Airport Avenger: Tips and Top Secrets for Airlines, Airfares, Fees, Security and Cancelations
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Airport Security Complaints
Complaints That Count
While many airport security agents do their jobs professionally and with courtesy, there are some that apparently weren't paying attention in training or just don't care about the rules the TSA must follow when dealing with passengers. The TSA's own website states procedures very clearly, but some passengers do run into problems.
For instance, you don't have to go through a full-body scan, if one of those devices is installed at the airport you're using. Some people are concerned about privacy and radiation exposure. Rightly so. The option is to go through a metal detector and to get a pat-down by a TSA agent. There have been cases in which TSA agents insist on the body scan, to the point of threatening citizens with arrest if they don't comply. Unacceptable.
Some passengers feel they are singled out for closer examination because of their ethnic background or religious beliefs. There are also lesser annoyances. For example, it's OK to take pictures around security checkpoints. Yet some TSA agents stop people from doing that.
If you don't like the way you've been treated by the TSA, or feel an agent is overstepping his or her authority, the first thing to do at the airport is ask to speak to a supervisor. If that's not enough, complain directly to the TSA with all the specifics. Click here to file a complaint with TSA.
If you seem to be singled out frequently for additional screening or think you may be on a watch list by mistake and keep running into delays at airport security, click here to file a complaint with the Deaprtment of Homeland Security's Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP).
The TSA does not have police powers at airports. Don't give them a reason to call the cops by becoming belligerent. Don't let things slide either. Security is important, but there's no reason for the TSA or anyone else to give passengers an unnecessarily hard time.
If you feel your bags or belongings have been lost or damaged by TSA during a security check, click here to file a claim.
More tips and top secrets about complaints that count:
Is Anyone Listening?
Speak Up!
Take It Up a Notch