On the evening of Memorial Day, I went to my local airport to pick up my wife who was returning from visiting her brother and his family for a few days. As usual I get to the airport a little bit early so I can plane-spot the very rare ERJ’s and CRJ’s that tend to make it to town.
As I was waiting near the one-way corridor where arriving passengers walk down after leaving the airside part of the terminal, I saw something that I don’t think should happen at any airport. A pair of TSA officers were pushing a cart full of food containers (Tupperware type), grocery store bags, and bottles of soda and water up this one-way corridor (which does not have any security since it is for arriving passengers) and proceeded to disappear into the airside part of the terminal.
Now I may not know every rule that the TSA has or doesn’t have, but shouldn’t ANY ITEM being brought AIR SIDE by ANY ONE be subject to the same scrutiny as a normal passenger? In other words, shouldn’t the cart and it’s contents be screened and X-Ray’d?
The scene was harmless enough. A few TSA agents perhaps planning a pot luck or small gathering after their shift in their break-room is all well and good. But the impression that was left in my mind is that a cart full of “stuff” just bypassed security without the slightest effort of screening the contents.
Do I have cause for concern? I think so.
I should add, SIDA doors are subject to alternate screening
Yes, everything is supposed to go through screening, or enter through an approved SIDA-door by authorized personnel.
therefore, something could go to the sterile side without being screened, but it is not supposed to do so at the checkpoint.
think you should report it!
Do not question your superiors. X-rays and pat downs are for the little people.
The rules that apply to Joe/Jane traveler do not apply to the TSA.
Strangely, I believe that statement!
“See something, say something.” Right? According to Big Sis, you should have called the TSA- er, police.
thinking that will happen tomrw morning. The airport police office was closed when I walked by…..go figure….
It was probably a cart full of goodies confiscated from passengers….
See if you can find out how much screening is done on food catered to the aircraft or how much screening ground crew go through on their way to work everyday. If you can find somebody who will answer you might be shocked…