Are random airport screenings really random?

Question

I noticed that every time I went through security over the last year and a half (which was several times), I got pulled over to the side to be further checked. After awhile, I started wondering how random it really was. The reason I felt weird about it is because some people think I resemble a Middle Eastern female in my facial features (though I'm not), and sometimes I noticed people staring at me in line.

So, is it proven that the random screenings are really random, or can they just say that when they ask you to step over to the side?

Thanks...

Yeah, that's true, probably half the time I had my laptop. The other half, I still got checked. When they scan your ID and whatnot, don't they know what ethnicity you are already? I wonder how it would be if I actually was of Midde Eastern descent. They must tire of the stares & extra checking, especially if they have been in America their whole life. I'm a light-skinned black girl, and people often don't know what ethnicity I am right away. However, if you're going to screen people by ethnicity, then do it appropriately. Screening me is the same as screening a white person. Neither one of us are Middle Eastern. Also, the people staring at me are the ones acting weird, how come they don't get checked?

I guess I'm just tired of getting patted down and having them spread my stuff all over the place. Thanks for the feedback so far!

Melekai and Redvelvet...good info. And interesting. Yeah, if say racial profiling of Middle Easterners is wrong, many people would just laugh at me. So I say, at least make some limits that help prevent people from feeling like victims when they've done nothing wrong. If I really did have a Middle Eastern ethnic background, I would have probably given up on flying a long time ago. People are just looking for ways to justify their prejudice. And I suspect, sexual reasons, as well, as Melekai brought up. I had about 3 different male guards pull me to the side, then proceed to flirt and make passes while barely glancing at my carry-on items.

Kymimom- I guess the plan to dye my hair blond won't help me get through security any faster. Darn : )

Answer 1

Not sure to call it random. There was an airline that I always traveled with and it never failed I was always selected (and I traveled alot.) Funny thing was people with actual luggage weren't being selected. I wrote to this airline several times asking them what the heck was going on? I continued receiving a response it was computer generated. I still thought it was bullcrap. I finally spoke to a rep who told me there must be something in my name and that is the reason why I am continuously selected. The rep advised me to include my middle initial the next time I make a reservation. I did what she told me and sure enough I have never been selected again. This airline was also sued a few years back for possible racial profiling. The airline won, but they were required to change the method of how they selected which was found to be illegal. They basically got a slap on the wrist.

Answer 2

Not exactly. I am a former Flight Attendant and got stopped ORD to HNL each leg. Hands up you name it. Before 9'11 the security guards often frisked us. Some using wands out of LAX in odd ways. The problem still exists that it is at the selection of these employees. Some not too interested in security rather sexual, ethnic and specific prejudices. The system still needs work. Thanks.
**Ask for the Supervisor there if you feel uncomfortable. Get their names and contact info. Write the company and go further depending on the infraction. I finally got the Los Angeles Supervisor's to identify a problem and myself & crew had no further incidents there. (we flew Hawaii LA turns and some over nights alot)

Great info below TY I have about three women with my name in Hawaii and my state placed a felon on my criminal report who has a totally dif ss# and DOB but 6 felonies all on the tail of my name, so it appears I had an alias. I have just found out thru my friend Hawaii's Deputy Director of Defense. NO ONE helps you on this stuff either, I have some resources luckily. LIke every one else I have to go thru red tape to remove a 30 yr old clerical error.
Great info. Mahalo!!!

Answer 3

Well I tend to think they are "random" at least in the sense that they are not necessarily profiling based on Middle eastern ethnicity... my daughter who is in her early 20's now has been "randomly" selected 5 + times and she definitely does NOT fit a Mid eastern profile.
Blond/ Green eyes/ Petite...

But I'm sure there are other factors that come into play if they aren't being random.
Such as if they have access to previous travel info on a person,for example my daughter has traveled extensively domestically and internationally since she was in her early teens. So maybe they flag her b/c of that?

Answer 4

I call it Random Plus. Many security people are required to check every so many people. In addition to that, they also check people who act strange or nervous and , I am sure, of certain ethnic origin.

Answer 5

i would guess the look of certain ethnicities adds to your odds. do you carry a laptop? i find when i travel with a laptop i get checked more than when i don't bring it along, so even if it can go into your suitcase instead of carry-on?