[dotBen]

You're not allowed to film the TSA security check point at all. If TSA wants to take a hard line against the people opt-ing out of the back-scatter checks, then with these videos they can probably make a 'good' case to pursue the civil charges + $10k fine to make an example out of him.

EDIT: you are not allowed to film at TSA check points because of airport policy, not because the TSA policy. for San Diego see:

http://www.san.org/documents/corp_serv/Codes/Article%207/Cod...

I'm not aware of any major airport that allows filming in screening areas, which is the point I'm trying to make.

[chacha102]

Not only does the TSA website specifically state otherwise, there is no example to be made out of him because he didn't do anything wrong.

[dotBen]

The TSA website states what exactly? If you enter the screening area you HAVE to comply and be screened based on what the TSA demands, with the only allowance being you can opt-out of metal detectors/back-scatter and be hand-searched.

If you don't comply you can be fined, see section C of:

http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/Sanction_Guidance_for_Individu...

(refusing to be searched violates a number of those provisions which adds up to $10k)

And you're not allowed to record in TSA sterile areas, there are signs at airports that say so.

I'm not saying I agree with the law (note I wrote 'good' case above), but your point that the TSA website says otherwise isn't true, and it's a shame I've been downvoted for it. Perhaps you'd like to edit your comment with the url on tsa.gov you are referring to?

The whole point of what I was saying, which you missed, is that if the TSA wants to make this case into an example case to set a hard line against those who don't want to do back-scatter, those videos are going to be damaging to him.

[chacha102]

The TSA website states that you are allowed to videotape the security check points.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/taking_pictures.shtm

[dotBen]

San Diego Airport Authority says you can't film anywhere in the airport and makes further points on filming xray equipment:

http://www.san.org/documents/corp_serv/Codes/Article%207/Cod...

I'm not aware of any major airport that lets you film secure areas, which is the point I'm trying to make - and so that could just get rolled up into a civil case against him. Which is the point I'm making.

[wakkow]

'Phil' contacted 50 airport to see what their policies are:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-safety-security/938543...

Some allow it but I'm pretty sure none (or close to none allowed) photographing the xray monitors.

[donohoe]

Incorrect - it's usually airport policies that prohibit this though

[dotBen]

all I wrote was "You're not allowed to film the TSA security check point at all." - TSA, airport policy whatever, it doesn't matter.

The point is if this does go to court the videos will sadly count against him if they decide to throw the book at him.