They're one of the most seemingly incompetent agencies I am forced to deal with every year.
For one, why does is it that every TSA checkpoint feels like it was scrambled together? 9/11 was a long time ago. There's no reason why checkpoints can't have better signage, clearer instructions for what should or shouldn't go on a conveyor belt, an efficient system for returning containers (I've lost count of how many times the line was held up because employees didn't feel like bringing over a stack of containers in clear view), and so on. The checkpoints do seem to go a bit faster than they used to a long time ago, but it's still a frustrating process that makes me feel like an imbecile every time I use it. I do my best to follow directions, but directions are often lacking so I have to use my best judgment from past experience, and often get yelled at anyway. Do does the TSA want to be hated?
Secondly, there's been multiple occasions where I've made it through the security checkpoint with items that should obviously set off red flags. I recently made it through with a humongous center punch which, while not sharp like a knife, could do some serious damage to another person if used as a weapon. Got it through with no questions asked. I've also gotten through with scissors, knives, strangely shaped electronics, a custom build electronic device that a naive person could see as suspicious, and so on. Never have I been stopped for those things.
But laptops and e-readers? I'd better not forget one of them in my carry-on bag or I'm gonna get shouted at and be forced to re-run the bag through the scanner again. I can get through with sharp metallic tools and weird unlabeled boxes with wires hanging out of them, but I can't leave my kindle in my backpack? And what about the humongous battery packs I carry? No problem having 2 or 3 of those in my bag. I guess my Macbook Air or my e-reader possess uniquely dangerous powers I don't comprehend. Even if I try to comply with the "laptops out of your bag" rule, I might still get shouted at if I place it in a container instead of right on the conveyor belt... or if I place it in a container with some other belongings next to it.
Maybe the TSA stops terrorists that are as stupid as they are, which I guess is a good thing. But how good can stupid people be at catching other stupid people? Is it really worth it to waste everyone else's time and to treat them like crap in the process?
Yup, not surprised that the TSA also reacts with as much stupidity to cybersecurity flaws. If I became supreme leader overnight, I would work to completely dismantle the TSA and rebuild it from scratch. There doesn't appear to be any value in that agency that can't be easily replaced with something better.
> I can get through with sharp metallic tools and weird unlabeled boxes with wires hanging out of them, but I can't leave my kindle in my backpack?
Because all airport security is reactionary. They don't try to anticipate what an attacker might do, and how they could prevent that. They simply add one more item to a check-list of "no good" items or of "must be separately screened" items.
Therefore, because, one time, someone tried to ignite their shoes, there's now a checkbox that says: "shoes must be scanned separately".
As well, because, one time, someone purportedly tried to mix together two liquids into an explosive that they brought on board in bottles, you are now limited to 100ml max in any bottle, but you can freely walk in with a 7-11 64oz Big Gulp cup and they won't blink an eye. The "bottles" are on the check-list, but the check-list has no entry (yet) for "64oz 7-11 Big Gulp".
For one, why does is it that every TSA checkpoint feels like it was scrambled together? 9/11 was a long time ago. There's no reason why checkpoints can't have better signage, clearer instructions for what should or shouldn't go on a conveyor belt, an efficient system for returning containers (I've lost count of how many times the line was held up because employees didn't feel like bringing over a stack of containers in clear view), and so on. The checkpoints do seem to go a bit faster than they used to a long time ago, but it's still a frustrating process that makes me feel like an imbecile every time I use it. I do my best to follow directions, but directions are often lacking so I have to use my best judgment from past experience, and often get yelled at anyway. Do does the TSA want to be hated?
Secondly, there's been multiple occasions where I've made it through the security checkpoint with items that should obviously set off red flags. I recently made it through with a humongous center punch which, while not sharp like a knife, could do some serious damage to another person if used as a weapon. Got it through with no questions asked. I've also gotten through with scissors, knives, strangely shaped electronics, a custom build electronic device that a naive person could see as suspicious, and so on. Never have I been stopped for those things.
But laptops and e-readers? I'd better not forget one of them in my carry-on bag or I'm gonna get shouted at and be forced to re-run the bag through the scanner again. I can get through with sharp metallic tools and weird unlabeled boxes with wires hanging out of them, but I can't leave my kindle in my backpack? And what about the humongous battery packs I carry? No problem having 2 or 3 of those in my bag. I guess my Macbook Air or my e-reader possess uniquely dangerous powers I don't comprehend. Even if I try to comply with the "laptops out of your bag" rule, I might still get shouted at if I place it in a container instead of right on the conveyor belt... or if I place it in a container with some other belongings next to it.
Maybe the TSA stops terrorists that are as stupid as they are, which I guess is a good thing. But how good can stupid people be at catching other stupid people? Is it really worth it to waste everyone else's time and to treat them like crap in the process?
Yup, not surprised that the TSA also reacts with as much stupidity to cybersecurity flaws. If I became supreme leader overnight, I would work to completely dismantle the TSA and rebuild it from scratch. There doesn't appear to be any value in that agency that can't be easily replaced with something better.