I just went through airport security at San Francisco International. I’m pretty good at security; I’ve done it a lot. I have a routine that I follow that works pretty well. I occasionally screw up by forgetting something, but not often. Today I was stopped at the magnetometer and had to go back and go through again. I didn’t set it off; that wasn’t the problem. I had my hand in my pocket.
“Stop sir”, the TSA agent told me, “your hand was in your pocket.”
“Crap”, I thought. I went back and passed through again. Both of my hands were visible this time. No problem.
I find myself now sitting here now in the bar having a beer and wondering why I had to take my hand out of my pocket. Exactly what purpose does this serve? The magnetometer detects metal, right? What difference does my hand being in my pocket make? If I have metal, it should go off. If I don’t it won’t. What could I be hiding in my hand that is not just as easily left in my pocket? I’m sure there is some reason for this procedure. I’m also pretty sure that it’s stupid, but I can’t seem to figure out what it is. Any ideas?
Yes sir! I have an idea. It is all symbolism over substance. The TSA knows (not the people who work at the airport and such, after all they are minimum wage, minimum IQ personnel)that they have no chance to catch anyone planning to wreak havoc on an airplane. Terrorists don't enter security lines with bombs, gun, knives, etc. in their pockets. They have much more well-conceived plans and devious operations.
ReplyDeleteIn an effort to seem useful, the TSA creates all these little rules - no hands in pockets, no laptop in cases, liquids in clear sandwich bags [everyone knows explosives are red while shampoo is green] no shoes, no smiling, hoping to lull the public into believing that they (read: US Government)are keeping the traveling public safe. It's just symbolism over substance, and the vast majority of travelers believe it - or else there would be such a revolt even the TSA would not be able to create enough rules
BTW, I am traveling on United to SEA next month. Thanks for helping me dread it even more.