ZOMG Delta!

This blog post by a (non-white) man about his recent experience with Delta, TSA, and the Niagara Transit cops is upsetting - on many levels. It is also a great illustration of how things will not change with regard to the TSA and security theater until there is a serious change in mindset in this country. How depressing!

In short, Arijit was wearing a sarcastic anti-security theater t-shirt when trying to fly Delta. He had no problems at the TSA checkpoint, but Delta decided to harass and eventually kick Arijit and his wife off the plane. Meanwhile, the TSA had re-cleared him (and even apologized for the incident), but the Niagara cops took over for Delta in the harassment. He was able to fly Delta the next day without any problems, although Delta didn't even give him and his wife a hotel or transportation voucher.

The Delta supervisor, Delta pilot, and the passengers on Delta (who were being blamed for complaining about being "uncomfortable" flying with Arijit) have every right to be bigots. But, if Delta were serious about not being bigoted and treating its paying customers like, well, paying customers, they should immediately reprimand the supervisor and pilot (I'm thinking unpaid suspension at the very least, but firing them would be more appropriate). They have the unions to contend with, but who cares? Instead, Delta has taken the standard TSA line: denial, denial, denial, with official policy repeated over and over again (as if policy makes counter actions impossible).

For example,

Delta spokesperson Betsy Talton told MailOnline that the airline does not discriminate against any of its passengers.

I've always maintained on this site that the airlines are, at best, complicit in the TSA and all the related abuses. They will have to stand up beside us if change is to happen. And, it would help to have fellow passengers and local cops wake up, as well.

Delta inches forward

NPR reported this morning that Delta will be giving refunds on non-refundable tickets on a case-by-case basis in response to the scanner backlash.

They also report that American, Continental, and US Air are standing by their no-refund policy.

When this whole thing blows over, are you going to choose Delta or US Air? Me, too.

Delta brushes off Glenn Jacobs

Glenn Jacobs wrote the following message to Delta regarding his travel plans, and got the standard response (scroll down to see their response):

I am writing to express my concern over the TSA's body
scanners and new pat down protocols. Since the creation of the TSA, I
have avoided flying whenever possible. Unfortunately, due to the nature
of my business, this is not often possible. However, the TSA has now
gone beyond the pale. While I must still fly for business, I will not
allow my family to be subjected to this sort of treatment, so flying for
pleasure is out. In addition, I am actively encouraging everyone I know
to avoid flying as much as possible. Delta runs a great business, and I
have always felt like a valued customer when on flying on it. However,
there are many frequent travelers who feel the same way that I do. The
TSA has not only failed to make us safer, it has become the bane of our
traveling experience.

Delta's response:

Delta keeps trying to wash their hands, ...

... but Steven St.Jean calls Delta out. See yesterday's posts where I support abolition of the TSA and, as a route to get there, airports kicking the TSA out. Steven's message to Delta is right on point - they keep kicking the can, but it is their right and duty to protect their own property.

Dear Ms. Sanders,

This is simply not true:

> These procedures are conducted by the Transportation Security
> Administration (TSA) and are required by federal law.

The law that created the TSA gave airports the right to opt out of the TSA program altogether.  That's right, the airports which Delta supports can legally overthrow the hated TSA.  I draw your attention to this news report: http://washingtonexaminer.com/amid-airport-anger-gop-takes-aim-at-screening/article/96644.

If Delta cares for the safety, the dignity, and the rights of its passengers, it will urge airports to exercise this right and throw the perverts out.

Steven St.Jean
SkyMiles #6230137876

Delta's response to Steven's first letter is here.

(Regarding the Washington Examiner article, I do not at all endorse the "GOP plan" of contractors on the federal payroll. Like the choice between scanners and pat-downs, the choice between a socialist TSA or a fascist TSA is no choice at all.)

From a frequent flyer

Mr. Richards writes to say: "I have been a frequent flyer using exclusively Delta. I recently sent them the following..."

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to inform you that I will not be flying again  because I no longer am comfortable with flying.

Given the fact that I would be treated as a criminal instead of a customer by the TSA and DHS for merely traveling using a common mode of transportation makes me very upset. To move about in ones own country is a fundamental right of anyone in a free society. And to be free from unreasonable search as per the 4th Amendment is another

Delta: You have some explaining to do

Logan Hertz submitted the following on Delta's website:

I was planning to fly from Atlanta (ATL) to Dulles (IAD) to visit my family for Thanksgiving; however, since both Dulles and Atlanta airports now have porno-scanners installed, I will be making the 10-hour drive instead.  Why is Delta allowing TSA (Total Sexual Assault) agents to strip-search, violate, humiliate, and sexually assault its passengers?  Delta airlines leadership should have the courage and strength to stand up to the TSA molestors and protect their passengers' dignity.  With all the outrage directed against the TSA, Delta Airlines could stand to gain significant customer loyalty by being the first to publicly stand up to the TSA.  I personally pledge to fly only Delta from now on if Delta airlines will be the first airline to at least protest these measures (if not actively resist them or simply shut down until they are changed).

In your response, please explain how Delta will act to protect the dignity, privacy, and personal property of its customers from the criminal TSA agents.

I won't fly Delta

Steven St. Jean wrote Delta to say:

Just writing to let you know I won't be flying with Delta again until the TSA drops its current policy of porno-scanning, irradiating and/or groping passengers. I will drive rather than tolerate that army of perverts.

And Delta responds (this is getting a little repetitive, Delta!):

Thanks, but No thanks, Delta.

Jeff sent this comment using Delta's on-line form and got a response in which they refuse to take responsibility:

Greetings,

I appreciate receiving the Delta Airline email notices, along with all of the excellent service I've received from Delta and its employees over many years.  In light of that, it saddens me to have to write this letter.  As a part of the airline industry, I find it unconscionable that your company has remained silent on the TSA's increasing violation of your customers' basic human rights.

I don't feel the need to list extensively all of the violations against the persons or property of air travelers, none of whom have been charged with a crime.  We are all familiar with the infamous body scanners that not only produce vivid nude images of ourselves, wives and children, but possibly expose us and our loved ones to harmful radiation.  We are familiar with the so-called "choice" of receiving an alternative "pat down", the sort of human bodily contact that would, in the world outside of our insane airports, brand the perpetrator a sex offender.

Reply from Delta

Gary Cottington forwards Delta's reply to him:

Dear Mr. Cottingham,

RE: Case Number 1899562
 
Thank you for your email describing your unpleasant experience with the 
TSA check-in processes.  On behalf of Delta Air Lines, your feedback 
regarding the updated security screening directives are greatly 
appreciated.

I am sorry that you are disappointed with the new Advanced Imaging 
Technology (AIT) also commonly referred to as full body scanner 
technology.  This system produces images of the body in order to detect 
potential threats concealed underneath passengers' clothing that could 
have possibly gone undetected with the current method.  Please 
understand that safety remains our first and foremost priority, and it 
guides our day-to-day operations.  While federal regulations prohibit us
from discussing the criteria used for security decisions and we 
acknowledge they may be invasive and disruptive, they serve to make 
flying safer for everyone.  We understand that some requirements may 
make it difficult for passengers to travel and it may require them to 
make a decision on whether it is in their best interest to utilize air 
travel.  While we are sorry that it may require some passengers not 
travel by air, we follow all directives handed down to us from the 
higher authorities. 

Dear Delta...

Gary Cottingham wrote the following to Delta Airlines:

due to the tsa's current use of the irradiation scanners--i like to refer to them as porno scanners--i have been opting out of being exposed to the x-rays and refuse to expose myself in a virtual strip-search.  the images produced by these scanners are pornographic and if a minor, certainly violate the spirit of child pornography laws.

i believe that the tsa is now retaliating against those of us who opt out by doing their 'enhanced' pat downs--basically a disgusting groping exercise if you will.

as long as your airline tacitly approves of this violation of my 4th amendment rights i will be driving more and flying less.

regards,


--

--
Gary L. Cottingham