Thanks to the TSA, flying today is supposedly safer than it was pre-9/11. The TSA still fails 95% of tests, but through technology and do not fly lists, the government and TSA would like you think that you are safer. Despite this, the TSA screens millions of flyers each … [Read more...]
What Does SSSS on a Boarding Pass Entail
For any frequent flyer, there is nothing worst than not being able to print a boarding pass at home or use a mobile app. Whenever I receive a notification that I must print my boarding pass at the airport I know something is wrong. The ticket is either issued … [Read more...]
TSA PreCheck Random Screening: Now Includes Explosive Screening of Electronic Devices
For the American Frequent Flyer, TSA PreCheck has for the most part made airport security bearable. In my opinion, PreCheck is among the best opt-in program after Global Entry. The only difference, I use PreCheck twice a week, every week as a business traveler and I … [Read more...]
Three Reasons NOT to Privatize the TSA (#garyleffiswrong)
From the desk of the Devil's Advocate… A few days ago, our friend Gary Leff over at View From The Wing wrote a post arguing the time has come to take the function of airport security screening away from the Transportation Security Administration and give it to private … [Read more...]
Is It Time To Dump TSA PreCheck and Get a Clear Membership?
From the desk of the Devil's Advocate… It's become such a staple of Conventional Wisdom to tell frequent travelers to sign up for TSA PreCheck that even the mainstream media has begun mentioning it in almost every recent news article about the long lines currently … [Read more...]
Having some fun with CBP: the Global Entry Selfie
I'm not one to take a lot of selfies. That's not to say never, but it seems I have more cranky old man traits than that of a millennial. There may exist some photos of me in First Class pajamas or in an airplane lavatory, but good luck finding those...One exception to … [Read more...]
Do You Already Have TSA PreCheck, or Is It Time to Enroll?
TSA PreCheck is great. I can walk from curb to gate in under 10 minutes, stopping briefly to put my keys and phone in a plastic dish. Otherwise I leave all my clothes on and don't need to unpack my bags. The lines are shorter, too, now that the government has stopped … [Read more...]
You Probably Won’t Need a Passport for Domestic Flights
Everyone seems to be in a tizzy about four states (and one territory) that have failed to implement driver licenses consistent with guidelines established by the national Real ID Act. Part of the plan was for the TSA to begin refusing non-compliant identification cards … [Read more...]
TSA Misses 95% of Weapons in Its Own Tests
The Transportation Security Administration loves to impress the general public with its security theater, sending out a weekly update on how many guns and knives it's collected from ordinary travelers, as well as drug busts and other illegal activities that are beyond … [Read more...]
Did You Know You Can Complain to TSA on Twitter?
This is a quick post because I'm locked in a war of words with the TSA. Apparently someone over there does read what I write. That may not be a good thing.If you ever want to voice a complaint about the TSA, I suggest you tweet their lead PR guy, @TSAmedia_RossF. He … [Read more...]
