A few days ago, I wrote a post entitled Is There a New Relaxed TSA Guideline? after an acquaintance posted a photo of this sign at JFK’s Terminal 4, which was applied to various passengers on the security line – not solely to those with TSA Pre✓ status.
I asked whether there was a new guideline or something new in the works, or whether TSA was violating the guidelines applicable to them.
The responses were interesting. What I found most interesting was learning of TSA’s concept of Managed Inclusion.
Comments regarding the sign:
At least one person commented saying he saw the same sign, and another said it was a rogue sign that has been removed.
Michael wrote: I was in that line yesterday at 3:30 pm and saw that sign and took the same pic. It was the precheck line.
Steven wrote: This sign was not a TSA sign, it was put up by an airline, as many do, which is not allowed. The sign was for TSA Pre✓ lanes, not general lanes. The sign was removed by the TSA this afternoon around 18:40hrs.
This comment from someone named Mike wins: That sign never existed, plus whoever claims they actually saw the sign before it was dropped in a memory hole is now on their way to Guantanamo, plus whoever writes about that non-existent sign will be fitted with a black hood and sent by private jet to a black site in an undisclosed Central Asian location where Dick Cheney will personally interrogate you in the Urdu tongue among stalagmites in a cave as long as the electricity holds out or until his glasses fog up. Dick’s a patriot so he likes it, especially if you feign ignorance and it takes longer. Either you’re with us or against us. Shut up and move along. Nothing to see here.
Comments regarding the relaxed security screening:
At least three people commented on the blog post or on my own Facebook page that they have had the same experience – not being required to take off their shoes, or belts or jackets or take their 3-2-1 liquids out of their bags – even though they do not have TSA Pre✓ status.
Wendy, on my Facebook page, wrote: I have been through security lines like that in Atlanta and a few other airports. Its fast!
Abe, on my Facebook page, said he recently flew American Airlines from LGA and was told he didn’t have to remove attire or liquids.
Dave, on my Facebook page, wrote: I’m at Jackson, FL airport and just went through with my family for Delta flight about an hour ago w/out taking off shoes or taking anything out of carry-on. The only thing they did was use that gadget to check our palms, and then had us walk through metal detectors (with belt on). I didn’t see that sign posted, but we were told verbally.
Managed Inclusion
So, what’s going on here? Is there a new rule? How does TSA selectively decide who, other than those with TSA Pre✓ status, should receive TSA Pre✓ treatment – even though these passengers did not go through the same rigorous screening as those approved for TSA Pre✓? I’m told the answer is Managed Inclusion. I never heard of this before.
Managed Inclusion is defined on the TSA website as follows:
TSA leverages a number of programs so that travelers may receive expedited screening when they travel. Passengers in TSA Pre✓® lanes generally move quicker compared to standard lanes, as those passengers leave their shoes, light outerwear, and belt on while keeping their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag.
Managed Inclusion combines the use of multiple layers of security to indirectly conduct a real-time assessment of passengers at select airports. This initiative will operate at designated checkpoints at different times, depending on passenger volume and other variables. The process uses some or all of the following resources to conduct the real-time threat assessment: Passenger Screening Canine (PSC) teams, Behavior Detection Officers (BDOs), and/or a random generator. TSA may also increase the use of Explosives Trace Detection (ETD) machines when Managed Inclusion is in operation.
So, essentially, Managed Inclusion authorizes TSA agents, at times they unilaterally deem necessary, to vary or relax security screening at airport checkpoints.
Do you have a problem with Managed Inclusion? To me, the concept is imprecise defined. Does it give too much discretion and authorization to TSA Agents to determine when and how they may alter airport security requirements? Does it open the door to allow TSA Agents to apply the concept in a discriminatory manner?
I have to ask, do you feel comfortable with Managed Inclusion?
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
JFK to SXM in January there was this sign and it applied to the entire line of 100+ people at Jet Blue JFK. Not selective. I thought it was an isolated incident.
I don’t have any of the pre-screening memberships yet.
Its not terribly surprising to see security becoming more relaxed. Other things have overtaken the concern that TSA is responding to, its just human nature. All said, I’m not sure I feel any less safe.