TSA: The Death of Common Sense

10/15/2006

From a mailing list post on uneven security measures:

I just flew to NYC last week to visit my sister for the weekend. Going through the Pittsburgh airport, I was told that I had too much toothpaste. I told the agent that I was under the impression that we were allowed 3oz. He said that was correct, but my toothpaste tube clearly says 6oz on it. I explained that since the tube is less than half full, I am clearly in compliance. He said something like, “I understand your position, but the tube says 6oz.” “But it’s less than half full.” “It says 6oz on it.” “Okay, using your powers of reasoning, what volume of toothpaste would you say currently remains in this tube?” “Less than 3oz.” “So then I’m in compliance.” “No sir, the tube says 6oz.

As Dee Hock. the founder of Visa and proponent of chaos theory and adaptability observes, simple rules lead to complex, rich behavior. Complex rules lead to stupid behavior.

At this rate, there’s a substantial risk that air travel rules will evolve to become as complicated as tax laws, to the point where no one knows what’s allowed, what isn’t, or what to screen for.

Crazy, man.