CATSA - is it just me, or....?

[heeypilot]

I hold an aircrew pass which, most of time, costs me more time going through security than when i try to pass through with my grateful dead tshirt, harley davidson pants, and "F*CK YOU" hat.

OBVIOUSLY there are HUGE inconsistancies in the ENTIRE CATSA system. I can pass through one check point and be searched while other times the "officer" will pass me through without even looking at my card. Sometimes my bag gets x-ray'd, sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes I can bring my coffee through, sometimes I can't. Sometimes I have to take my laptop out, sometimes I don't.

What I really want to know is exactly what the rules and regulations are governing what privileges AIRCREW have when going through a security check point. Is there a website that has a detailed list of things we can bring though? I want to be able to show a print out off a website to every knee-jerk-highschool dropout, non-english speaking moron in security who isn't familiar with the regulations. Almost every time I pass through security I get into some sort of confrontation because of inconsistencies.

If anyone has any links to website, etc, it'd be appreciated.

[Dog]

CATSA SUCKS!
More later I'm going to bed.

[quickflight]

Try this....

http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/ShowTdm/cr ... 0-111///en

[RichAir]

http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/tr ... list.shtml

I was just about to send it in French

[Canoehead]

http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/he ... omment.cfm

I've sent my comments about one airport in particular (YXU). Still waiting for my phone call back to get some answers on that 'gong-show'.

[arcticbeaches]

I love how the list of permitted/banned items actually has to highlight contraband as being illegal. Isn't that covered by definition? I guess I'll start transporting my moonshine another way than in my carry-on. Gotta love getting screened and finger printed by the same person you've seen 3 times a day all week..........

[silentivan]

I used to do fueling at YYC up in the north end. Security for getting airside was minimal at best. I think I've been searched more thoroughly at a night club. This was about a week after the fiasco in London with liquid explosives (Summer 2006).

There was the odd time that a new guy was working and had the supervisor breathing down his neck. Then things were more GI, but as for regular security, it was pretty lax. Disturbingly so at times.

[JBI]

...

[Jaques Strappe]

It can be frustrating when you as the pilot, the educated High School graduate that makes the plane go, speaks perfect english and without whom nobody would even be travelling by air, to have to be told by someone who you deem inferior that you're not allowed to bring your coffee onto your plane. But, keep in mind that it is their job and they are following the rules. Getting in a confrontation with them at the security check point will prove nothing except it'll slow the line down for the folks behind you and make you look like an ass.

It is not a question of deeming anyone to be inferior. I believe the point was, why the F@#$K do we do a security background check several generations back, iris scanning and fingerprinting, giving up a day in our life we will never get back sitting in that pass office only to be given a so called security clearance that has as much meaning to it as a god damned boarding card!

Sorry for the exclamations but this whole issue really pisses me off. Everyone, including the public knows it is nothing more than a useless "visual effect" in an attempt to prevent something that has already happened and yet we just keep throwing money down the toilet.

[Cat Driver]

The complaints are read and taken seriously.

B.S.

[JBI]

...

[Jaques Strappe]

JBI

Could not agree more that the screener is simply working within the system they have been given and being condescending on a personal level, does nothing. There are some however that don't seem to understand the system. One example is the GTAA "Temporary RAIC". It states right on the back in plain english " Search Required for access to terminal sterile areas ONLY provided the holder undergoes passenger security screening OR ESCORT REQUIRED."

The screeners at Pearson seem to have a hard time reading the English Language and do not accept the "Escort Required" option, while every other airport in the country does. I am not sure if it is a policy thing or what. I have a hard time communicating to some when trying to explain what that phrase actually means. I get met with a blank stare and a finger pointing to the screening line.

I feel sorry sometimes for the screeners because nobody takes that position seriously. A glaring symptom of a useless system.

[Go Guns]

%99 of the time I go through the pre-board screening, the folks are very friendly. I take my laptop out of my bag, take everything off, including my belt and watch, that I know will make me beep, and I never have any issues. All of us in aviation go through these screening points so much we should know what to expect.

The other day I was in the line up, waiting to go through. Behind me, some guy was bitching and moaning about the whole security screening thing, saying some not-so-nice things about the screener folks. He notices somebody being screened having to take their shoes off. He almost loses it right there "I'm not taking of my $#@%$#@ shoes, if they ask me I'll them they can kiss my ass" "no way in hell me shoes are coming off"

I was secretly hoping they would ask him. Just to see how that conversation would go, if he would be willing to miss his flight over it.

[jetdoc]

"I believe the point was, why the F@#$K do we do a security background check several generations back, iris scanning and fingerprinting, giving up a day in our life we will never get back sitting in that pass office only to be given a so called security clearance that has as much meaning to it as a god damned boarding card!"

EXACTLY!!

[200hr Wonder]

Aircrew or not, I have never had a problem with screening, on the other hand I have done it enough I know what to expect, am friendly to the screens. It also helps to have your shoes off and laptop out without being asked. Seems to me if you treat them with professional respect the usually do the same to you. So loose the air of superiority and suck it, will make life easier. Not to say what happens is right or proper just it will help you get through. Then go ahead and write up a shit storm because in the security line you WILL loose the argument.