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The other kind of search experts: TSA bloggers

March 13, 2008 by Neil Maclean 

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After my last trip to Philadelphia I am not exactly in love with America’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Few people are; they have taken quite a kicking in mainstream, blogs and other media over the last few years.

They deserve credit, however, for opening at least one extra channel for travellers: Evolution of Security - the TSA’s blog, which took wings at the end of January.

It’s not a great name but at least the blog has an honest purpose: to let people know what their officials do, what they have done, what they are going to start doing and most importantly, why to all of the above.

Predictably, the comments are lively - this is as much a punch bag as a blog - but the posts themselves are well-written and the TSA blogging team, (”Hi, my name is Ethel and I’m from Wisconsin”), are doing a good job putting a human face on a much-criticised service.

via CNN


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    I commend the tsa for initiating this blog thing - but (this is my first ever 'blog') I am still not sure from reading the web-site where I should direct these two criticisms.

    Both are serious... at least to me!

    I begin by mentioning that as an Australian I have been flying regularly between Minneapolis through San Francisco to Melbourne since 1981.

    However, since the advent of TSA - I have had three bad experiences. The first two concerned my luggage. It was nice to read the slip of paper telling me the luggage had been searched - but on two occasions the luggage strap was completely missing. As in taken off, not put back. Money down drain; safety of baggage diminished.. and justifiable resentment to TSA staff. Ever since I have put a large printed notice in my case requesting them to ensure the luggage strap (now the third one I have had to buy) is replaced. So far so good. (But I should mention that when I complained I was given the run around.) I hope this has improved.

    My second concern still rankles. In September of 06 I flew from San Francisco to Sydney/Melbourne. I had brought approximately $20USD worth of "Jelly Belly's" as a gift for my children and grandchildren. Ronald Reagan's favourite candy! (And mine) Made in California. Shipped around the world. They were in my carry-on bag - since I would have to declare them when arriving in Sydney. Instead the TSA Officer said that because they were "jelly" they would be confiscated.

    How stupid is this?

    I only wish I had taken this officer's name and asked to speak to his superior of the manager of the day.

    Just to underline the idiocy of this action - I found I could buy the same items in the shops in the concourse past the barriers. I did not.

    I hope the TSA has trained its officers to recognise serious conerns - rather than implement in pedantic and silly ways what may be in some circumstances, reasonable rules. If they/You have not - then its time you did! Or should I send a copy of this to the Governor of California? The Jelly Belly Company? The Ronald Reagan Library? Who?!

    But I suppose - given all the times I have been through airport security - to only have three complaints may seem fine - and I want to commend the work of TSA members in general.

    Regards

    John Hill
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    I fly about 6 times a year, and I have had only one problem with TSA. I follow the rules for liquids and pocket knives; I travel lightly on the plane to avoid awkward situations, and I wear slip on shoes to simplify removing and putting them back on.

    However, I sent in an email complaint over a year ago when I had the one bad experience. I received the standard email acknowledgment of how important my comment was. However, I have never heard another word.

    Basically, I flew Colorado Springs to Houston, changed planes (not airlines) and flew to St. Louis. I had the nice little note about the TSA search. However, this search was conducted outside in the rain in Houston! The papers I had in my luggage were ruined by water and my clothes were soaked. Fortunately, I was home, but what if I had been on the way to a meeting and my materials were damaged? How easy is it to dry your clothes in a hotel - I don't travel first class.

    Most of all, why didn't the TSA have the courtesy to respond to my comments. Are you really 14 months behind in handling complaints?

    Thanks for the opportunity to air my comments,

    Rick Klein
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