Bill to Require TSA to Set Procedures for TG Screening

[Carolyn Marie]

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/dem-bill-requires-tsa-to-develop-transgender-screening-plan/article/2608724#!

We need to see the details, but the goal of this bill is a good one.  How far do you think it will get?

 

Carolyn Marie

[Guest]

Good! Before hormones I removed my bra and forms for security. Now that my boobs aren't removable, 'm kinda wondering what kind of garbage I'll be subjected to when flying. I have flown a lot for business over the years and it's definitely gotten worse.

My wife and I flew to Hawaii a couple years ago and she was singled out for extra screening, in front of everyone because she wears huge feminine type pads because of her bladder problems due to pregnancy. She was so humiliated she broke down into tears right there. I came close to decking the fool that was treating her that way. I guess I'm just waiting now for my turn.....

[Drea]

One does not need to be trans to be harassed.  One effectively can't complain without risk of being detained if you do it while at the airport or being flagged on the no fly list.

What is perhaps the most annoying is the level of hassle is so much theatre to make people feel like something is being done despite their own tests that showed banned items routinely get thru.

I have said this before...used to be flight crews had to put their bags thru xray and go thru metal detector (though I don't think they were stopped if it alarmed).  Now crew goes thru a simple ID check.  Their possessions are not screened at all.  This has led to flight crews bringing in guns and other banned items.  This change occurred, well now it has been over a year, maybe two years.  The idea of a "sterile" area is a load of nonsense.

I strip off my bra when going thru security because I been hassled about my non-undrerwire bra

 

 

[MaryEllen]

This was on the news yesterday. http://abc7.com/news/woman-battling-breast-cancer-details-humiliating-tsa-search-at-lax/1643322/

[Guest]

10 hours ago, Drea said:

I strip off my bra when going thru security because I been hassled about my non-undrerwire bra

 

That's precisely what I was concerned out.

[Drea]

10 hours ago, Fiona said:

That's precisely what I was concerned out.

The thing about the TSA is that no matter what the "rules" are as they say on their web site, there are in fact no rules.  Underwire brans, breast forms are all not supposed to be a problem.  Key words being "not supposed"

The problem with my bra was the side panel seam that the person doing a pat down started saying "what is that, what is that?" as if this tiny little thing could possibly be some sort of threat....I cannot imagine what sort of threat it was. since the dimensions was 1/4" by 2" and was obviously flexible.  The way the screener started saying this sounded like an accusation to me.  I said "you mean my bra?" or something like that.  Lifted up my shirt and showed...oh no...that was no good, they insisted on dragging me into a room to inspect my bra.  When someone starts making accusations over nothing...my feeling is going to a private room where they could do and claim anything they want is very discomforting.

I am a regular traveler, been thru lots of pat downs before this.

My stripping off my bra is to deny them the pretext....it is also my way of protesting, taking it off in line....and when I pick it up, since I can't easily put it on under my clothes like I can get it off....I just put it over my shoulder.

 

[Jani]

22 hours ago, Drea said:

One does not need to be trans to be harassed.  One effectively can't complain without risk of being detained if you do it while at the airport or being flagged on the no fly list.

What is perhaps the most annoying is the level of hassle is so much theatre to make people feel like something is being done despite their own tests that showed banned items routinely get thru.

Agreed.  These are two points that drive me crazy about current TSA activities and practices.  Flying is no longer enjoyable, a plain and simple truth.  It hasn't been for quite some time.  Sad.

Jani

[Briana]

13 hours ago, Drea said:

The thing about the TSA is that no matter what the "rules" are as they say on their web site, there are in fact no rules.  Underwire brans, breast forms are all not supposed to be a problem.  Key words being "not supposed"

In general, based on the experience of other I have to agree with this.  Honestly, I really try to do my best to follow their rules and I've never had an issue and I'm a frequent flyer.  AND...I'm usually wearing an underwire. LOL I've been lucky I guess.  Recently, I got the TSA pre-check which has really been nice - even easier for me.   My poor wife though.  Boy does she ever get the treatment.  It is an ongoing family joke about what kind of search she got this time, every time we fly.  It's always something with her.  I keep telling her to get a pre-check too, since lately she's traveling more than me.

Maryellen, that was an interesting story about Ms. Albert.  Not sure what to make of it.  Going forward, she may want to get a letter from her doc explaining her condition to make it easier.  She could also get a TSA disability notification card that can help things along.  I realize it puts an additional burden on us as consumers of air travel, but taking the time to read/check things on the TSA site, the specific airline site, and calling if needed, can make things easier.  I realize at a local level, TSA employees aren't always aware of their own P&P and/or don't always follow it, but doing what you can ahead of time to make yourself aware of, and follow their procedures, can go a long way to smoothing things out on your journey.

And Jani, you're right - even though I haven't received/endured the hassles that others have when flying, flying is still no longer enjoyable.  At all.  Moo...moo...moooooo...can I please have some more hay?

And, with all that said, the TSA has a difficult job and i sure wouldn't want to do.  For the most part, I'm glad they are there and I appreciate the job they do.  Could they do it better?  Sure, of course.  Could we the public be better?  Sure, of course.  I hope the wording in the bill being proposed will help things and that our congress and senate will have to sense to pass it.  We'll see...

[Guest]

On 12/9/2016 at 7:39 AM, Briana said:

For the most part, I'm glad they are there and I appreciate the job they do.  Could they do it better?  Sure, of course.  Could we the public be better?  Sure, of course.  I hope the wording in the bill being proposed will help things and that our congress and senate will have to sense to pass it.  We'll see...

I'm afraid that doesn't cut it for me. They fail every test thrown at them yet make passengers feel like criminals. Nope, I don't feel any safer....