Ravenwood - 02/23/04 06:15 AM
Travelers who forget to remove their nail file will be facing hefty fines from the TSA. USA Today notes that customer's absent mindedness could result in stiff penalties from the professionalized, federalized Transportation Security Agency.
A year ago, the TSA quietly began assessing fines against airline passengers who violate security policies. But it wasn't until this week that it issued guidelines that specify which of the thousands of passengers who turn up every day with knives, box cutters and other banned items will be fined.Since fines are not being applied equally to travelers, some lawmakers are concerned about equal treatment concerns. I can only imagine how this will impact airline revenues. Then again, the airlines did ask for it. When the government floated the idea of nationalizing airport security, they jumped at the chance."Attitude" is listed among the "aggravating factors" that can result in a fine. Other criteria include the type of item, evidence of a passenger's intent and history of previous violations. Civil penalties now range from $250 to $10,000.
Attitude? So if you cooperate in every way, while at the same exercising a little free speech, you're screwed.
I would like to think the first case will get thrown out of court, but that is probably naive.
What to do? Government abuse has gone very far.
Thrown out of court only if it's worth fighting. If you read the article, you'll see that someone from L.A. requested a hearing. It was granted... in Baltimore.
Posted by: Ravenwood at February 23, 2004 8:02 AMThe girlfriend actually got one of these fines in the mail - $100, I think. Granted, she forgot to take her stun gun out of her briefcase - but that's some serious revenue potential - and that's scary.
I can just see the TSA padding their budgets with these tickets.
Posted by: Mike Krempasky at February 23, 2004 9:01 AMI meant to say that I hope the law gets tossed out, not the case.
must.not.post. in my sleep!
Posted by: Persnickety at February 23, 2004 10:32 AM(c) Ravenwood and Associates, 1990 - 2014
