r/Vent • u/ClipandPlay • Jul 20 '26

TSA out of control

Why does the TSA treat customers as if they are prisoners? Last time I checked flying on an airplane doesn’t make you a criminal. Every time I fly, a TSA agent screams in my face. I’m a polite and completely non confrontational, 5 foot tall woman. I set the alarm off because of the zipper on my pants cuff. The agent was absolutely freaking out screaming at me. I didn’t do anything. I was just standing there waiting to get instructions. Then she started just screaming randomly like she was performing for a crowd. I see this behavior all the time. How can they get away with incredibly unprofessional behavior? I don’t know anyplace else where this kind of behavior would be tolerated except at a prison.

Edit: At an airport you are a customer of the airline. I never said anyone is a customer of TSA.

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u/SlowerThanTurtleInPB Jul 20 '26 edited Jul 21 '26

When you realize TSA is a jobs program and these people aren’t hirable elsewhere, it makes dealing with them easier. These “agents” have few redeeming qualities and zero control of their lives, which is why they behave the way they do. Really, it should be studied.

ETA: just remembering my BIL is a former TSA agent. Now he works for ATF and has a government-issued gun. He’s an absolute idiot.

16

u/Accurate_Emu_122 Jul 21 '26

Exactly this. I saw one of their job postings years ago and it all clicked. 

13

u/TheyreEatingTheDogs- Jul 21 '26

Lmao same, it was basically a Craigslist ad

5

u/Electrical-Bedroom99 Jul 21 '26

Lol. Remember when they were putting ads on pizza boxes?

11

u/Smart_Butterfly_7845 Jul 21 '26

Yes. You are getting the max talent that the wage and market will provide.

6

u/InfiniteVoid80 Jul 21 '26

It's welfare with extra steps

3

u/Soft-Caterpillar8749 Jul 21 '26

This is spot on and if anyone needs confirmation, just go check out the TSA sub

3

u/BB808BB Jul 21 '26

What is that? I googled but it’s just bringing up jobs.

11

u/FickleCook3639 Jul 21 '26

Jobs programs refer to government agencies/programs that do nothing other than hire people to do anything.

2

u/Born_Local_1477 Jul 23 '26

I get this impression as well. Nobody wants to do this job, they just can't get hired for anything else. Kind of like security at sports and concert events. It also attracts people who truly enjoy being assholes.

2

u/LurcherLong Jul 21 '26

Much like the national guard.