more on Flyer Beware: Heavy Fines Assigned For Carryon Contraband

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

------ Forwarded Message
From: Mary Shaw <mary.shaw () gmail com>
Reply-To: Mary Shaw <mary.shaw () gmail com>
Date: Thu, 03 Mar 2005 11:42:06 -0500
To: <dave () farber net>
Subject: Re: [IP] Flyer Beware: Heavy Fines Assigned For Carryon Contraband

Here's my heartburn:  I can't tell in advance whether stuff I carry is
prohibited or not.

For example, my husband has long carried a small pair of needle-nosed
pliers to repair his glasses when they get bent.  The TSA permitted
items table at 
http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Permitted_Prohibited_8_23_2004.pdf
says that "eyeglass repair tools (including screwdrivers)" are
permitted in carryon.  A couple of weeks ago in Bozeman Montana, a
screener pulled him out for carrying these.  My husband said "eyeglass
repair tool".  The screener said "that only allows the little
screwdrivers".  In this case he was allowed (and had enough time) to
retreat from security and mail the pliers home.  TSA personnel were
entirely polite -- my problem is only with their interpretation, not
their other actions.

Further, the TSA policy says explicitly "the screener may determine
that an item not on the prohibited items chart is prohibited".  To the
extent that means that if they neglected to list Ninja throwing stars
I still should know not to carry them, I'm not distressed.

But it also seems to mean that I might someday have to choose between
my grandmother's elaborate jeweled brooch and catching my flight. Even
worse, someone might decide that my grandmother's elaborate jeweled
brooch constitutes "artful concealment" (an "aggravating factor" in
determining the seriousness of my violation) of a weapon and seize
both the brooch and me.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that "attitude of violator" is
another "aggravating factor" in determining sanctions.  See
http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Sanction_Guidance_for_Individuals_7
-15-2004.pdf

Mary Shaw


On Thu, 03 Mar 2005 08:42:49 -0500, David Farber <dave () farber net> wrote:
> ------ Forwarded Message
> From: Monty Solomon <monty () roscom com>
> Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2005 00:20:13 -0500
> To: <undisclosed-recipient:;>
> Subject: Flyer Beware: Heavy Fines Assigned For Carryon Contraband
>
> Hank Investigates
>
> Flyer Beware: Heavy Fines Assigned For Carryon Contraband
>
> Air Date: 03/02/2005
> Reported By: Hank Phillippi Ryan
> Producer: Mary Schwager
>
> Targeting all air travelers: the Feds are cracking down on the
> contents of your carry on bags!
>
> Most passengers don't know it, but If you break the rules, you could
> face a hefty fine and have your name entered in a secret database.
>
> Kirk Roth's business trip out of Manchester airport cost him much
> more than his plane fare.
>
> First TSA Screeners discovered a utility knife like this in his bag.
>
> "So I was a bit embarrassed that I had overlooked the fact that it
> was in the briefcase," Roth said.
>
> But then the unexpected consequences: he was hit with a hefty fine
> and given a record with US homeland security.
>
> Our investigation found he's one of thousands of travelers now caught
> by a little known TSA system to punish passengers who break the
> carry-on rules, not only with fines, but also with automatic
> placement in a secret government database.
>
> According to the TSA, regular citizens cannot find out if their name
> is on that list.
>
> ...
>
> http://www.whdh.com/features/articles/hank/DBM1305/
>
> ------ End of Forwarded Message
>
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