Get this one everybody!!!!

Flying from DAL to IAH today on CO I first was forced to X-RAY my wallet and belt even though they did not set off the metal detector and then I was wanded because I guess I looked menancing (read a 20something white guy that had just pulled an alnighter on a project).

After questioning this the National Guardsmen got involved and started threatening me for questioning the need to wand me after going through the stand up metal detetctor 2x and not setting it off.

Thats not even the best part yet, after X-RAYing my wallet and keys there was deemed a "dangerous article." What is this you ask? Simply the emergency key card for my car I keep in my wallet. Apparently it was "dangerous" and had to be confiscated. Yes they now think keys with sharp points may infact be used to bring down a regional jet.

This is absolutely ridiculous!!!! There need to be universal standards put in place to quell these power hungry minimum wages employees.

 

wow! were you docile or antagonistic in your comments?

 

Unbelieveable. We need to get these new searches and seizures tested in court. I'm sure that they would be ruled unconstitutional. Someone needs to take these to court.

 

I know they have told me to put my wallet in the basket at times, which I always ignore and walk through anyways. I see all these baskets with wallets, keys, money etc just sitting there and wonder how much gets "lost".

If the airport one travels through often forces it, put the stuff in your briefcase, computer bag or carryon or jacket first then let them run it through the xray.

Standards? In theory it should help, but that assumes these people would read and follow them. Hah!

 

I put all the items from my pockets in my briefcase...I only keep my drivers license in my pocket...NOTHING else...Besides the "bomb" test, bag seems to get through without problems...Sharp objects...what about the glasses they use in first class...break one and you have an instant "sharp object"...or take a pop can and flatten it...another "sharp object" There is no end to the possibilities...Moral of story, flying can't be completely safe...eye candy at security checkpoints just adds to problem.

 

Credit cards, driving licences and similar can receive a razor-sharp edge. I wonder why they do not confiscate some of those? :-)

 

Probably because these people are hardly "razor-sharp".



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"Those who would sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither." - Ben Franklin

 

Someone said in another forum that the wand can damage your credit card magnetic strips. If that's the case, you're probably better off sending it through the x-ray machine than getting it wanded a dozen times a week.

d

 

Like NoStressHere, I dump my wallet and all pocket contents into my briefcase and send everything along on the conveyor belt. Then I march my 50-something body through the mag and warmly smile at the guards. So far, I haven't attracted special attention.

 

Why didn't you ask for a supervisor? What is the difference between a key card and an actual key?

Stupidity is now gainfully employed.

 

I'm sorry, this is about safety. Obviously if you rapidly rub your emergency key card against someone's bare skin, the offended party may end up with an injury similar to a rug burn, or heaven forbid, a deep scratch. Who knows what demands the flight crew will give in to considering that horrible prospect? Do you want to take that chance? You should feel fortunate that there are people concerned enough to care.

(Public Service Message: the comment above is heavily laden with sarcasm.)

Now, I, on the other hand have been rightfully chastised for attempting to bring a manifestly dangerous item on board. Several weeks ago, I was a gate "selectee" in EWR, and upon inspection of my items, the offending article was confiscated over my half-hearted protests. The item: a standard paper clip. I was duly informed with all sincerity that I could have straightened the clip out and then use it as a weapon. (The security official must have been confused me with James Bond or MacGyver) Little did I know what power I had wielded over the last 500,000+ miles with that little paper clip in my travel notebook.

Once again, remember it is all about safety! Happy flying! (if you can get past "security")

CWPFLY

 

Well.......unfortunately it seems I have to fly thru MIA and LAX in the first week on January on my way back from South America with 2 small carry on's. This should be interesting.......I'll probably return to YYC with half a tongue.

 

I have to laugh, because the same thing happens to me. But I'm the exact opposite of the author of this thread. I'm a 24 year old blk guy. I guess me and all my ultra preppy attire, laptop, and business papers I look menacing. There hasn't been on time that I have gone to leave from MIA, and passed through the medical detector twice without a sound, only to be wanded, and then frisked. Last week when this happened, they had me undo my belt, and pants. I kept thinking,"I wish I hadn't have worn underwear today"

 

umguy, sorry to hear stories like this. (But your response is funny)

 

In what way did the National Guardsman threaten you? Did he threaten to shoot you or have you thrown in the Brig?