• Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Live and Let's Fly
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Home  >  TSA  >  I Will Continue To Thank TSA Agents…You Should Too
TSA

I Will Continue To Thank TSA Agents…You Should Too

Matthew Klint Posted onJanuary 22, 2019January 22, 2019 17 Comments

Last weekend at LAX I had my first interaction with a TSA agent since the federal government shutdown began.

She was friendly and smiled at me. I thanked her for showing up to work during the shut down, noting that it was unfortunate she was being used as a political pawn.

Well thank you very much. I do appreciate it and also hope they resolve this issue soon.

I agreed with her. After handing me back my ID, she added:

Do you want to adopt me?

Lest you think this was flirting or serious, she broke out laughing before I did. It was a nice encounter.

Ben (Lucky) from One Mile at a Time shared of a different incident. He was at the airport and the person in front of him in line thanked the TSA agent for working during the shut down. The TSA agent responded, “I hate when people say that.”

Talk about rude.

Based upon that anecdote, Lucky reasoned:

TSA agents mostly aren’t working because they want to be, but rather because they have to be, and because they can still be disciplined if they don’t show up or take too many sick days.

“Thanks” doesn’t pay for gas, credit card bills, rent, or child care.

But thanks affirms human dignity. It also expresses thanksgiving. And to be sure, I am thankful that upwards of 90% of TSA agents continue to show up to work. I’m thankful that most airports are still running smoothly during the shutdown and that the agents are still doing their job to the best of their abilities.

On the one hand, the agents will likely receive backpay once the shutdown is over. Thus, their paychecks are merely being delayed. But on the other hand, many entry-level TSA screeners are working paycheck to paycheck. Starting pay at the TSA is only $25,518/year. No, saying “thank you” does not pay bills. But it shows solidarity. That counts for something.

CONCLUSION

My point is simple. Just because some agents may be (understandably) in a bad mood should not stop you from expressing your thanks to them. I assume most of you, like me, are genuinely grateful that these agents are on the job. Not so much because I view them as essential or useful, but because under statute flights could not operate without them.

One of the greatest joys of human life is giving to others, including giving gratitude. Don’t let a few rude agents stop you from expressing thanks to TSA agents during the shutdown. And if you know any TSA agents in specific need, help them out. At least in California, the TSA agents now have relief.

Previous Article United Blocking Award Space On Singapore, TAP, Thai Airways
Next Article United’s Upgrade Waitlist Is A Game Of Scrabble

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

Related Posts

  • CLEAR airport security

    Solutions To CLEAR’s Limited Airport Footprint

    November 13, 2022
  • global entry renewal passport customs

    Traveler Cheat Code: Appointment Scanner For Global Entry

    September 11, 2022
  • global entry delays

    18-Month Global Entry Delays, How To Beat It

    September 4, 2022

17 Comments

  1. Mavmom31 Reply
    January 22, 2019 at 1:26 pm

    Thank you Matt! After 30 days, I can imagine the political discourse while they are doing their job can get a little wearing because they (we) are living in this situation. For some, those hours at work may be the opportunity to forget (or at least distract themselves) about what is going on at home or how they are going to pay their bills until they eventually get paid. Saying ‘thank you’ seems the least we can all continue to say to people who perform any service.

  2. Sorry not sorry Reply
    January 22, 2019 at 1:37 pm

    Dear TSA
    Thank you for confiscating all that stuff from me that actually **is** permitted to fly. Thanks for groping my 86 year old grandmother. Thanks for grabbing and twisting my junk when I declined the X-ray machines that have now been banned.

    I’m sorry you are a pawn in a political game but border security is very important, arguably much more important than airport security theatre that has never actually caught a terrorist. Until you grab my junk again…

    • Mike P Reply
      January 22, 2019 at 1:56 pm

      You’re an idiot. I hope you die.

      • Krazie316 Reply
        January 23, 2019 at 8:17 am

        Argumentum ad hominem…You lose.

  3. Tennen Reply
    January 22, 2019 at 1:48 pm

    Why not a balance between the two? Instead of going out of your way to be overly thankful to the TSA agents (or other government workers), how about just being friendly, period? I can see how it can be annoying to Lucky’s TSA agent, but I can also see how the person you encountered might find it encouraging. Plus, each person who takes an extra 5-10 seconds to have a meaningful exchange is slowing down an already slower than normal line (presumably). Add that over 100s or 1000s of people, and you’re making the problem worse.

    It’s kind of like a customer service situation (retail, dining, hospitality, AIR TRAVEL, etc.), where too often, customers/guests/passengers don’t bother to acknowledge the employee. A simple “hello” or “thank you” or “good day” or a smile goes a long way when many people don’t bother saying a word. There’s no need to engage any further, as long as you’re courteous to EVERYONE you encounter.

    Or, if you feel compelled to thank them for working, maybe Lucky’s approach is best – gauge the person’s mood and/or pay attention to the situation. That’s probably another thing people don’t do enough…

    JMHO.

  4. Df Reply
    January 22, 2019 at 1:57 pm

    @sorry no sorry. Wow. Bitter much? Love to see you go do it and not get paid. TSA is such an easy target millions of people go through it every day with no issues no complaints. I have run into an occasional unfriendly TSA agent. But guess what I’ve run into unfriendly police unfriendly McDonald’s workers unfriendly waiters unfriendly bankers unfriendly lawyers and the list goes on. Get over yourself.
    Well done Matt

  5. Andy K Reply
    January 22, 2019 at 2:16 pm

    They are working through the shutdown because they believe in the the wall. They of all people know the importance of security. They do not need to be thanked.

  6. WR2 Reply
    January 22, 2019 at 2:20 pm

    Who are you, my mother? Are you going to tell me to finish my vegetables too? This is another in a long line of smug, self righteous posts.

  7. Peaches Reply
    January 22, 2019 at 4:08 pm

    Sorry not sorry said it perfectly. I have zero sympathy for these sickos who spend their days violating the fourth amendment rights of their fellow Americans. #EndTheTSA

  8. AR Reply
    January 22, 2019 at 4:31 pm

    As both a currently serving member of the armed forces and a veteran who’s been thanked for [my] service frequently, here’s two things to be cognizant of:

    1. We acknowledge that others are appreciative of the work we do. I chose to be in the military and, by extension, chose to serve in Iraq and elsewhere. Still, it’s always generally nice to know that others appreciate that there are some who are sacrificing a little, and some who sacrifice it all – and this is true across the spectrum of civil servants who go in harm’s way – even if we’ve done so by choice. It’s common courtesy and general social niceties to accept that gratitude gracefully and move on. So yes, that TSA agent was kind of a dick.

    2. Often times, especially for servicemembers, a “Thank you for your service” is awkward as there’s seemingly no correct response. “You’re welcome” seems condescending. “Thanks!” feels contrived or otherwise lacking in substance. So what do we say? Ultimately you just loathe receiving said appreciation because it consistently creates awkwardness or social anxiety. I’ve started replying with, “Thank YOU for your appreciation. It takes a village,” or some approximation thereof. So I understand the TSA agent’s frustration, though that frustration needn’t a voice outside close friends/family.

    If you feel the need to “thank” someone in this situation, whether TSA, FBI, military, or local LEOs or firefighters, a simple, “I appreciate what you do. Keep up the good work,” makes for a much smoother compliment.

  9. Mike Reply
    January 22, 2019 at 6:07 pm

    I”m with “Sorry not sorry”. The TSA is yet another example of government run amok. Those in charge of the TSA think they can get away with practically anything under the guise of “air travel security”.

    Not paying them now doesn’t go far enough. Abolish the TSA and make every person who currently does or has ever worked for TSA repay the taxpayers all of the wages and benefits.

  10. No sympathy Reply
    January 22, 2019 at 6:09 pm

    I have no sympathy for the TSA due to all the people they hurt and harass. I will not thank them for continuing to work when I want them to just go away. With their failure rates as high as 95% and the fact they missed every terrorist that came their way including one that used Precheck, it’s all just one big show that has also proven itself to be quite ableist many times over. Pre-9/11 security was simpler, faster and more effective than the TSA could ever hope to be and it never violated our 4th Amendment rights. Until they go and find another job, they deserve zero pay.

    • Robert Sigbey Reply
      January 10, 2022 at 9:38 am

      I dare you to get on a flight without them. If you stop harassing and disrespecting them perhaps you might have a better experience at the airport. You, along with other posters sound like you’re anti government and self entitled. Get over yourself and respect those whose sole job is to protect you. Your comments are ignorant. Btw, their success rate in catching fake items has gone up since you wrote these ignorant comments.

  11. Taz Reply
    January 22, 2019 at 8:18 pm

    Until every government employee receives a pay check no one should receive a paycheck. That includes the president, vp, supreme court, house and Senate, irs, treasury department. It’s BS that the Coast Guard is not being paid because they are under homeland security like the TSA. Yet all other military branches are receiving paychecks from the DOD. We have coast guardsmen that are serving in the middle East (Bahrain) supporting the 7th fleet. The people they are working with are getting paid why not the Coast Guard.

    I support our military branches 100 percent but if one branch is not getting paid no one should get a check.

  12. Mike P Reply
    January 22, 2019 at 11:32 pm

    You Americans sure are a nice bunch

  13. Sarah Connor Reply
    January 23, 2019 at 2:42 pm

    No. The TSA is a violation of our rights.

  14. Robert Sigbey Reply
    January 10, 2022 at 9:34 am

    This article leaves out how extremely rude many passengers are to TSA officers. The self entitlement and degrading of their job duties from passengers is of the utmost disrespect. These officers deal with some of the most inconsiderate people, not that I think they should be called people but by definition that’s what they are. To say that TSA officers are not essential or useful is downright ignorant. Remember, it’s because of TSA officers that you don’t get shot or stabbed mid flight or even blown up. You can say they fail tests all you want but if and when the real stuff comes through you can rest assured it will be caught. TSA has a perfect safety record and that’s what makes them essential and deserving of respect and praise. Chew on that.

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Search

Recent Posts

  • United Airlines Steakhouse Cheeseburger
    Steakhouse Cheeseburger On United Airlines February 4, 2023
  • Woman Pants Miami Airport
    “Why Would I Need Pants On?” (Woman Strides Through Miami Airport) February 4, 2023
  • Catfight Over Window Seat Leads To Massive Brawl, With 15 People Thrown Off Flight February 4, 2023
  • United Airlines Newark Collision
    United Airlines 787-9 Collides With 757-200 At Newark Airport February 3, 2023

Categories

Popular Posts

  • Spirit Airlines Captain Runs Out Of Cockpit After Woman Yells “I Hope Y’All Crash And Die!” January 17, 2023
  • Hotel Worker entered room
    Woman Demands $3,000 In Compensation After Hotel Worker Walked Into Her Room At Midnight January 24, 2023
  • United Airlines 2023 Status Extension
    United Airlines Quietly Extends MileagePlus Premier Status…Again January 14, 2023
  • British Airways 787-10 Business Class Review
    Review: British Airways 787-10 Business Class (Club Suite) January 10, 2023

Archives

February 2023
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728  
« Jan    

As seen on:

live_and_lets_fly

The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles is the most beautiful of all Polaris Lounges. Stay tuned for a detailed look and many more photos on the blog tomorrow. Well done @united.
@malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire i @malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire its A380 fleet. While not surprising, it is sad to see the growing list of carriers retiring this superjumbo jet. On Malaysia Airlines, I flew the #A380 once from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to London (LHR) and had the entire first class cabin to myself (full review on the blog). It was a beautiful flight that I will always remember.
Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited tha Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited that a new carrier, Avelo, has launched, especially from an airport just 12 minutes from my home!
I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxair I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxairport. Hopefully this summer it will return.

.
.
.
.
#Lufthansa #FirstClass #747 #747-8 #StarAlliance #Miles #Points
I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. This is not only a lovely, all-inclusive resort, but one of the best properties to use your @hyatt World of Hyatt points.
.
.
.
.
#Hyatt #BigSur #California #WorldofHyatt #CA-1 #Points #Hotels
In terms of a spacious first class product, the @E In terms of a spacious first class product, the @Emirates suite on a 777-300ER is hard to beat. My preference is Suite 2K.

.
.
.
.
#Emirates #777 #firstclass
Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from I Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from Instagram ahead of the birth of my first child. Goodness, how time flies. While I’ve enjoyed catching up on others over the years, now it is time for me to return to Instagram. In this first post, I highlight two joys in my life, my two children, whom I trust will grow up to be prolific travelers that circumnavigate the globe as ambassadors of love and respect.

.
.
.
.
.

#travel #airplanes #airlines #miles #points #familytravel #human #integrity #honor
United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improv United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improvement over UA's current business class seat. Check out my blog at liveandletsfly.com for 70+ photos of how @united is transforming its entire business class experience starting this December!
The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben! The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben!
Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen - Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen -- oh, and I love 40°F summer weather!
One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure of flying with in all my years of flying. Thank you @flysas SK940 on 11 Aug 2016
Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I a Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I assign a window seat months in advance, don't move me to a center seat "for my convenience" with no way to get my original seat back... 😞
Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be rac Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be racing the #Delta flight to JFK at the gate next to us, which also departs at 12:45p. With @onemileatatime
Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregenc Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregencycasablanca #cassablanca #hyatt
Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the i Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the inside of the @grandhyatt_shanghai ... It is 40°C outside! 😓
From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minut From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minutes flat. I ❤️ #bur #burbankairport
@malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in se @malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in service at #kul -- beautiful livery!
View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful bran View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful brand new @parkhyattguangzhou -- look for a full review coming soon on the blog #hyatt #parkhyatt #guangzhou #parkhyattguangzhou
Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, which closes tomorrow and the Queen of the Skies #747 which will be retired in 2018.
The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. If you're ever here, get up at 5am and have a walk around the city before it gets busy. You can hear the birds instead of honking horns.
Load More... Follow on Instagram
facebook twitter instagram rss

This site is for entertainment purposes only. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor legal or tax professional and articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances.

 

Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners.

 

Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.