This whole thread makes me laugh, its really simple follow the rules you don't get hassled. I would guess that I would be consider more likely to get hassled due to the color of my skin, and I walk through with no issue cause i follow the rules. Pretty simple.

 

My wife and I always follow the "rules". She gets pulled aside for a special pat down every time she flies......she is 5'9" blond hair, blue eyed.....just the opposite of the person you would profile. I have never been pulled aside.

 

This water bottle made four flights to Hawaii already without a problem and we had it for years. It had a teaspoon of water in it this time since my daughter didn't shake every last drop out of it. These TSA agents were having their little meeting and we were the first passengers in line. We stood there while the line started to build up behind us to about 30 or 40 people now. The agent then told us to move back since they didn't want us to hear what they were saying. Then when we were asked to come forward they went through all our bags and that is when they found the water bottle with a teaspoon of water still in it. He then asked my wife do you want to declare this she said no. He said then follow me outside, she walked without her shoes on outside the airport, then he said pour it out. She started to pour out the teaspoon of water and he stopped her. TSA agent said, Not there over there on the grass. The ground was already wet from the sprinklers, this is 5:30 in the morning and it is still dark out. This was all a power game to them smiling as they ordered my wife around. She then was told to go to the back of the line, which was now over 40 or more people waiting. I tried to calm my daughter who was now in tears worried over where her mother was. I told my wife later I'm sorry for what just happen to her, she is the nicest person in the world that's why I married her 20 years ago. It could have been less dramatic by TSA agent just dumping the water out and then telling my wife to make sure it's completely empty next time. My wife did offer to drink the water but TSA said no to her. The airlines and Hawaii got a lot of our money, it will be a very long time if ever we will fly or return to Hawaii. Next vacation we will most likely drive somewhere in the states. The less I have to deal with TSA the better. By the way this all happen at Kona airport on the Big Island. Anyone flying make sure there is not even a drop of water in your container when going through security. Then fill it back up or pay the high price on the aircraft for a bottle of water. Aloha

 

I'm dreading my annual vacation trip back to the States now ..... maybe I should ask for the premium lap dance/physical/colonoscopy while they're at it.

 

Might not be such a good idea.......

On the other hand........ TSA has a new booklet for those 'young passengers' who are about to take their first trip by air.

 

Cavity search? As ridiculous as the TSA is, I don't think they're looking in kids mouths for cavities yet.

 

BigIron, that is what I see most of the time. It is obvious that you got some less than stellar ones to deal with. It sounds like you guys tried to do the right thing with the bottle.
However your daughter and yourself wearing jewelry is almost always going to cause holdups.
I hope the next time you travel by air you have a better experience.

disclaimer; I am not affiliated in any way, shape or form with TSA, any airline or friends or family of anyone that is.

 

The guys with the badges and rubber gloves don't look like Dentists........

 

I have followed the rules to a T and still have got pulled aside twice.

I would rather go on a plane with min security and take my chances then go threw todays security/wait game.

 

Personally, I've found that if you act like you enjoy it, they will leave you alone.

 

I've learned two things. Having a first class seat and never being first in line are two of the best scenarios to avoiding TSA BS. The third is reviewing their online info on the rules and just following them without argument. Unfortunately they have the last laugh currently and you aren't going to win at their game.

Having said that, TSA needs to adopt profiling. They need to hire specialists in this area and conduct seamless business this way behind cameras and roaming the airports on foot. Patting down grampy and grammy doesn't cut it nor does it make anyone feel safer it just pisses people off and gives them something to hate. It's a big joke to me.

 

Anyone who flies under the TSA screening procedures are traitors to their country. You are being made to submit like dogs, cattle, and slaves. There is never any guarantee of security so you should NEVER give up your constitutional rights. Too many patriots have died in too many wars to make sure you have those rights and you are so willing to give them up to go see granny ? WAKE UP !!

Just my 2¢ - you don't have to agree......

 

So, similar to a lot of the people posting in the political section, you have a complaint about the way the government treats us, (justifiably!), and you make that complaint known. BUT, do you have a solution to the problem? And if you do, are you going to take action to correct it?

That's MY gripe; we ALL complain about things, but hardly any of us are willing to take decisive action to turn anything around! I agree with you, and for my part, I no longer fly. But one person taking this action is going to make NO difference what-so-ever.

 

I just act like I am ENJOYING the pat down TOO much...they quit pretty quickly then Ooohhh Ooooh Yes...... a little to the left...oooohh yeah.......

 

What's that saying.. "if you can't say something nice............" I guess I have nothing to say on this subject.