Ryan,

What information do you have that "random" searches are used as a means of covering searches of people who are truly under suspicion? Just curious as this is not something I have heard. I have always thought they were considered a deterent.

As suggested in another post, I think the problem is that there are still a lot of weak links which don't appear to be being addressed, so the random screenings are viewed as window dressing by many of us. They are highly visible but cost a lot of money which might be better spent beefing up other elements of security in our airports.

I have several relatives involved in Federal Law enforcement and we've had this discussion. Yes, random searches are a deterrent under the theory of "you never know." However, the numbers of people searched are so low as to make it a relatively small probablity that a random search will catch someone that you're trying to catch.

The second part of random searches is that it allows law enforcement to profile people, without the legal problems that come with saying you are profiling based on ethnic criteria. Let's face fact, if the TSA were to only pull middle-eastern looking men between the ages of 19 and 50 out for increased searches, you'd have a discrimination lawsuit. A "random" process eliminates the concern over a lawsuit when you really do want to profile.

Herself has a good point. Just about every time I fly these days I see somebody impersonating Prince Charles.

IMO, the Miami authorities are apologizing too much. The Spanish party didn't provide sufficient notice.

So what if he's going to be king? We don't have royalty here, and we don't - yet - allow certain types of people to bypass the TSA search (unless they follow the protocol). It's an enormous hassle to wait in those lines and be searched (at least they didn't make them wait in the long line!), and I certainly don't think that this couple posed any threat, but it's the principle of: we have a law, you didn't give adequate notice, so you get searched. Don't get your shorts in a bunch over it.

I'm not sure who's got their shorts in a bunch, but please take a look at the original posting date???

Your point being?

Lol AAFF, I should have known when I saw Patrick's name on the thread that it was old

Sorry, I'm siding with TSA.

Given the times we live in (and really good makeup artist), are you really sure that is a "grandmother" in the wheel chair? Besides, why is it so unbelieveable a senior citizen couldn't be a terrorist? Likewise, if I get an entourage (it seemed pretty easy to find 19 highjackers in 2001), should I get special treatment? The fanatics in the world may be crazy, but they are also smart.

I'll be traveling soon, and I know I'll be pulled aside for a random check (you don't get any whiter than me ;-)). I'll get to the airport early and be fully cooperative. No sweat.

Mike Honeycutt