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Comment by tnuc | Hacker News Reader

This doesn't always work. You might end up arrested. You are better off with a fake ID.

When you board the plane they check the codes to see if you have been through special screening, they check the markings to the boarding pass codes.

I've made it to the flight a few times only to be turned around and accompanied back to security for the full security theater experience. At this point they will check the list and you will be arrested if they find a problem in the paperwork.

Your best bet is to change your name slightly William --> Bill etc. and play around with a middle/first initial. Computers are dumb. TSA agents are friendly when you are friendly to them and have tendency to not pay attention to their work. Social engineering is a lot more effective than computer hacking.

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> "they check the codes"

And what codes are these? the pen-squiggle? the highlighter-check-mark?

Is it your hobby to try to sneak past TSA checkpoints? Are you successful often enough that you have been turned away at the gate for not having the proper 'codes'?

>And what codes are these? the pen-squiggle?

There are codes that indicate the level of screening you should get along with codes that have "Special screening" indicated on them. And then the TSA is supposed to squiggle in response. Buying a one way ticket usually means you get special screening, I hope the terrorists don't figure this one out.

>Is it your hobby to try to sneak past TSA checkpoints?

In a way yes. It is my hobby to get through these things as quickly as possible. Sometimes I go through the staff/express line, you get a long way by being friendly to TSA agents.

>Are you successful often enough that you have been turned away at the gate for not having the proper 'codes'?

Yes. TSA agents make mistakes and don't always check the passes properly. I swear with half the agents I could give them an ID for someone completely different, all they do is check that it "looks" real.

One time I almost missed a flight. One of the gate agents was nice enough to run back to security with me and hurry them along. Someone else watched my bag rather than wait and get it searched properly. Security theater at its finest.

The SSSS mark is also handed out when you purchase your ticket shortly before the flight or when you pay in cash, or at the discretion of the airline. I've endured it more times than I care to recall because I frequently change my travel plans.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_Security_Screening_Se...

Looking at those criteria, it wouldn't flag terrorists who were well-funded, forward-planning, and punctual. Which sounds like prerequisites for a successful attack.

Hey ho.

Forgive my ongoing skepticism, but where are these codes? on the boarding pass? Who is at the gate to turn you away? Does the TSA chase you down when they discover you have outwitted them?

As linked below http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_Security_Screening_Se...

You can of course also edit these out while you're busy changing the name. It's all a joke.

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