Live Q&A With Ex-TSA Agent Jason Harrington 141
Jason Harrington (@Jas0nHarringt0n) is a controversial blogger, frequent contributor to McSweeney's Internet Tendency, and one of the TSA's least favorite ex-employees. His descriptions of life on the job as a TSA agent caused some big waves and restarted a national discussion on security theater. Jason will be answering your questions below for the next couple of hours, or until the security line starts moving again. Please keep it to one question per post so everyone gets a chance.
Update: 03/01 02:11 GMT by S : Jason has finished up for now — you can skip to his answers at his user page, or simply browse the comments to read everything. Thanks Jason for answering our questions!
Messaging from higher ups? (Score:4, Interesting)
We've all heard news stories about 'incidents' at the TSA. We know the reactions of the travelers involved, and occasionally some high-muckity-muck at the TSA will make a vague policy statement. I'm curious about the internal communications after these incidents -- were you told to behave in a different way, to ease up or crack down?
Re:Messaging from higher ups? (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Messaging from higher ups? (Score:4, Funny)
Sometimes they would decide that they wanted to make sure no TSA officers in the entire airport were chewing gum at any time while on duty.
Obviously, someone higher up associated chewing gum with plastic explosives... ;-)
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So it could literally blow your mind?
What's... (Score:3, Interesting)
...the WEIRDEST thing you ever saw someone try to get through security?
Re:What's... (Score:5, Interesting)
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OK, riddle me this: how are porn, piles of cash, illegal drugs, exotic pets, or god forbid a hamburger in any way a threat to the airplane, and if they are not, why does the TSA give a damn if they're in baggage or not? Shouldn't the TSA be focused on safety rather than generic law enforcement? Oh not as sexy perhaps but exactly what is the TSA (keyword Transportation) protecting and from whom?
And for all the TSA screening and checkpoints and xrays, how does any of that stuff offer any protection what so
Re:What's... (Score:5, Interesting)
Lighters (Score:3, Interesting)
As a previous chain smoker, this has been bugging me for a while. Every flight I made would require me to dispose of my throw-away lighter into the bucket prior to going through security. Does TSA just throw them all away? Recylce them?
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Could we broaden that to "what happens to all the junk you collect from us?"
Re:Lighters (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Lighters (Score:5, Informative)
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Perhaps you didn't opt out of the naked body scanners? I know people have walked through those with large knives and didn't get any grief from the TSA, so I wouldn't be surprised if something like a lighter got through as well.
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We should just get government thugs out of airports.
Re:Lighters [standard lighters are OK!] (Score:2)
Sampling drinks at the gate (Score:3)
Can you explain why I have seen TSA officers waiting at the gate and taking samples of peoples drinks as they board the plane and seemingly testing them on the spot?
What does this prove? That the security lines have allowed illegal stuff through, or that shops on the inside are selling tasty explosives in liquid form?
Re:Sampling drinks at the gate (Score:5, Insightful)
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But it's pretty easy to imagine that if some evil person was clever and determined enough to have made it that far, they would figure out a way to evade the fucking team of bored and de-moralized TSA screeners waving a dumbass gadget over people's water bottles.
Thanks for the answer. I avoided it by keeping my drink in my bag as I boarded the plane!
However in Buenos Aires flying to the US I had water bottles in my bag confiscated from me as I boarded the plane. Apparently this is a common practice in a whole bunch of places.
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Interesting..I just usually chug the last of my beer at the gate right before getting on the plane.
Never had anyone try to sample it before tho....
Re:Sampling drinks at the gate (Score:4, Insightful)
Thanks for the answer. I avoided it by keeping my drink in my bag as I boarded the plane!
Whoa man, Jesus Christ! The TSA works hard to develop these comprehensive foolproof security measures such as looking for someone holding a drink and then scanning it. Can you please avoid giving the terrorists information that they otherwise could have never gotten if you hadn't posted common sense on the internet? Think of the goddamn children!
Obviously I need to write to my congressperson to push them to write a law that bans you from the internet or talking to people. In the name of security, of course.
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What happens if I flat-out refuse this? I'm already in the (not-actually-)"sterile"(-at-all) area, what can they do?
Power of a typical agent (Score:5, Interesting)
How much influence does a random TSA agent have over your ability to fly or move about the airport? In other words, if somebody takes a dislike to you, can they arbitrarily make your life difficult, or are their checks to prevent this.
Re:Power of a typical agent (Score:5, Interesting)
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If that agent decides to turn up the irritation on you full blast, he or she can then decide to declare that you technically need a Ziplock bag in order to bring those liquids through, even though he or she wouldn't normally do that.
How many TSA agents know their own rules? My wife went through with a hair product (in a small enough container), and it was confiscated because it wasn't in a ziplock. A single item must be in a ziplock? The rules read like a "maximum" and there was no explicit statement that a single 50 ml container must be in a bag or it would be confiscated. And I lost a 150 ml (max) tube of toothpaste that was a 30-40 ml "container" at the time (almost empty), and thus should have been allowed. The fact that it ha
Re:Power of a typical agent (Score:5, Interesting)
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Thank you for telling this story. It goes to show even further that when people are granted the kind of power that TSA had been, they will abuse them for personal gratification (I'm not going to judge whether the guy in your story "deserved" it or not; my point is rather that neither you nor your manager should have been in a position to make that call).
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Oh, yes, what awful passengers those people are. It's not as if it's the government thugs that are awful for harassing people and violating their rights and the constitution, no; it's the passengers.
It's not an either/or thing. Anybody can be awful if they put their mind to it; many people succeed brilliantly at being awful, regardless of their chosen profession.
Re:Power of a typical agent (Score:5, Interesting)
No questions just thanks (Score:5, Interesting)
Hi Mr Harrington.
Thank you for your blog. Everything we've long suspect about the TSA's attitude and purpose was validated by your posts. It was brave of you to be the whistleblower, and I think all of us owe you a debt of thanks.
What now? (Score:2, Interesting)
Are you afraid of retribution? I realize that you probably did this without much to lose in your career, but you have to wonder if you'll be considered some kind of "spy" like Snowden for revealing things like this to your fellow countrymen.
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In particular, do you avoid flying now, and if you don't, then how does it go for you at TSA checkpoints?
Comment removed (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:confiscation of computer equipment (Score:5, Informative)
How do you think that it should work? (Score:5, Insightful)
Jason,
Thanks for being here and answering our questions. Given your experience working as a "line" TSA screener, how would you propose that we fix airport security, making it more effective, yet less intrusive for travelers? Clearly, the TSA isn't going away, and they will be the agency that regulates airport security for the foreseeable future. However, would you (for example) suggest empowering agents with additional flexibility? Perhaps implement policies more in-line with real security and risk management strategies, eschewing the current models of "security theater" and reactions to past threats? Maybe eschewing use of TSA's screeners, and having private firms provide security (again, under TSA regulations)? Something else altogether?
Re:How do you think that it should work? (Score:5, Interesting)
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There are many airports across the U.S. that actually went privatized-- the cities decided they didn't want TSA anymore. SFO, San Francisco, is one example. The government regulates and monitors the private firms at those airports to make sure they're up to federal requirements. I believe private firms do just about everything more cheaply. And I can't imagine they would be any less effective than TSA.
That's fascinating. I'm an aussie who has travelled to the US twice, once to San Jose via LAX, and once direct to SFO.
The difference between them was chalk and cheese... I'd previously put it down to cultural differences between SoCal and the north of the state. But, now that I know that SFO isn't the TSA it makes perfect sense.
Disposing Throwaways (Score:2)
Re:Disposing Throwaways (Score:5, Interesting)
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This is one of the most common questions as far as senseless TSA rules go-- "If my stuff is supposedly dangerous, then why is it just sitting right there in a disposal bin on the checkpoint after I surrender it?"
The rules may be senseless, but this is not an example of one of them.
The material is in the bin and therefore didn't make it onto a plane where it could be used to kill lots of helpless people. If someone was targetting people in the airport outside the sterile area, they wouldn't have to go through the line with bottles of H2O2 and acetone and hope they meet up just right in the bin, they'd just bring in the acetone peroxide and use it directly. I mean, if you want to cause panic and fear, you can just
Re:Disposing Throwaways - H2O2 (Score:2)
The whole concept of smuggling enough *high-purity* H2O2 onto a plane is vastly silly. My late ex, a materials scientist who worked with hypergols at KSC, used tell me just how hard it was to deal with. Close to 100% purity, and the slightest impurity - even a dust mote - would set the damn stuff off. Think of it as slightly less explosive, but just as sensitive, as pure nitroglycerin.
mark
We know liquid nitroglycerin works (Score:2)
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You missed his point. If you don't test the bottles that you throw them away, you won't notice an unsuccessful attack that didn't happen only because the bottle didn't get past screening. This allows the would-be terrorist to just keep trying, flying back and forth and trying to get a bottle on board, until by chance (which, as we know, is not zero and not even all that low) he can get it past screening.
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The bin is right next to a concentration of hundreds of people - the line to go through the security checkpoint....
No Fly List (Score:2)
Explosive swabs (Score:1)
Hi. Thanks for all you've done.
I travel with a camera bag with an SLR body or two, several lenses and a few accessories.
90% of the time, this bag is swabbed by staff and the swab tested. I have never been told of results, positive/neutral/negative/other.
1. Why do they always swab my camera gear?
2. Hand hygiene in those places is TERRIBLE - I'm glad you're out and I hope you're healthy. (not a question)
Good day.
Behind the scenes theft (Score:3)
Every so often an event makes the news that somebody in the TSA has been busted for stealing out of luggage. Did you observe or suspect these sorts of shenanigans were happening while you worked for them? Are these one-off bad apples, or is it the TSA's informal wage-boost bonus system?
Re:Behind the scenes theft (Score:5, Insightful)
Opt-outs (Score:4, Interesting)
What do the agents think of opt-outs? I'm in the shrinking minority that opt out every time I fly, and I'm treated mostly with professionalism (with a hint of annoyance by some).
Re:Opt-outs (Score:5, Funny)
Confiscated electronics (Score:4, Interesting)
What happens to all confiscated electronics and do you have any suggestions on how to lower your chances of getting your devices targeted by TSA?
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TSA forces passengers to surrender electronics? Under what circumstances? I've never heard of that.
X-ray Machine Operators (Score:2, Interesting)
Do the X-ray machine operators actually care about what they see on the screen? I've been able to get a few items that are on the TSA banlist (Swiss Army Knife, Zippos with lighter fluid in them, corkscrews, etc.) and the only thing that has ever called for a bag check was a tablet computer that I didn't place in the bin (there was a sign that stated tablets didn't have to be removed from bags, just regular notebook computers).
What really triggers an operator to call for a bag search? Would a small box of t
Unable to go through scanners (Score:5, Interesting)
Hi Jason, and thanks in advance for answering these questions.
I am physically unable to use the scanners, both the X-ray and the millimeter-wave radar. I have been advised that I am therefore medically exempt, and am entitled to be screened by only the metal detector without any direct-contact search. I have TSA's standard notification card that I give to the person at the WTMD, informing them of the nature of my issue, and I also tell them verbally that I am medically exempt. Half the time they wave me through the WTMD (and half of that time, conduct an explosives test on my hands). The other half of the time, the TSA person gives me a LOT of grief in an effort to force me into either the scanner or the enhanced pat-down. So far, eventually they step away for a few minutes, then someone else comes along and waves me through the WTMD.
What phrasing do you recommend I use, both on the card and by speaking, when I initially notify the screening person of my situation, to skip the part where the TSA person gives me grief?
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Ooh, I think I can field this one:
What phrasing do you recommend I use, both on the card and by speaking, when I initially notify the screening person of my situation, to skip the part where the TSA person gives me grief?
"You know, on second thought I think I'll take the bus."
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You've apparently not heard of the TSA VIPR teams [wikipedia.org].
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Oh, I've heard of them, never actually seen one in person.
Of course, that may be a consequence of living outside the Constitution-Free Zone. YMMV, depending on how close to the national border you reside.
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You're anonymous, so, I can't see that it matters, but... ...what the heck makes you medically exempt from direct-contact searches that still lets you get on planes in close contact with other humans?
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The way I read it, the medical exemption entitles him to use only the medical detector, not that it necessarily also means he can't have someone touch him.
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Given all that, my first attempts DID include a second claim of being medically exempt from physical contact. I have since dropped that part, to focus on the one exemption that matters.
So, what is your claim? Is it hypothetical?
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I'm curious what qualifies as a medical reason to avoid the scanners? I opt out of them always, but it'd be nice to be able to at least occasionally avoid the pat downs too...
Care to share your ailment?
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Care to share your ailment?
Yes, his condition is called "I'm making up inconsistent stories on the internet to get vague questions answered."
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FFS dude, you're anonymous on the internet.
If you're asking a hypothetical question, just say so.
If not, explain the condition.
Re:Unable to go through scanners (Score:5, Interesting)
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A rotator cuff tear is a common cause of pain and disability among adults. In 2008, close to 2 million people in the United States went to their doctors because of a rotator cuff problem.
A lot of TSA agents should learn this and not assume everyone is lying about not being able to raise their arms.
Two questions: (Score:5, Interesting)
2) Have you ever heard of any TSA precautions actually catching a terrorist planning on attacking a flight - when the TSA were not alerted by another agency?
Re:Two questions: (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Two questions: (Score:5, Informative)
What Authority Does a TSA Agent have and not have? (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:What Authority Does a TSA Agent have and not ha (Score:5, Interesting)
Unlawful orders (Score:3)
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But don't you dare ever forget the Constitution cannot be overrode by a law.
Either way I am disappointed my question did not get an answer.
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no groping please? (Score:3)
I read all your blog a while ago. I would like some real world advice on two things:
1) how can I get through security as fast as possible?
2) how can I minimize my chances of getting my nuts grabbed?
I'm not going to throw a principled fit at the security checkpoint because I know it won't accomplish anything at all. I'll fight my battles elsewhere. I'll play the game in line, yessir, yes ma'am, whatever. Just get me through an don't grab my nuts! I have a plane to catch and want to leave with my dignity intact.
So any advice on playing the game? That would be nice.
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This is it, right here. Mod parent up. If we have no other question answered in this discussion, I'd be fine with it as long as we get an answer to this.
Scope-n-grope is the most disgusting betrayal a government agency has perpetrated against the American people in recent memory (I consider it worse than the Snowden revelations). There is no excuse for what is being done to innocent air travelers and it is unconscionable that I would have no guarantee of being free from unwanted forced physical contact w
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1. Run
2. Be a woman
I opt for the passive aggression also. I wear my t-shirt with the quote in my signature and wait patiently as I opt out (I have never once been allowed to go through the metal detectors while the nut zappers have been in place).
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how can I get through security as fast as possible?
Before you get to the airport:
- Go through all your carry-on bags. Dump them out. Sort the contents. Make sure you have no swiss army knives, screwdrivers, torch lighters, razor blades or other "Gee, I didn't know that was in there" items.
- Make sure all your liquids are in 3-ounce bottles in one ziplock bag quickly accessible from your carry-on bag.
- Make sure your laptops and tablets are in one easily accessed area in your carryon.
At th
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This is all good advice. To that, I would add this: Pay attention to what causes you to get slowed down as you're going through. I've carried a number of odd items that have caused the TSA to flag me for a bag check - cheese, a game that contains hundreds of playing cards, a bowling ball, etc. When I'm carrying one of these items, I remove it from my bag and place it separately in a bin; if the X-ray operator can see it on its own, they usually won't call a bag check. Even if they do ask for a bag check, it
Re:no groping please? (Score:5, Insightful)
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2 Well, believ
Opting out... (Score:3)
I travel FREQUENTLY, and always opt out of the naked scanners at the airport... partially because of safety concerns, partly because of my view that they're security theatre and ineffective, and partly in protest. After all - as inconvenient as a hand pat-down is, I KNOW that won't give me cancer in 20 years. 4-5 scans a week or more over 20 years... what's that going to do to me?
Question: do the TSA agents hate me? :)
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For me, whether or not the scanners might cause cancer isn't even part of the equation (it would be, if that were the worst part). I opt out on principle because I don't believe that the government has the right to scan my body when I'm traveling, plain and simple. I don't care if they scan the bags I have with me, I have that stuff with me knowing that it's going to be scanned. But for them to assert the right to basically check me out without clothing is too far, I don't agree that they have that right
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Hand swabbing (Score:3)
I've heard of the practice of "hand swabbing" - randomly selecting passengers to have a cotton swab coated in some chemical run over their hands and tested for explosive residue. I do NOT consent to any contact with my skin (or any physical contact from strangers at all, excepting lifesaving medical procedures) - how would I go about refusing this and what would happen afterward?
Note that this question is academic - I refuse to set foot in airports and have done since the introduction of the Reign of Molestation in 2010, and will continue to do so until the RoM is stopped and (hopefully) John Pistole is sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole, the entirety of his sentence to be spent in solitary confinement with the cell door permanently welded shut.
Re:Hand swabbing (Score:5, Insightful)
off-hour vending machines (Score:2)
What's with the guards by the vending machines in terminals? What would happen if I insisted on using the vending machines?
The airports I fly through have nooks with vending machines. When I go through (always day or early evening), there's always a guard. I tried to use the vending machines a couple times and was told "no" and they're only for when the shops are closed.
What goes? Whose policy is it? Do the shop vendors pay separately for this extra protection?
Re:off-hour vending machines (Score:5, Insightful)
3rd degree in Amsterdam (Score:2)
About a year ago I was traveling home, and the TSA had set up a security checkpoint at the gate in Amsterdam. The screener (A Dutchman, oddly) kept asking me question after question, surely suspicious of something. This only thing even remotely suspicious was that I had gone through Switzerland, and my flight was cancelled so I had been re-routed through Amsterdam.
Do you have any idea why the gate agent gave me the third degree, asking me all these questions about where I had been, etc? I've traveled qu
It's been great, thanks Slashdotters (Score:5, Informative)
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Thanks, Jason!
On whether I fly (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Hi Jason (Score:5, Insightful)
Why would anyone believe it suddenly becomes okay to violate people's fundamental liberties simply because someone is trying to "earn a living"?
Re:Hi Jason (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Hi Jason (Score:5, Interesting)
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Why would anyone believe it suddenly becomes okay to violate people's fundamental liberties simply because someone is trying to "earn a living"?
isn't that the entire purpose of the legal industry?
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WTF is a non-sequitor?
Re:Looks, Gate Screening and Missing Your Flight (Score:5, Insightful)