 3+ hours from what the news says. Even T2 had a long line today. KCM for the win.
 
ORD is s mess. 3+ hours from what the news says. Even T2 had a long line today. KCM for the win.
Yesterday I was expecting a mess at ORD. A TV crew was filming the AA side (T2) looked a little busier than normal.

I walked to T3 where the LCC's hang out and it wasn't busy at all.
I'll see what it's like tomorrow.
 
It's hardly TSA's fault that Congress fail to allocate money. Indeed, that's part of a plan that has worked time and time again — under fund something you want to privatize and, when it fails, you say, "See? Government doesn't work. Told ya. Time to pay a contractor to do it for us." Invariably the contractor charges three times as much for the same service, the employees gets less than half as much, and Congress all of a sudden have no problems finding funding for the contractor that they were loathe to allocate when it was a government service.
I'm pretty anti-government waste but unfortunately what you say is correct. "Privatization" is usually just government speak for wasting even more money even more inefficiently.
 
If they're in the Pre Check line, they shouldn't be taking off their shoes and jackets. That's the whole point of the Pre line.

The funny thing is that the TSA agents are constantly yelling that, and yet, people keep doing that. Hence, why pre-check should only be given to people who actually interview and pay for it. Not because they are on the same ticket as someone with it, or because any airline randomly assigns it.
 
Nark said:
Yesterday I was expecting a mess at ORD. A TV crew was filming the AA side (T2) looked a little busier than normal. I walked to T3 where the LCC's hang out and it wasn't busy at all. I'll see what it's like tomorrow.
Chicago news tonight talked about councilman and mayor discussions to add non TSA but trained people or going full private. Now a high rep from TSA in coming to town tomorrow.
 
Cptnchia said:
If they're in the Pre Check line, they shouldn't be taking off their shoes and jackets. That's the whole point of the Pre line.
and if you set off the machine you still have to take your shoes off, even in uniform. 8)
 
I saw an article today that suggested using Disney as a consultant to improve things. Great, it is hard enough to get a Fast pass for those rides to avoid lines at the theme parks...now lets just schedule everyone as to when they can stand in line. ;) Surely, that is the solution!


Chicago news tonight talked about councilman and mayor discussions to add non TSA but trained people or going full private. Now a high rep from TSA in coming to town tomorrow.

Because no way would any idea from a corrupt city like Chicago be wrong. Either one must "know a guy" that can take care of those lines. o_O
 
Chicago news tonight talked about councilman and mayor discussions to add non TSA but trained people or going full private. Now a high rep from TSA in coming to town tomorrow.
Today around 10am. Almost a ghost on my end. AA side didn't look too busy (more than normal).
I suppose all the buzz depends on time of day.
 
Travelling a lot as a pax in the last week. My experience so far:

Newark - Friday afternoon around 6:00pm at the United terminal was the longest yet at around 20 minutes.

Miami - at United terminal on Monday was less than 5 minutes. They don't even have TSA Pre there.

Denver - was less than 10 in TSA Pre. The non-Pre line looked like about 20+.

Chicago coming up on Sunday, that's got me a little concerned.


Typhoonpilot
 
DHS to airlines: get rid of baggage fees in order to reduce the number of bags coming through security that have to be screened, which results in slower service.
 
i think this has absolutely zero to do with baggage fees. I think this is the TSA slowing everything down and posturing to say overtime is required
Exactly. They are unionized and they stole this play right out of the Union playbook. Sadly, they are good at doing a terrible job.
 
DHS to airlines: get rid of baggage fees in order to reduce the number of bags coming through security that have to be screened, which results in slower service.

Then the bags won't make the flight because the TSA guys downstairs won't be able to scan them all in time.
 
Exactly. They are unionized and they stole this play right out of the Union playbook. Sadly, they are good at doing a terrible job.
You say that like they were excellent at their job prior to being unionized. Before you go on a union bashing campaign let's remember that they have a history of being inept at their jobs.
 
DHS to airlines: get rid of baggage fees in order to reduce the number of bags coming through security that have to be screened, which results in slower service.

How long before: DHS to airlines: stop flying airplanes, which will greatly reduce the number of accidents in which terrorists use planes as weapons or put bombs on.

How about the TSA staff properly and do their jobs. Or better yet, disband this government work program, and replace it 100% with private security.
 
You say that like they were excellent at their job prior to being unionized. Before you go on a union bashing campaign let's remember that they have a history of being inept at their jobs.
When did I bash the union? Other than being against government entities having unions, I am pro-union. The point being is that the TSA is holding the flying public hostage.
 
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