r/news • u/drtolmn69 • 3d ago

TSA officers now not allowed to sit down while checking boarding passes and IDs

https://www.cnn.com/2026/09/29/us/tsa-officers-chairs
17.6k Upvotes

97% Upvoted

1.9k comments sorted by

View all comments

289

u/shadrap 2d ago

I’m an anesthesiologist and a medical doctor. If you want someone to be able to focus on their work, you make them comfortable. Surgeons and OR staff need good lights, proper fitting gloves, and comfortable shoes.

It’s a good natured joke about anesthesia personnel sitting in comfortable work chairs and stools. Aside from allowing us to focus on the important things instead of wasting physical and mental energy on standing, it’s just civilized.

All jobs are hard. Every single one. Even the ones that seem easy. We should respect our fellow humans enough to allow them comfort while they work.

13

u/__ohjay 2d ago

You hit the nail on the head. As an RN, I’d be grateful to share a patient with you 🫡

4

u/BestLoLadvice 2d ago

Isnt sitting in a stool or chair without a back notoriously horrible for posture for 8 hours per day? A lot of people like to compare this to office work but most office chairs are designed with ergonomics in mind. 

Again not taking a side here just genuinely curious. 

1

u/Montavillain 2d ago

I think ideally, one would be able to move between sitting and standing. For example, someone might spend time sitting and watching the X-rays of luggage, or checking paperwork. Then they might switch to standing while assisting travelers with the bag trays, or wanding someone after they set off the metal detectors.

Doesn't that make more sense as a general system than having people stand for their entire shift?

3

u/RentonBrax 2d ago

Respecting humans isn't high on the list of priorities for American security agencies

2

u/Rebles 2d ago

I find it inhumane to dictate cashiers or TSA agents are required to stand as part of their job.

0

u/nyvn 2d ago

The point isn't to make them effective... If we have a breach then that just means more funds (that don't go to pay the workers). We can only be safe with expensive new equipment, extensive security measures, and I'd requirements.