Wrestling with the TSA

[kay2]

I recently took a plane trip while wearing a black calf-length skirt and black tights. I also had painted nails. I don't wear makeup/wig/forms - I just like the clothes.

In addition to the departure and arrival airports, I had a plane change as well. In all 3 airports I got some glances, and I noticed a couple of giggles. However, most of the people appeared too busy with their own travel to pay attention.

The fun part was during the security check. I got selected for a pat down. I stood on the little mat with the foot positions on it, and the officer told me to hold my arms out. After he did my torso and arms, he went into a crouch and reached out his hands towards my legs. He stood like that a moment, and then asked if I'd like to have this done in private - I said there was no need for that. He shifted from foot to foot, moving his hands back and forth trying to decide how to start. He looked like a wrestler looking for an opening. He finally went for it and did the usual run down my legs.

It was a bit difficult to keep a straight face as I walked away.

[sherri52]

I think he liked you. Why do you think you were picked?

[Melinda G]

F***ing TSA perverts! If everybody just stopped flying for awhile, maybe this sh*t would stop.

[kay2]

I'm picked for a pat down about half the time. I must fit some profile - maybe I should try a different color of nail polish when I fly :D

[MissKara]

"Would you like to do this in private", thats classic.

:hugs:

Love,
Miss Karla

[kay2]

F***ing TSA perverts! If everybody just stopped flying for awhile, maybe this sh*t would stop.

Naah. He was just a bit confused and probably never dealt with a skirt before. He was polite and just trying to do his job.

[kellycan27]

F***ing TSA perverts! If everybody just stopped flying for awhile, maybe this sh*t would stop.


Yeah and maybe someone could smuggle a weapon onto a plane, or does that just happen in the movies?

[Melinda G]

My daughter worked for TSA for three weeks and quit. She said "Dad, I just can't do the stuff they are asking me to do. It isn't right". She said she had to body search some very old lady, and probe around under corset stays, etc.
Screw the TSA.

[linnea]

Because I have an artificial hip, I always get the pat-down treatment. I must say, though, that I have found the TSA personnel very professional and polite. Though seems inconvenient, I think that it is a small price to pay for better (not fool-proof) security on our airlines.
Having said that, I have so far not flown en femme--so far. I think that your experience was really pretty fun.

[sissystephanie]

I have an artificial shoulder on my right side and a pacemaker on the left. I get "wanded' every time I go to an airport since I cannot go thru the detectors with a pacemaker. Have never been "patted down," at least not yet. Might have to try a skirt and tights, to see if they will do it! Probably would be fun!

[SuzanneBender]

I fly a lot for work. Recently, I have started traveling in full femme on some of my flights. So far my TSA experience has been wonderfully uneventful. They have always treated me with professionalism and courtesy.

I don't mind the checkpoints. In the back of my mind I always feel like I am doing a strip tease as I pack my items in the bin for the trip down the belt. Off goes the jewelry, off goes the belt, kick off the shoes seductively with a little da da da. :heehee:

[Rogina B]

The couple of times that TSA singled me out they did it in a spot that made me feel I was onstage!! No big deal but it sure gives the others something to watch...and then talk about! Woman TSA agents did the light patdown...nothing to hide,no worries..good to go.:2c:

[Claire Cook]

A couple of months ago I was going through the TSA line at DCA / Washington National (in drab -- haven't flown as me yet) when a TG ahead of me was selected for a pat-down. The TSA girl was classy -- she asked "Would you prefer to be checked in private by a male or a female?" They should adopt this as a rule.

[Barbara918]

"Would you like to do this in private?"

To which the appropriate rsponse would be, "Sure -- buy me dinner first."

[Angie G]

I had a decorative fihe hook on my hat that they would'n let me take on the plane Ok then with my meal they gave my a knife to cut the fool to wich i thought WTF.:hugs:
Angie

[docrobbysherry]

I had a decorative fihe hook on my hat that they would'n let me take on the plane Ok then with my meal they gave my a knife to cut the fool to wich i thought WTF.:hugs:
Angie

Rediculous, isn't it, Angie? I've lost too many 1" pocket knife/file combos, and nail clippers to count! Never mine bottles of shampoo, water, even tooth paste!:eek:


Because I have an artificial hip, I always get the pat-down treatment. I must say, though, that I have found the TSA personnel very professional and polite. Though seems inconvenient, I think that it is a small price to pay for better (not fool-proof) security on our airlines.
Having said that, I have so far not flown en femme--so far. I think that your experience was really pretty fun.

As u can see from Linnea's post, it has VERY LITTLE to do with "safety", and more to do with flyer's, "feeling safe". :brolleyes:

The most HONEST check in experience I had was in Malaysia! When entering the terminal, u could run your bags thru an xray machine. Or, go around it! They put a sticker on your bag after the xray. U couldn't check your bag in without a sticker.
What was interesting about this, was AFTER u got your sticker. They gave u your bag back. To open, take into a restroom, or even out of the terminal, if u wished!:devil:

[Loni]

I say we all stop flying till the FAA dumps the tsa joke.


those who give up liberty for a feel of securty.
derserve nither.

remember those who killed so many, did so as cowards.

rant off.

but it would be great to get "selcted" and be all dressed up :-)

[JaneWhite]

I fly a lot for work and have noticed a few passengers i believed to be CD's. I've always wondered what TSA might do if I was selected while dressed. thanks for sharing.
Jane

[Brina Halloween]

I got a good laugh.

Looking at your avator, if that is you, he might not have realized it immediately that you wasn't a girl. The person checking ID and the person selecting for special checks are usually different.

If you want to feel safe, try Colombia. X-ray and/or hand check all bags before you get to the check-in counter. X-ray and hand check carry on items. Additional hand check of carry on as you prepare to enter the boarding tube to the plane.

[divamissz]

The TSA does Security Theater-lots of show, little substance. Anyone who's flown since 9/11 has stories of inconsistencies, nonsense, and oddities that don't do anything but give terrorists what they want-total disruption of our lives and hatred of our government.

[DaphneGrey]

The TSA does Security Theater-lots of show, little substance. Anyone who's flown since 9/11 has stories of inconsistencies, nonsense, and oddities that don't do anything but give terrorists what they want-total disruption of our lives and hatred of our government.

I live 3 miles from a hole in the ground that used to be filled with the remains of 3000 people. More than a couple were people I knew.

The TSA may not be perfect but at least they are doing something.

Melinda I don't think it is fair to call someone a pervert for doing their job. After all Kay was treated with respect and wasn't made to feel like one. As far as I can tell.

Sherry The terrorist that brought down the world Trade Center used a box cutter not much bigger than a one inch pocket knife.

The way some people stomp their little heals and throw these whining sissy fits:Angry3: every time someone in drag is asked to do something uncomfortable. Funny The OP the one who got patted down didn't have a problem. Funny Huh?

A poor TSA worker respectfully trying to do his Job, All of a sudden he is a Pervert, Stupid, Useless, and my favorite causing disdain between the American People and the government, giving the terrorists what they wanted in the first place LMAO!!!

If you want to be treated like women grow up and act like them.

Just my two cents.

[Jamie001]

I believe that we need to show respect to the TSA for the job that they are doing. They are not perfect, but then again are you?

[Christinedreamer]

I have flown where I carried a cell phone and checked a large heavy shipping case full of electronic equipment I buit that had no manufaturing markings on it. This is test equipment I use to chack and align profession audio equipment.

The case was not even xrayed and if it was, the FBI, TSA, Secret Service, etc would have been on me like crazy. Inside were a dozen metal canisters (audio transformers) with attached wires, various circuit boards, tools, etc.

After I landed I mentioned to the TSA agent hanging around the claim area that I was appaled that it was not checked and I remeinded him the the pan am flight was brought down with a bomb much smaller than my case I as an engineer it would be a no brainer for me to build such a gadget. That being said, I have seem little old ladies and kids screened much more carefully than I was and that proves to me that there is very little education among these folks as to possible scenarios. It is a show-nothing more.

As I was talking with a seat mate about the silly lack of quality inspection that nets nail clippers, he pointed out he was on the plne with a bic pen. Makes a great weapon as he pointed out.

Last week I was at Burbank airport and aw one of us being rudely accosted as he was androgenous and not at all like his photo ID. The TSA rubes were ruder and publically humiliated him. If I had not been running late I would have made myself known to him as a witness to the abuse. If I see it again I will.

[Brandi Wyne]

I live 3 miles from a hole in the ground that used to be filled with the remains of 3000 people. More than a couple were people I knew.

The TSA may not be perfect but at least they are doing something.

Melinda I don't think it is fair to call someone a pervert for doing their job. After all Kay was treated with respect and wasn't made to feel like one. As far as I can tell.

Sherry The terrorist that brought down the world Trade Center used a box cutter not much bigger than a one inch pocket knife.

The way some people stomp their little heals and throw these whining sissy fits:Angry3: every time someone in drag is asked to do something uncomfortable. Funny The OP the one who got patted down didn't have a problem. Funny Huh?

A poor TSA worker respectfully trying to do his Job, All of a sudden he is a Pervert, Stupid, Useless, and my favorite causing disdain between the American People and the government, giving the terrorists what they wanted in the first place LMAO!!!

If you want to be treated like women grow up and act like them.

Just my two cents.
Sorry, it grabbed the whole thing instead of just the last line. The TSA tells itself that it does it's job. Do we believe that? I guess it's case by case basis, but the old saying is, "Everything Costs Something." All these abuses and inconsistancies are only a small part of the price we pay for a lot of government agencies trying to CYA at the public's expense. When ALL public officials flying go through the same treament the rest of us do, then I might be more of a believer.

Although, it might be interesting to get that pat down while in femme and see what they find hiding up there.:daydreaming:

XXs,
Mickey

[MarciManseau]

A couple of months ago I was going through the TSA line at DCA / Washington National (in drab -- haven't flown as me yet) when a TG ahead of me was selected for a pat-down. The TSA girl was classy -- she asked "Would you prefer to be checked in private by a male or a female?" They should adopt this as a rule.

I'd answer - Who's the cutest? :) I know, I'm a sl*t! :devil:

[shorty82]

It might not be perfect security (what is?) but the TSA is doing a good job at making our airways safer. Some of the restrictions might seem silly but for the most part they are there to make everyone safer (remember, the 9/11 terrorists used box cutters to hijack the planes and don't forget the shoe bomber later the same year). For the most part the screeners are good people who will try to avoid making someone uncomfortable or violating their rights.

I might have only visited New York once but 9/11 really hit me hard. I had visited on a school trip a few months before and remembered quite well visiting the WTC and seeing sights that afterward was covered in the ash and dust from the towers. Nearly 3,000 innocent people were killed that fateful day and countless others injured physically, mentally, or both. If airport security had been tighter the attacks might have been prevented (no way of knowing for sure though, hindsight is 20/20 after all).

[docrobbysherry]

The case was not even xrayed and if it was, the FBI, TSA, Secret Service, etc would have been on me like crazy. Inside were a dozen metal canisters (audio transformers) with attached wires, various circuit boards, tools, etc.

After I landed I mentioned to the TSA agent hanging around the claim area that I was appaled that it was not checked and I remeinded him the the pan am flight was brought down with a bomb much smaller than my case I as an engineer it would be a no brainer for me to build such a gadget.


What they do makes sense, if u subscribe to the theory that TSA has little, or NOTHING, to with prevention, and EVERYTHING to do with making ordinary folks feel safe enuff to fly!:eek:

1st: Box cutters. Solution: Take away your nail clippers!

2nd: Shoe bombs. Solution: Take your shoes off.

3rd: Liquid explosives. Solution: Take away their water and
shampoo.

Always AFTER THE FACT! :thumbsdn:
When one of our planes goes down from a luggage bomb, THEN, they'll start inspecting ALL luggage before it's checked!:doh:

Some of u may NOT remember. But, they WERE DOING that rite after 911! But, they STOPPED, when they found it was TOO INCONVENIENT!:brolleyes:

[kellycan27]

What they do makes sense, if u subscribe to the theory that TSA has little, or NOTHING, to with prevention, and EVERYTHING to do with making ordinary folks feel safe enuff to fly!:eek:

1st: Box cutters. Solution: Take away your nail clippers!

2nd: Shoe bombs. Solution: Take your shoes off.

3rd: Liquid explosives. Solution: Take away their water and
shampoo.

Always AFTER THE FACT! :thumbsdn:
When one of our planes goes down from a luggage bomb, THEN, they'll start inspecting ALL luggage before it's checked!:doh:

Some of u may NOT remember. But, they WERE DOING that rite after 911! But, they STOPPED, when they found it was TOO INCONVENIENT!:brolleyes:

All luggage that goes on commerical flights are x-rayed. ALL. I have a friend who works for American Airlines and he assures me that even checked baggage is screened. I have personally seen the x-ray equipment that they use to screen checked bags at Mc Carran Intl. Las Vegas. Kinda silly to keep losin stuff if you already know from experience that they won't allow you to carry it on board don't ya think?

[kay2]

Looking at your avator, if that is you, he might not have realized it immediately that you wasn't a girl.

No, I make no attempt to look like a woman - I just like the clothes. As for the avatar, I like her uber-cute look.

[kay2]

It seems I set off a fire storm about the TSA. The officer was polite and acted appropriately. The humor was in his figuring out how to deal with an unusual situation.

I would appreciate having this thread locked if it is going to continue as an off-topic debate about the competence and ethnicity of TSA officers.

[kay2]

Actually, aside from the humor of the situation, I posted with the intent of showing that it is safe and comfortable to travel wearing feminine clothing. I figure that if everyone in this country were to see 20 different men wearing skirts (or dresses, or makeup, or ...) in ordinary situations, then the whole issue would be over. We got used to women in jeans and men with earrings in no time flat.

[DinaMature]

F***ing TSA perverts! If everybody just stopped flying for awhile, maybe this sh*t would stop.

imho that's pretty uncalled for.

[DinaMature]

I live 3 miles from a hole in the ground that used to be filled with the remains of 3000 people. More than a couple were people I knew.

The TSA may not be perfect but at least they are doing something.

Melinda I don't think it is fair to call someone a pervert for doing their job. After all Kay was treated with respect and wasn't made to feel like one. As far as I can tell.

Sherry The terrorist that brought down the world Trade Center used a box cutter not much bigger than a one inch pocket knife.

The way some people stomp their little heals and throw these whining sissy fits:Angry3: every time someone in drag is asked to do something uncomfortable. Funny The OP the one who got patted down didn't have a problem. Funny Huh?

A poor TSA worker respectfully trying to do his Job, All of a sudden he is a Pervert, Stupid, Useless, and my favorite causing disdain between the American People and the government, giving the terrorists what they wanted in the first place LMAO!!!

If you want to be treated like women grow up and act like them.

Just my two cents.

/cheer BRAVO!! Well said!!

[Jason+]

For Thanksgiving I flew home to see my parents and the two kids who live with their mother. I had to drive to an airport that was three hours away from home here. I decided to wear some nice lingerie and hose under a mens shirt and a pair of ladies low rise jeans with a pair of block heel black knee boots.

After taking the boots off to run through the scanner I had folded the pant legs up since without the boots on I would walk on the cuffs of the pants.

The only notice any of the TSA folks made was a woman asked me why I had my pants rolled up like that. I figured the easiest answer was the accurate one so I told her to keep me from walking on them. That seemed to satisfy her and I went about my business.

I didn't bother to look around and see if anyone had noticed they were ladies boots or not, just put them back on and headed to the terminal. I am sure people saw or knew but none felt it necessary to let me know they noticed which works fine for me.

[Jamie001]

Why do you think that someone would let you know that you are wearing ladies boots? It is really no one's business just like you don't as a woman why she is wearing men's shoes, or a man's necktie, or a man's baseball cap. It's the same thing.


For Thanksgiving I flew home to see my parents and the two kids who live with their mother. I had to drive to an airport that was three hours away from home here. I decided to wear some nice lingerie and hose under a mens shirt and a pair of ladies low rise jeans with a pair of block heel black knee boots.

After taking the boots off to run through the scanner I had folded the pant legs up since without the boots on I would walk on the cuffs of the pants.

The only notice any of the TSA folks made was a woman asked me why I had my pants rolled up like that. I figured the easiest answer was the accurate one so I told her to keep me from walking on them. That seemed to satisfy her and I went about my business.

I didn't bother to look around and see if anyone had noticed they were ladies boots or not, just put them back on and headed to the terminal. I am sure people saw or knew but none felt it necessary to let me know they noticed which works fine for me.

[Marcie4you]

Why I quit flying!

[Cristi]

The TSA has ONE function: To make people more comfortable with flying by making them /believe/ that they are safer.

No study has ever shown that all of these measures actually make any difference at all. In fact, in almost any real world test of the system, people can get just about anything onto a plane they want to.

The entire check is just a placebo that the companies needed after 9/11 so the public would start flying again. If people of any intelligence really wanted to make trouble, they would be able to without nail clippers and hat pins. For instance, do you know how much energy can be released just by shorting out a few laptop batteries?

Think what you want of how the TSA operates... but just don't fool yourself that they are actually making things SAFER.
:2c:

[carolinoakland]

The poor guy, wicked girl you! grin.

[unclejoann]

The TSA might be able to do their job without seeming stupid if airports were built to accommodate them. Their whole setup is an awkward add-on to the airport, it is in the way, inconvenient, and airports were not designed for such nonsense.

It would be best to judge them then, until then they will seem like idiots.

I face them three days from now and am not looking forward to it.

[Jason+]

Why do you think that someone would let you know that you are wearing ladies boots? It is really no one's business just like you don't as a woman why she is wearing men's shoes, or a man's necktie, or a man's baseball cap. It's the same thing.

Jamie I would assume for the same reason they feel the need to point out to my that my fingernails are red or that I'm wearing pantyhose under a pair of shorts.

Perhaps they think I got really drunk and don't realize how I dressed myself :D

Minding it's own business isn't something John Q. Public has ever been very good at!