mystified

[winterbadger]

Transportation Security Administration rules makes no sense.

I know this is not news to anyone, but I had it borne in upon me during my trip.

I planned to bring a hiking pole with me on my trip. Even the collapsible one C&M have, though, would not fit in my duffel bag, and I was sure I couldn't take it intot he airplane cabin with me, so I left it behind.

Cue me getting off the plane in Halifax, only to see an older couple (white-haired, but not feeble, by any means) getting off my flight, both carrying pairs of hiking poles! I then saw them again on the flight back (same couple, go figure), carrying their poles through security and onto the plane.

Folks, hiking poles are 3'-4' rods with sharp metal tips! What better weapon is there?

Today I check the TSA website. Ski poles (essentially the same thing: specifically prohibited from being called in the cabin; must be packed in checked luggage. Pool cues (not nearly as pointy, though heavier): same-same. Umbrellas and "walking canes": no problem, as long as they've been checked to make sure nothing is concealed inside them. Carry them right onto the plane.

WHAT? Huh? Bullshit!

But, sadly, typical TSA. I note the Canadian transport system has the same regulation, as did the UK system pre-the recent events (the UK regs even specifically mentioned hiking poles as int eh same category as ski poles).

Comments

[wolfette]

they always X-ray my folding cane. Always have here in the UK.

[winterbadger]

Ah, but (until recent events) have they let you take it into the cabin with you?

[wolfette]

always - and they still would, I'm assured. I may not always need it - but by the time I get to my destination (especially on a long haul) I won't be able to get off the plane without it! (my arthritis means I stiffen up badly sitting in one place for several hours)

[winterbadger]

Ouch! Poor you! I have the occasional ache and twinge (mostly from chnages in pressure), but nothing like that. :-(

[gr-c17.livejournal.com]

It's a CYA rule. They have either been or are afraid of being sued under ADA. Someone would claim that the Walking Stick was a cane.

or


TSA rules are the unpredictable result of hurried feel good, fear mongering legislation.


Your choice.

[gr-c17.livejournal.com]

p.s.

Welcome Back!!!

[winterbadger]

Thanks! Boys' Night tomorrow?

[winterbadger]

Yeah, see I think both are true. Same with the "liquids" regulations. You have to taste baby milk to show it's really baby milk? Come ON, people! We're talking (potentially) about suicide bombers who are planning on blowing up the entire plane including themselves and the infant they're carrying with them. Making them taste the liquid they're carrying with them is no deterrent.

[gr-c17.livejournal.com]

"Folks, hiking poles are 3'-4' rods with sharp metal tips! What better weapon is there?"

MUSKET W/SOCKET BAYONET

[winterbadger]

Yes, but I'm *SURE* they won't let me take that into the cabin. :-)

[azbound.livejournal.com]

I take knitting needles on *all the time*. And let me assure you - I have some big ass needles.

[winterbadger]

And I would be much more terrified of you with a knitting needle then I would be of some weedy Arab college drop-out with a box cutter.

[azbound.livejournal.com]

Please note I'm not discouraging that terror. ;-)

The real reason for our TSA rules

[snolan.livejournal.com]

The current set of TSA rules has nothing to do with safety nor security.

They are merely there to remind us all that we should be afraid and we should vote from our fear. Watch, the current stupid set of rules will be lifted just in time for Thanksgiving (eg: after the election).

Fuck them.

A human being is a walking bag of water. One hopes. It'd be trivial to inject something else into the body tissues of a suicidal maniac...

Oh - but bottled water, even purchased from the store inside airport security is not considered safe!? Once again - nothing to do with safety.

Look at how long it took to prohibit matches and lighters...

Re: The real reason for our TSA rules

[winterbadger]

There are reminders posted in the secure spaces inside the secure areas (e.g., walkways that only airport staff with key cards are allowed into without minders) that even *those* people cannot take liquids/gels/etc. into their work areas.

I really think it's less an effort to comprehensively scare people than it is a series of policies set by not terribly bright people who are trying to be as reassuring as possible to a rather dumb public.

[jan-rosencrantz.livejournal.com]

Have you checked for 2 bags of flour and a lighter?