I've run into, and commented on, TSA stupidity and ignorance before. But, this one is a contender for the #1 spot ...
My 13 year old was just stopped when walking through the metal detector at LAX because he was holding a Rubik's Cube. It was in his pocket originally, and while in line he took it out and started playing with it. The TSA agent told him "now that you've shown it to me, it has to go through the machine" (exact words). They made him go back, place it on the belt, and then go through again.
So, in TSA logic this means that you can carry non-metal stuff that fits in your pocket, so long as it is actually in your pocket and out of sight. But if you carry it in the open ... Wow, I feel safer already!
Hey, maybe next time I'll have him put it in a quart sized bag first!
[Updated]
--- Ben
Using the TSA logic, they should be required to have you pull everything out of your pockets, which would be absurd.
After being very patient in suggesting to any TSA agents who walk by in saying that, this is not going to look good for me, eventually, an agent allowed about 10 of us -- on the same flight, to move in front of the line.
But by now, and by the time that I went through security, I am the last one to get on the plane as the gate shutting behind me, stranding 3 passengers (out of the 10) behind.
So, great job, TSA.
Whatever you guys are doing, are excellent ...
Be glad that you are not one of the people on one of the aircraft that crashed on 9/11. Ben, you are a smart guy. So you should know that no process is perfect. And the fact that you work for Adobe means that you know it well. I have been on hold with Adobe sales and tech support for about 20 hours in the last month. However, I digress. Of course, there will be inconvenience with security procedures. That is the point! And you also know that sometimes people are just doing their jobs. They don't make up the rules. Ben, you are way out of line by making a derogatory comment about these people who are just trying to keep you and I safe. Show a little more class than that.
From one who general enjoys reading your blog.
I had to fly out of LAX three times last year, and each time the TSA did some other terrible time wasting exercise.
@Randy, I understand what the TSA is supposed to provide, however, seeing as the level of 'security' is worst in airports that need it most (O'Hare, LAX, SFO, etc.) and best at places that never likely to provide a threat (Champaign IL, Buffalo NY, etc.) the system is far from perfect, it is just broken.
Of course we NEED security at airports, but how about something that really works?
Just my two cents.
The final straw was the security staff (UK, not TSA) that couldn't understand why my wife and I were a little concerned when they wanted to take our four year old daughter "away" for special scanning after she'd walked through the security gate and it had beeped. They were unhappy that we insisted that one of us would accompany her.
Turned out to be no big deal and everyone calmed down. Traveling with small children is never fun, irrational security measures and obdurate staff don't make it any easier.
If the terrorists haven't won, they've certainly come close, because we in the west have let the security nutters out of their boxes to dominate everyday life.
I was coming back from Florida and had a small carry-on cooler with some Stone Crab claws and Ice. After it went through the X-Ray machine they told me I
had to dump the ice and start again from the back of the line.
TSA Agent: "You can't bring liquids through security."
Me: "I'm not, all I have in there is crab claws and ICE"
TSA Agent: "Ice is a liquid"
Me: "Did you take science in school?"
:-)
a. it might contain dangerous liquid(s)
b. it has moving parts - and therefor may be concealing (or be able to be turned into) sharp points
If something like that happens again, I'd be curious to know whether or not my theory as to why they'd make you scan it are accurate or not?
Of course, the easy fix here is to buy your kids clothing with smaller pockets :)
It's horrible how those TSA agents are.
Leaving Boston a TSA agent took shaving gel from my bag.
On my return trip from Japan and Costa Rica, I went thru 6 security check points including the checkpoint where they go thru everything very thoroughly and yet I was able to bring 2 5oz bottles of Costa Rican Hot Sauce in the country that I had in my pockets which I was intent on getting back home. Even got a fantastic photo of TSA agents slacking off while perople wait to get inspected.
There must be more to this, as someone who travels for a living, this seems to be nothing more than an minor annoyance with a purpose.