We’ve recently been experiencing more “random” checks while going through the TSA security checkpoint. This is nothing new, as CLEAR and the TSA select people for checks even if they show no signs of being a risk. It’s annoying but if you’ve done nothing wrong it only takes an extra minute of your time.
But on a recent trip, I had something happen that I’ve never experienced before. I was selected for not one, not two, but three random screenings on one visit through security.
CLEAR
The first check was with CLEAR. I was almost expecting this one, as we’ve been tagged for an ID check with CLEAR on each of our last three trips. It’s gotten so bad that I keep my ID in my pocket, as it seems there’s a good chance I will need it.
TSA X-Ray Scanner
When I finished with the TSA ID check, I put my ID back in my wallet and put my wallet in my backpack. I put my bags on the belt to go through the body scanner.
With TSA Precheck you only need to go through the metal detector unless you beep or if you’re randomly selected. Guess who heard the random beep as he walked through—this guy.
I didn’t have anything metal in my pockets but I still needed to go through the body scanner. This was an adventure in itself because my scan kept failing. After the third faulty scan, the TSA agent said we’d try again, but if it didn’t work, I’d have to get a patdown. His final piece of advice was to try and pull down my shorts a bit. I thought it a bit strange that the position of my shorts would throw off a multi-million dollar device but it seemed to work and I got a green light to go forward.
Bag X-Ray
Since I was stuck at the body scanner for a while, I expected my bag to be waiting for me (or for Sharon to have taken it off the belt for me). Instead, I saw my bag in the back, where they kept items that needed to be searched. Yet another TSA agent (yes, I was keeping them busy) said that my bag was selected for a random screening. They took it to the device and swabbed the handles and zippers. I passed the final test and finally got to head to the gate.
Sharon was waiting for me with a look that said, “What did you do?”
My answer was that I needed to see if they sold lottery tickets at the airport because it must be my lucky day to hit three random screenings on a single trip through the TSA checkpoint.
Has this ever happened to anyone else?
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4 comments
We have had that happen the last few months.. At Clear we had to re-enter all of our Information, then do fingerprints again…Told need ID check so then to TSA officer …Then random check at metal detectors,,,, Not sure what is going on between Clear and TSA???
I feel like machines have had sensitivity turned up recently. I notice the same belt I’ve worn through for a few years in USA and abroad now sets off the scanners at multiple USA airports (so I just remove it now).
I always thought getting and paying for TSA precheck membership is a waste of money (I think we are the only country that has this and it’s a way to do a criminal background check on you). If you are randomly selected for a check, then why bother paying for supposedly becoming an “extra secure person?” With Homeland Security you have to prove your innocence coming back.
Yes, I have had the scanner go off on me, had a wrist brace, took it off, was swabbed for explosive device, had bag rechecked twice, almost got dropped, asked for a female to pat me down, going to Seattle or Phoenix (do you know that the TSA don’t know that AZ has hot sauce/ghost/habanero?