Instead of rolling back the ineffective and draconian security measures to pre-2001, they simply decided to monetize it. That tracks for this administration.
How, exactly, is it this administration's fault? They didn't create Precheck (which dates back to the Obama admin iirc), and this new facet of Precheck is explicitly stated to not cost extra. So I don't see how you can possibly blame the current administration for monetizing the security regime. At most they are continuing a bad policy that others started.
And to be clear, I think that Precheck is a stupid-ass program. If the security measures are truly necessary, then you shouldn't exempt anyone from them. And if they aren't necessary, then they should be abolished. Precheck always struck me as a tacit admission that the TSA is security theater while trying to make some extra money for the government. But again, that isn't some kind of sin unique to the Trump admin the way you implied.
But, if you don’t accept that, and believe that more physical passenger screening is important, adjusting the level of screening based on a per-passenger threat assessment seems reasonable.
You mean you used to be able to just send a bag without flying yourself, and have someone else pick it up at the destination airport? Was this something that people did intentionally or did it happen accidentally?
I didn’t blame the administration for starting Pre-Check: I’m faulting them for not ending it, instead adding another feature to it. The new gate access is free - for TSA Pre-Check enrollees. Meaning this will increase demand for the service. They could have done the population a (rare) solid and found a way to phase out the security theater.
Seems cool, and makes sense, but does seem like it's mostly going to be annoying.
It's available at a limited number of airports, and you have to apply 1-3 days in advance each time. Also could be annoying to travellers who have to compete with you for line, seat, or bathroom space.
But maybe more revenue from visitors means better staffing and resources for airports!
I just had to pay to renew my TSA PreCheck. Because why? They already know my threat risk (zero), and in paying them again nothing changed except they took more money from me.
Allegedly there's an actual re-evaluation during the renewal. For example if you start showing up on terrorist watchlists your next renewal might not go through.
I think this is kinda true because my wife was involved in a customs incident and then was unable to renew pre check for a bunch of years, thought that was never given as a reason.
Leaving aside that the vast majority of people on such lists are nothing of the sort, your presence on them is evaluated if not every time you book a flight, but every time you check in for one.
Otherwise that's a pretty gaping loophole. "Get Precheck and then go to terrorist training camp, you're safe for a few years".
(All of this is notwithstanding the fact that all of this is absolute garbage security theater, and I say that as someone with Pre and Clear.
Instead of rolling back the ineffective and draconian security measures to pre-2001, they simply decided to monetize it. That tracks for this administration.
It's free?
As long as you have TSA precheck or a known traveler number, which costs money.
Lots of people get TKN's with their work, for free.
Someone is paying for it, which is what we're arguing about.
> Someone is paying for it, which is what we're arguing about.
Yeah, passengers without TSA Precheck are paying for it.
Your flight ticket already includes the TSA and airport fees.
How, exactly, is it this administration's fault? They didn't create Precheck (which dates back to the Obama admin iirc), and this new facet of Precheck is explicitly stated to not cost extra. So I don't see how you can possibly blame the current administration for monetizing the security regime. At most they are continuing a bad policy that others started.
And to be clear, I think that Precheck is a stupid-ass program. If the security measures are truly necessary, then you shouldn't exempt anyone from them. And if they aren't necessary, then they should be abolished. Precheck always struck me as a tacit admission that the TSA is security theater while trying to make some extra money for the government. But again, that isn't some kind of sin unique to the Trump admin the way you implied.
All of the post 9-11 measures other then:
- securing the cockpit
- training staff to resist hijacking
- ensuring checked bags have boarded passengers
Are worthless theater.
But, if you don’t accept that, and believe that more physical passenger screening is important, adjusting the level of screening based on a per-passenger threat assessment seems reasonable.
> ensuring checked bags have boarded passengers
You mean you used to be able to just send a bag without flying yourself, and have someone else pick it up at the destination airport? Was this something that people did intentionally or did it happen accidentally?
You could check in, check your bags, and then walk out. They would not remove the bag from the plane.
Isn't that the case today? They're loading the baggage while people board and they don't hold the bag until you get your ticket scanned in.
FWIW your bags may still occasionally travel without you (but you still have to board A flight)
No selective HUMINT is worthwhile?
I'm not sure what you mean
I didn’t blame the administration for starting Pre-Check: I’m faulting them for not ending it, instead adding another feature to it. The new gate access is free - for TSA Pre-Check enrollees. Meaning this will increase demand for the service. They could have done the population a (rare) solid and found a way to phase out the security theater.
Seems cool, and makes sense, but does seem like it's mostly going to be annoying.
It's available at a limited number of airports, and you have to apply 1-3 days in advance each time. Also could be annoying to travellers who have to compete with you for line, seat, or bathroom space.
But maybe more revenue from visitors means better staffing and resources for airports!
You have to book it ahead of time?! What goober designed a system like this?
I imagine lack of a same day booking option makes this a nonstarter for most
This is great.
But airports are super busy and crowded these days. Imagine all the extra people if everyone took advantage of this
I don’t remember how it looked back in the day when you didn’t need Gateside.
TUL (and probably plenty others) has free visitor passes, no precheck required
This is funny to see because this is exactly how it was before 9/11.
Downside: Finding a seat at an already crowded gate just got harder.
Upside: loved ones get to hang out with loved ones for longer.
Getting back to some of what we had before [redacted] came to America.
I just had to pay to renew my TSA PreCheck. Because why? They already know my threat risk (zero), and in paying them again nothing changed except they took more money from me.
Allegedly there's an actual re-evaluation during the renewal. For example if you start showing up on terrorist watchlists your next renewal might not go through.
I think this is kinda true because my wife was involved in a customs incident and then was unable to renew pre check for a bunch of years, thought that was never given as a reason.
Mind sharing what the incident was? Carrying too many valuables?
Leaving aside that the vast majority of people on such lists are nothing of the sort, your presence on them is evaluated if not every time you book a flight, but every time you check in for one.
Otherwise that's a pretty gaping loophole. "Get Precheck and then go to terrorist training camp, you're safe for a few years".
(All of this is notwithstanding the fact that all of this is absolute garbage security theater, and I say that as someone with Pre and Clear.
Just like being "verified" is a monthly subscription on twitter/meta too. They are not verifying you each month.
In before we have to start renewing our birth certificates each year too.