TSA Search -- What are they looking for?

While coming back to the U.S. from Puerto Rico, the TSA pulled my husband aside and did a most thorough search of his suitcase! The fellow took out each garment and rubbed the paper that tests for gunpowder/explosives over it. When he put it into the 'machine,' it obviously gave a positive response, as they kept on searching...He tested everything in the suitcase at least 3 times for gun-powder/explosives. The tests/delay was over an hour and a half. We missed our flight to the U.S. Ultimately (I think) the machine was malfunctioning! People were called in to work on it and they just gave our guy the 'nod' to let my husband go on...

Goodness! What were they looking for? And why did they think that my husband had it?

And after all the 'hoopla,' our guy called ME over to repack my husband's suitcase!!! I said, "Sweet-heart, you took it out...you put it back." He replied, "I took it out...if you want it put back, YOU put it back!"

I have always been quite co-operative with TSA -- considering the alternative! Now, I am wondering if the TSA are not the thugs in this situation!?!

Please set me straight!

Anonymous2011-11-05T19:06:27Z

Favorite Answer

Primarily they are looking for anything that risks the safety of the aircraft, anything explosive, then firearms, then illegal narcotics. Some prescribed medication can show up as illegal, like opiate based pain killers, so carry prescribed drugs in their original packaging and carry a copy of the prescription if you can.

20

Sonny B2011-11-06T02:27:39Z

your assumption is probably correct. I would guess the "machine" gave them a false positive, the response to which is a very thourough search for explosive material. Having been there myself I understand your frustration. As for the TSA agent...I suspect that you just ran across the occasional a--h--- that you may meet in any circumstance. I to have met this type, but from my millions of miles experience I can assure you that most are just doing thier job (and trying to be pleasant) as they go through what is probably a very frustrating day. Next time just smile and get on with your trip and you will do fine.

10

?2011-11-06T02:53:02Z

TSA looks for weapons and for any chemicals that might be dangerous. Apparently the machine simply malfunctioned. It is unfortunate that you missed your flight, of course, but apparently you did get home. The agent's behavior was probably born of frustration.

I have been stopped at airports for having chemicals on my shoes that can be used in bombs -- farm fertilizer from walking across the farm yard! (Fertilizers were the main component of the bomb that was used in Oklahoma City.)

Chalk it up to a mixed up day with a bad delay, and get on with your life!

10

Anonymous2011-11-06T03:21:02Z

they have no idea what they are looking for. They just like to look important and busy. You were harrassed. Thank the Patriot Act for this and let your US senator and representative know how you were treated. Send them a letter each. And by the way you were in the US when you were in Puerto Rico.

03

Charlie2011-11-06T02:43:33Z

Your husband was the beneficiary of a random search. Did he really want to leave all his belongings laying there?

10

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