Comments on: TSA Now Requiring All Electronic Items Placed In Bins at SFO http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/ an online resource for art, culture and technology Sat, 24 Jul 2010 17:49:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Mike A http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-525259 Mike A Tue, 04 Mar 2008 07:03:27 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-525259 I just flew out of Anchorage, and the security there removed my laptop from the laptop briefcase it was in and quite literally tossed it haphazardly into a screening bin without even asking if they could remove it nor telling me what they were doing. Flying from Seatac, however, I had my laptop in the briefcase the entire time until I got to my concourse while waiting for the plane to start boarding. I just flew out of Anchorage, and the security there removed my laptop from the laptop briefcase it was in and quite literally tossed it haphazardly into a screening bin without even asking if they could remove it nor telling me what they were doing.

Flying from Seatac, however, I had my laptop in the briefcase the entire time until I got to my concourse while waiting for the plane to start boarding.

]]> By: Jim Goldstein http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524929 Jim Goldstein Wed, 13 Feb 2008 08:17:09 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524929 Just for the record I flew out of SFO the day after you posted this. No problems with cables in my bag. Just for the record I flew out of SFO the day after you posted this. No problems with cables in my bag.

]]> By: chrys http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524840 chrys Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:29:03 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524840 yay, it worked! kudos buddy! yay, it worked! kudos buddy!

]]> By: dnzyme http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524761 dnzyme Sun, 03 Feb 2008 08:51:58 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524761 CAS does a much better job at screening and airport security than does TSA. There have been numerous articles attesting to this over the past few years. I'm glad they are actually checking for that kind of thing. Now, they should have streamlined things, and thrown out a bunch of the other crap they were screening for, but overall it's a plus. CAS does a much better job at screening and airport security than does TSA. There have been numerous articles attesting to this over the past few years. I’m glad they are actually checking for that kind of thing. Now, they should have streamlined things, and thrown out a bunch of the other crap they were screening for, but overall it’s a plus.

]]> By: Ron Genise http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524759 Ron Genise Sun, 03 Feb 2008 05:37:55 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524759 Covenant Aviation Security (CAS) is subcontracted by TSA. I doubt they changed their screening requirements without TSA knowledge and approval. Are you feeling more scared yet? It's election time. Covenant Aviation Security (CAS) is subcontracted by TSA. I doubt they changed their screening requirements without TSA knowledge and approval. Are you feeling more scared yet? It’s election time.

]]> By: Pamela Z http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524752 Pamela Z Sat, 02 Feb 2008 08:59:32 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524752 I had to do 3 round trips in January, and the requirement of removing everything electronic (which for me meant completely unpacking my bag and putting the contents in about 5 tubs) was enforced at two different airports. They said it was a test. It was enforced once at SFO and once at Louisville KY. I generally experience being pulled aside and having my bag inspected (with the little white fluffy thing) for explosives anyway, so this was just a variation on the theme for me. Pamela Z I had to do 3 round trips in January, and the requirement of removing everything electronic (which for me meant completely unpacking my bag and putting the contents in about 5 tubs) was enforced at two different airports. They said it was a test. It was enforced once at SFO and once at Louisville KY.

I generally experience being pulled aside and having my bag inspected (with the little white fluffy thing) for explosives anyway, so this was just a variation on the theme for me.

Pamela Z

]]> By: Cathy http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524751 Cathy Sat, 02 Feb 2008 03:46:01 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524751 I have flown out of SFO 4 times this week. When I flew out of SFO to YVR, I only had to put my laptop in a separate bin. Left my PS2, chargers, camera, Blackberry, cables, and such in my bag. When I flew out of YVR back to SFO, the security at YVR actually did a chemical swipe of my laptop and bag. But again, everything but the latop remained in my bag When I flew out of SFO for two other international flights (trans-Pacific), there was no word of removing all electronics out of my bag. So it appears this is patchy or selective policy thus far. I have flown out of SFO 4 times this week.

When I flew out of SFO to YVR, I only had to put my laptop in a separate bin. Left my PS2, chargers, camera, Blackberry, cables, and such in my bag.

When I flew out of YVR back to SFO, the security at YVR actually did a chemical swipe of my laptop and bag. But again, everything but the latop remained in my bag

When I flew out of SFO for two other international flights (trans-Pacific), there was no word of removing all electronics out of my bag. So it appears this is patchy or selective policy thus far.

]]> By: Sean http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524746 Sean Fri, 01 Feb 2008 22:47:43 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524746 I've been flying out of SFO every week since December, and there has been no such requirement. I use the 1st Class/Premier line for United so requirements can be different with different lines. I'm flying out of there next week, so we'll see what happens. I’ve been flying out of SFO every week since December, and there has been no such requirement. I use the 1st Class/Premier line for United so requirements can be different with different lines. I’m flying out of there next week, so we’ll see what happens.

]]> By: Rob Usdin http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524731 Rob Usdin Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:07:16 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524731 Flew out of Palm Beach last week. They did not ask for all electronics to be removed - didn't care about my iPod, digital camera, but then they stopped me after x-ray and took the bag with my CPAP (used for sleep apnea) and said "is this a CPAP? I need the machine out of the bag for further inspection." The guy then put the CPAP on some kind of metal thing that looked most like a scale, and then gave it back to me and said "you're clear". What's odd is that the CPAP had already gone through x-ray there, as well as up in Newark when I had flown down the previous week - and the security at Newark didn't do the same thing. --*Rob Flew out of Palm Beach last week. They did not ask for all electronics to be removed – didn’t care about my iPod, digital camera, but then they stopped me after x-ray and took the bag with my CPAP (used for sleep apnea) and said “is this a CPAP? I need the machine out of the bag for further inspection.” The guy then put the CPAP on some kind of metal thing that looked most like a scale, and then gave it back to me and said “you’re clear”.

What’s odd is that the CPAP had already gone through x-ray there, as well as up in Newark when I had flown down the previous week – and the security at Newark didn’t do the same thing.

–*Rob

]]> By: WolfWitch http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524730 WolfWitch Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:36:14 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524730 I'm fed up with this crap. I hold up the line every time I fly with my laptop and other electronics, usually juggled into bins while I' m trying to take off my shoes and belt, while emptying my pockets. I'm sure as hell not checking them- I need them for work when I land, and my bags get "delayed" at least a couple of times a year. Gotta agree with Colin. Frequent filers should just go out and buy one or two of the most obnoxious battery-operated sex toys they can find. Pack 'em in the front pocket of your laptop bag and get to the airport early. Be sure to let TSA unpack them. They will too- nothing says "bomb" like a couple of batteries and some wire. I’m fed up with this crap. I hold up the line every time I fly with my laptop and other electronics, usually juggled into bins while I’ m trying to take off my shoes and belt, while emptying my pockets. I’m sure as hell not checking them- I need them for work when I land, and my bags get “delayed” at least a couple of times a year.

Gotta agree with Colin. Frequent filers should just go out and buy one or two of the most obnoxious battery-operated sex toys they can find. Pack ‘em in the front pocket of your laptop bag and get to the airport early. Be sure to let TSA unpack them. They will too- nothing says “bomb” like a couple of batteries and some wire.

]]> By: Adam Skory http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524729 Adam Skory Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:51:31 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524729 I flew out of SFO today, and I had loads of cables and gadgets in my carry-on. No-one asked me to take any of them out... sounds like this new requirement is patchy indeed! I flew out of SFO today, and I had loads of cables and gadgets in my carry-on. No-one asked me to take any of them out… sounds like this new requirement is patchy indeed!

]]> By: Jon Gilbert http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524721 Jon Gilbert Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:47:49 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524721 I had a friend fly international today out of SFO. After she cleared security (around 2pm) she called; when I asked her, she said that there wasn't anything unusual about her security screening, and that she wasn't required to enumerate all of her electronics and cables for seperate screening. Scott, maybe you got picked for a beta-test of a new policy? I had a friend fly international today out of SFO. After she cleared security (around 2pm) she called; when I asked her, she said that there wasn’t anything unusual about her security screening, and that she wasn’t required to enumerate all of her electronics and cables for seperate screening. Scott, maybe you got picked for a beta-test of a new policy?

]]> By: Brett Peters http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524720 Brett Peters Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:51:06 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524720 I flew out of DFW today (1/31) and did not have this problem. Only the laptop had to come out of the bag. It may be only SFO. I flew out of DFW today (1/31) and did not have this problem. Only the laptop had to come out of the bag. It may be only SFO.

]]> By: Ben Campbell http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524719 Ben Campbell Fri, 01 Feb 2008 03:45:06 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524719 I flew from RDU to DFW this afternoon (Jan 31) and there was no such requirement. As far as I could tell, there was no _new_ sillyness of any kind. I flew from RDU to DFW this afternoon (Jan 31) and there was no such requirement. As far as I could tell, there was no _new_ sillyness of any kind.

]]> By: Kevin Tieskoetter http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524718 Kevin Tieskoetter Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:53:04 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524718 Sure, Bonnie, charter your own plane, and then the environmentalists will be calling for your head! :-) Sure, Bonnie, charter your own plane, and then the environmentalists will be calling for your head! :-)

]]> By: Scott Beale http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524715 Scott Beale Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:57:47 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524715 Brian, thanks for the FlyerTalk forum link, I've updated the post. Brian, thanks for the FlyerTalk forum link, I’ve updated the post.

]]> By: Bonnie Burton http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524714 Bonnie Burton Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:43:33 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524714 Yet another reason to fly out of San Jose instead, or charter your own plane. Yet another reason to fly out of San Jose instead, or charter your own plane.

]]> By: Nelz http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524713 Nelz Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:43:05 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524713 1) Here's a hack for everyone, regarding "liquid items". Keep them on your person. (In a pocket, in yer undies, in yer socks, whatever...) As long as they are not metal, and not in your carry-on, they shouldn't get you detained, and now you don't need to do the 6oz baggie dance. 2) I had my whole flying ritual down. I knew how to get through the security lines quite quickly, so I didn't complain too much, nor did I seek out how to complain. Now, with this anti-electronic totalitarianism, I'm feeling like this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_they_came... 3) Vibrators. Colin's got it. I'm buying VIBRATORS! 1) Here’s a hack for everyone, regarding “liquid items”. Keep them on your person. (In a pocket, in yer undies, in yer socks, whatever…) As long as they are not metal, and not in your carry-on, they shouldn’t get you detained, and now you don’t need to do the 6oz baggie dance.

2) I had my whole flying ritual down. I knew how to get through the security lines quite quickly, so I didn’t complain too much, nor did I seek out how to complain. Now, with this anti-electronic totalitarianism, I’m feeling like this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_they_came…

3) Vibrators. Colin’s got it. I’m buying VIBRATORS!

]]> By: Jeff http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524712 Jeff Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:23:24 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524712 A few times, I've forgotten to put something in a quart ziploc bag, or left the baggie in the carry on, and nobody noticed. I recently found small bottles of mouthwash in a little pocket in my messenger bag-- must have gone through their machines a dozen times, and nobody ever spotted it. I've forgotten to remove my Swiss army knife from my bag a few times too-- no problems there either. A few times, I’ve forgotten to put something in a quart ziploc bag, or left the baggie in the carry on, and nobody noticed. I recently found small bottles of mouthwash in a little pocket in my messenger bag– must have gone through their machines a dozen times, and nobody ever spotted it. I’ve forgotten to remove my Swiss army knife from my bag a few times too– no problems there either.

]]> By: Scott Beale http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524711 Scott Beale Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:47:02 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524711 chrys, thanks for the heads-up on the TSA blog. I've updated this post that info. chrys, thanks for the heads-up on the TSA blog. I’ve updated this post that info.

]]> By: Ginger http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524710 Ginger Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:27:35 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524710 I flew SFO>JFK>SFO last week and I heard nothing of taking out additional items at either airport. I had checked the powercord for my iBook in my luggage (d'oh! 3 hour delay + half charged battery = unhappy blogger), but still had the trusty Blackberry, iPod, and all associated cables. I have only ever flown out of SFO via the International terminal but I've heard stories of the domestic terminals being horrendous and about on par with flying out of OAK. I flew SFO>JFK>SFO last week and I heard nothing of taking out additional items at either airport. I had checked the powercord for my iBook in my luggage (d’oh! 3 hour delay + half charged battery = unhappy blogger), but still had the trusty Blackberry, iPod, and all associated cables.

I have only ever flown out of SFO via the International terminal but I’ve heard stories of the domestic terminals being horrendous and about on par with flying out of OAK.

]]> By: Colin http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524709 Colin Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:23:31 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524709 As a silent protest, I think everyone should start bringing vibrators in their carry-ons. As a silent protest, I think everyone should start bringing vibrators in their carry-ons.

]]> By: Plugh http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524708 Plugh Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:06:42 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524708 It's probably so they can determine the composition and weight of the batteries to comply with the new limitations on Li-Ion carry-on weight. It’s probably so they can determine the composition and weight of the batteries to comply with the new limitations on Li-Ion carry-on weight.

]]> By: Adam Jackson http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524707 Adam Jackson Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:58:03 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524707 I did not have that experience flying to and from Macworld from Jacksonville, FL. The hell of unpacking all of my gear would delay me by 15 minutes. I don't dare list everything that's in my Brenthaven bag(s) on this comment but I assure you that it will make flying very difficult if this becomes common place. I did not have that experience flying to and from Macworld from Jacksonville, FL.

The hell of unpacking all of my gear would delay me by 15 minutes. I don’t dare list everything that’s in my Brenthaven bag(s) on this comment but I assure you that it will make flying very difficult if this becomes common place.

]]> By: Brian http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/comment-page-1/#comment-524704 Brian Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:22:17 +0000 http://laughingsquid.com/tsa-now-requiring-all-electronic-items-placed-in-bins-at-sfo/#comment-524704 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=780250 has more details- looks like it's a "test" that's been going on for a while. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=780250 has more details- looks like it’s a “test” that’s been going on for a while.

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