Happy T-Day, TSA Day that is.

Happy T-Day, TSA Day that is. Lots of comments online about retailers making employees work on Thanksgiving Day. Well, that is both good and bad. But in the meanwhile what about about all the TSA’s 45,000+ security officers, inspectors, air marshals and managers that either are obligated or rotate holidays working to make your flying experience safe? I know of one supervisor at JFK who is working both tomorrow and Christmas. He is not thrilled about it but takes his job seriously and regards his duty as important to travelers through the airport.

There is a lot of TSA bashing. I am not going to defend the handful of workers that may be rude or arrogant. This happens in every workplace in daily across the nation. But, most #tsar workers are just doing their jobs. I work JFK regularly and observe security operations. The fault, I hate to say, lies more with passengers than with the TSA personnel.

I see more people totally annoyed by a variety of things having nothing to do with security; cancelled or delayed flights, bad car traffic, long security lines, pushing travelers and unruly children. Many seem to take it out on the TSA agent on hand. Agents are the ones that have to remind you of what to do before entering the scanner area. They have to remind you to take off your shoes, they have to take away liquids that are more than 3.4 ozs*. This is the tipping point for many, who are angry, frustrated or feel imposed upon.

Perhaps if these travelers knew the rules for what is allowed to bring when flying, didn’t feel entitled; weren’t pushy and impatient they would be more relaxed and appreciate these small inconveniences. If flyers took the time to read up on the rules of travelling through security there would be a lot less negative interactions. More at issue are the people arriving late, don't know where they are going, have too many carry-ons and pack prohibited liquids in carry-ons. When challenged they get nasty and begin to have attitudes. 

Sure, agents are an easy target for frustration. Many flyers consider them an obstacle to their rush to the gates. Remember, TSA/Homeland Security are there to make sure that the person that may be standing next to you, is not trying to sneak something dangerous into the terminal. You know how many handguns, knives and other dangerous items were seized over the past years that were intercepted by TSA? This year this security found over 1300 guns. Other passengers continue to try sneaking prohibited items onboard, hiding them in their shoes or using hollowed-out books. All we need is just ONE to create havoc in one of these terminals. Just one.

So, just maybe we should give a little T-Day thanks to these people this year when we exit the scanner and let them know we appreciate their work.

TSA travel info: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information
* The 3-1-1 Rule refers to the Transportation Security Administration's rule for how much liquid travelers can take on an airplane in their carry-on bags. It does not prohibit you from putting larger sizes of liquids in your checked baggage.
3-1-1 refers to:
- Each liquid you want to carry on must be in 3.4 ounce (or less) container. That's the "3"
- The containers must be in 1 clear quart-sized plastic bag. That's a "1"
- Each passenger is allowed only 1 bag. That's the second "1"

The clear plastic bag limits the total amount of liquid you can take to what fits in the bag

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Can an LAX Shooting Happen at NY Airports?

The recent shooting at LAX has many of us wondering if that could happen here in NY? 

The question is-are we prepared?

In addition to our everyday NYPD, Homeland Security, Port Authority Police and National Guard, what more can be done to create a safer environment?

-Do we have enough plain clothes trained security people at the three largest airports?

-Do we have enough uniformed armed security people?

-Are these measures in place to spot and preempt a single or multiple assailant?

-Are the modes of transportation monitored, such as the Airtrains?

-Do we have eyes on the exterior of the terminals looking for suspicious individuals?

-Are we as individuals trained to react properly?

-Who do we call if we see suspicious behavior?

-What do we do if someone walks past us with an obvious weapon? Interact?

-Are our electronic devices capable of identifying and alerting authorities? 

 

I spoke with a couple of people who were in the LAX area where the gunman started shooting. He appeared intent on targeting a uniformed person. But the individuals who were nearby were scared to death and either hid behind something, in a closet or hugged the floor. They had no idea what to do. Luckily the demented individual with the gun did not have them in mind. But, what could they have done to aid in stopping or capture?

Why didn’t anyone see a man carrying or concealing an assault or hunting rifle.

How could this not be noticed by someone on one of the security teams?

This is not being critical of what took place but more of an opportunity to look at our current security measures that deal with a person/ people walking around highly populated areas with a visible weapon and being able to use it wantonly.

I am hopeful and certain that our law enforcement officials are reviewing the particulars in this case. I am hopeful that we will hear something concrete from these people with some added assurances why this will not likely happen here.

Italiano Marathon Man

Click, a glimpse of a happy man.
The NYC Marathon was last weekend. I never noticed how man Europeans participated until I saw tens of dull gold colored medallions hanging from the necks of travelers bound for Europe at JFK Airport. Every one of these people, predominantly men, were strutting and proudly displaying their achievement-running in the race. I am not sure the times or even placement were important. It was the fact they had participated.

I was able to find one man posing for the attendant behind the Alitalia counter. He had his arm around his wife while smiling victoriously. They bantered in Italian for a minute then I had my chance to chat.

He introduced himself as Giovanni from Salerno. I introduced myself as Jeff and I told him I Tweet on things happening at he airport. Asking him If he would pose for me was like asking him if he wanted a glass of Chianti. Still smiling he told me this was the seventh year he has come over to the states mixing the Marathon with work. To my surprise he said he has never trained for the race. Yes, he said, he plays tennis and is is good shape. Looking at him, a man of 5'9", about 165 lbs, I tended to agree. But I asked how he could run 27 miles without training. I told him I am in good shape but get winded after 3 blocks! He laughed even though his English was not great but obviously was enjoying the spirit of the moment.

Continuing he proudly told me that his time was 3hrs 40 mins. Me, what do I know? I asked if this was good. Obviously it was based on his recurring broad smile. All the while his wife stood by, generous with her support and too smiled all the while.

As is with many of my minute interactions with many of those I meet at the airport, I never got his last name, profession or details of his life. This was a Polaroid shot of a man with a passion in his life. I was feeling his warmth, success and achievement as we began to say goodbyes. Like many Italians, myself being half, we shook hands at least three times while physically separating distance with each shake.,

Congrats to all those runners walking the halls of Terminal One displaying their day's achievement for the world to see.

I saw them, and I extend them a belated welcome to this country, and wish them the best when they get home and recount their wonderful experience to their friends and families as I share this short experience with my friends and readers.

@jfknewsandviews