New TSA Rule- Swabbing
 

On our last flight from Baltimore to Ft. Lauderdale, I was pulled aside while holding the fur girls, and sent with a TSA agent to get my hands swabbed for explosives. I had a green light when I went through the metal detector, so I was unsure of why they would put me through this extra inconvenience. Apparently this is another new requirement for those carrying a pet through the metal detector. It seems the TSA powers-that-be have decided it is possible you would hide explosives inside your pet. The agent was clearly hesitant to touch me while I was holding the dogs, and ask if the girls bite. Mine do not, but I can see how it could be problem if the dog were nervous. The swab takes an extra couple minutes, and it was uncomfortable standing there while trying to hold on to the girls and keep an eye on my stuff that was still on the belt. I understand why we have the rules, but really, would I ever use my fur children to blow up an airport? I'm a white, grandmother, carrying little froo-froo dogs, with sparkle collars. :D I just don't think I fit the typical terrorist profile very well. :cool: Anyway, just giving you all a "heads up". Happy Trails!

That's WHY you were probably targeted-who is going to suspect a grammy with cute lil pups?

We made a few family trips as a teen, and I (the slightly overweight, nerdy looking girl in non trendy clothes) and my grandmother ALWAYS got stopped (this was before 2011) EVERY time....

I flew in and out of 5 airports this winter to get to a wedding, and I got pulled aside by TSA for a pat down each time-I was not wearing a bra nor any jewelry or anything.

*shrugs*

Homeland Security has warned of "chatter" that indicated they are implanting explosives inside pets and people alike....

I'm glad for the TSA's protection and vigilance, but it's so sad that this is the reality of the world we live in today. :(

I think the goal of the terrorist is to disrupt our lives as much as possible.. that make us fear and blow us up. It is sad they hate so much, and why.. who are we to hate?? Our mothers, grandmother etc are not any different then theirs. I understand that is a too simple statement, I am not political at all.. just I wish it was different that is all


Anyway.. I just hope (tsa) can keep us safe

I am always getting screened for something . . .I don't know why either, it's that stupid full body one where they can see it all . . .I think it's because I'm a bit well endowed . . .needless to say, I don't mind doing it at all, because every time I've had to get scanned, I've had my monthly visitor . . .and the entire time I'm thinking . . ."how's that for ya" :p

You weren't wearing ANYTHING! :eek: Oh my, maybe that's why you were pulled aside! :lol tears Sorry! I knew what you meant, but I couldn't resist. I'm in a silly mood this morning! ;)

Thanks for the tip!
 

Thanks for the tip about the finger swabbing. I travel with my dog at least twice a year from Germany to the US and back and I am going again on the 26th of this month. I hope they don't stop me, I always worry about my things sitting on the belt as well. It is like they are asking for them to be stolen!! I have always been more worried about the body scanners though. I know I can't take the dog in with me, but what do I do with him while I am in there and where are my things while I am in there? I am happy that they want to make my flight more secure, but at some point, it is just too much!

I think some of the TSA rules are so silly on the surface but I guess Homeland Security's thought is that maybe a given grandmother would bring her explosives-filled dog on a plane if terrorists had her family held hostage & maybe had already killed one or two.

Yes, this happened to me too in Fort Myers. They are just starting to do it it seems because it is not happening everywhere yet. Not all airports that that explosive testing thing you go in- some just have the x ray so if it is just the x ray- you tend to not have it done. Layla loved it though because the guy that swabbed my hands was all over her :)

I fly pretty much on a weekly basis and the hand swabbing has been going on for a long time, I have had it done multiple times although never with my baby. In fact next weekend I am flying with her for the first time. My home airport sold uses the body scanner so I asked them what happens when I bring my dog and they said they would send me through the normal machine with her.

Oh, I know, Jeanie, and I'm glad for the added safety. I really am. It was just hard to hold 16lb. Lola in one arm, wiggly Lucy in the other, watch my stuff and present both palms for swabbing (while holding the dogs), then stand there and wait for the machine to read and green light each individual swabbed pad. All this, even though I had not beeped a red light when going through the metal detector with the dogs. In addition, the agent pulled me aside, and called to the "swabbing agent" to come get me. He was busy swabbing other people, and didn't come for about 5 min., so I'm standing there with both heavy dogs for about an extra 10 minutes. George, poor guy, was even longer as he went through the detector, then had to get wand scanned with one agent (knee replacement), then in line for the hand swabbing because he was carrying Mia. I was just passing along the info. so that those who are flying are aware of the new rules, know what to expect, and can budget their time accordingly.

I can understand how difficult it was for you. And yes, unfortunately things have to be done in order to keep us safe but I just wish that sometimes there was extra hands to help make the ordeal a bit easier on the person having to be checked over.

One time, my hubby had to be pulled aside as something was setting the alarms off and after just about stripping down, they found that it was the backing of a some nicorette pieces in his shirt pocket. I was with him so I could grab our belongings but if he were by himself, no telling where his laptop and carryon might have wound up.

OMGosh- that's awful!

the last two or three times I flew with Lola they swiped my hands, one of The TSA workers said to me if your dog is well behaved and will wait while you walk through, then she walks through you will not need your hand swiped, I might try it next time just for some giggles, but she does not always listen well so it could be interesting.