Newest bogus airport threat – suspicious powders

by Scott Carmichael on

By now most people passing through the airport are aware of the dangers of liquids. I’m sure you know to carry your tiny bottles in a TSA specified plastic baggie. So, now that threat has been neutralized, it is time to move on to the next one – powders.

Because the TSA discovered that certain kinds of powder can be used in the creation of improvised explosive devices, they are going to start screening for suspicious containers of powder.

Airports have been outfitted with new equipment for testing powered substances, and the TSA wants you to know that a small percentage of these products will be selected for additional screening. If they detect anything explosive, it won’t be allowed past security.

The official TSA blog is quick to admit that they don’t have any specific threats that triggered the new measures, but felt the need to introduce these new measures anyway. Their logic is that they want to stay ahead of any emerging threats. To me, it all sounds a lot like someone got bored, and wanted to come up with a new way to remind us that the world is still a dangerous place.

So, let it be a warning – leave your explosive baby powder at home, and be prepared for more reasons for airport security to pull you aside for a secondary screening.

Check out these other stories from the airport checkpoint!

Crazy man with wires and batteries shuts down LaGuardia airport terminal

by Scott Carmichael on

Early this morning, a man approached the airport security checkpoint at LaGuardia, and 10 minutes later the central terminal was shut down to passengers and all air traffic.

What happened in those 10 minutes is not entirely clear, but initial reports claim the man was “acting really crazy” and had some wires and batteries in his bag. I’ll go out on a limb here and assume the guy was indeed crazy, and had something in his bag that looked like bomb parts.

As soon as the “bomb” was detected, the evacuation started.

Flights heading to LaGuardia were diverted, and as of right now (9:30am), the airport is still under a ground stop, though passengers are being allowed back into the terminal buildings.

Many flights in and out of the airport are delayed by up to 3 hours, so if you are heading to LGA today, keep an eye on any announcements or flight status notifications from your airline.

TSA fails again – assists illegal immigrants into the airport

by Scott Carmichael on

Every time I think I’ll give the TSA a break, they manage to make it back into the news with something so stupid it makes me shiver.

This time, the TSA escorted 9 workers into a secure area at Orlando airport, and left them behind to do their work. The proper procedure is to escort the workers and stay with them for the duration of their work inside the terminal.

Working off a tip, the US border protection investigated the workers, and discovered that they were all illegal immigrants.

Six of the men will be deported immediately, two will be eligible for a hearing to decide whether they can stay here. The ninth immigrant was wearing an ankle monitoring bracelet, has been deported twice and was busted for a DUI.

As usual, the TSA spin on the story is that this was not a security threat, as the workers went through the normal security checkpoint procedures, so of course, that makes everything A-OK in their eyes.

Sexologist has carry-on inspected, TSA keeps cool

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Robocop sets off alarms. Of course, this “Robocop” is the nickname sexologist David Steinberg has for an 8-inch solid brass sex toy. Even a TSA official could see that one coming. This device was stored safely at home, but Steinberg’s bag of goodies still attracted inspector attention at the airport in Seattle.

For once, it may have been prudent to respond, “No,” when asked if the security official could inspect the contents of the bag.

An older, serious women had to sift through nipple clamps, a butt plug, condoms, personal lubricants and other implements of Steinberg’s trade. Truly a committed professional, her facial expression did not change during the entire ordeal. Some of the other passengers working their way through security took notice, undoubtedly thinking that these are the very devices the TSA uses if it summons you into one of those “special” rooms for a more thorough search.

Most of these professional tools are deemed fine for the flight, though a whip with a 6-inch metal handle doesn’t pass the test. The security guard claims it’s a weapon, probably not realizing that that isn’t its intent. I guess it could be used as one, though the owner correctly describes it as a toy (conveniently omitting the word “adult” from the exchange).

Encouraged by the suggestion that he check it as a separate piece of luggage, Steinberg dashed over to the ticket agent to make his move. She was a bit more aware of the device but declined an offer of explanation. The whip was checked successfully, and Steinberg went on his way.

So, the next time you pack your carry-on, remember to consider the contents carefully. Steinberg’s a comfortable pro, but you may not be ready to have your belongings put on display.

TSA getting serious about luggage theft – arrests TSA agent stealing from luggage

by Scott Carmichael on

The Transportation Security Administration is in the news a bit too much with stories of their staff stealing from our luggage.

The problems at JFK airport were so serious, that the TSA and Delta Airlines worked together to try and nab the crooks in action.

It didn’t take long till the sting operation turned up its first victims – TSA worker Brian Burton and baggage handler Antwon Simmons were caught on camera stealing a laptop, an iPod and 2 mobile phones.

The very people who are hired to keep our airlines safe are too crooked to be trusted with our valuables, a very worrying statistic, especially since this is by no means the first time TSA workers have been involved in luggage theft.

These two clowns even tried to hide their handywork by swapping tags on bags, which means the rightful owners would not only lose their stuff, they’d get it delivered days later than scheduled as it would be sent to the wrong airport. In the worst case, their bags may never be recovered.

Words like scum, filth and disgusting pop into my mind when I read about this – but I am happy the TSA is taking matters into their own hands. By regularly organizing these sting operations, their staff might start to think twice about robbing the traveling public.

I’m also concerned that TSA workers are able to leave the airport with our valuables. In any normal retail or manufacturing organization, you can only take home what you came in with. Being able to leave the sterile area of the airport with laptop computers and mobile phones that don’t belong to you should not be possible.