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Comment by StavrosK | Hacker News Reader

That's odd, whenever I flew to SFO I had a great time. The TSA agents were more than happy to give me free massages, which you don't see anywhere else.

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SFO doesn't actually have TSA agents. Security is contracted through Covenant Aviation Security.

See --> http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/atsfo/saf-sec/

Hmm, was it LAX? I'm reasonably certain SFO had scanners, but yeah, it might have been LAX.

SFO has scanners, at least for international flights. No idea whether they are operated by the TSA though.

The airport itself is pretty nice by the way, if you forget about going through security. I haven't travelled to any other US airports, but SFO is way better than some of the (mostly smaller) European airports I've been.

I think they still have scanners - they're just not operated by the TSA - as in it's not a "government agency" running the operation.

Think you're joking, but I came here to write - SFO is the best I can remember. Easy in and out, free wifi that actually worked and desks with power cords to use it from, regular and easy-to-understand shuttle bus system with helpful staff around, good access to cheap car hire and trains to town. Belongs miles ahead of Abu Dhabi. I bet Californians are a pickier bunch than the average airport visitor :)

I will agree with that. Apart from the "we'll take naked photos of you" thing, it's a pretty nice airport.

I know everything you're saying is tongue-in-cheek, but I will point out to those who may not be 'in the know' that you can always opt out of any intrusive scan for a pat-down instead. Perhaps not any more comfortable, at least the sweaty TSA agent brushing your inner thigh is just as uncomfortable as you are. Hopefully.

I've always opted out, hence the "free massage" thing. They always half-heartedly try to intimidate you by not allowing you access to your things, and they go through the motions of a pat down. It depends on the employee, but it was definitely better than the scanner.

I know most HN readers won't have too much experience with it, but the airport in Indianapolis is probably the best I've seen.

No traffic to the airport, in & out of security in 5 minutes (longest I've waited is 10 minutes), free wifi AND a TSA agent smiled at me. It's like another world.

Every time I went through SFO my flight has been delayed.

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