Well, as of yesterday's return to Chicago from Albany, I now can report on specific experience with "holiday" TSA rules. And while I still consider the whole set of "anti-terror" practices unconstitutional, intrusive, and generally appalling, honesty compels me to admit that *my* personal experience was of TSA employees that were individually and collectively pleasant, polite, and professional.
Thuji and I got the full TSA search at the airport. He was just fine as I carried him through the scanner. But then the TSA person said that since I had been holding my dog, she had to test my hands with something like a Q-tip. I don't know if this was because people carrying pets are expected to be drug dealers or something, but all three of us (me, Thuji, and the aent) surprised when the machine used to test the swab reported "possible explosive residue" (I could see the report screen). So a couple more TSA agents were called over. The original agent searched Thuji gently, while the others took everything out of my bag and carrier for detailed search. After that was done, I, my dog and his carrier, and the bins with everything else, all got taken into a separate room. A fourth agent, this one both bigger and taller than me believe it or not, next explained in detail what he would be doing ("this explanation will actually take longer than the procedure"),, then gently patted pretty much every part inch of me (through my clothes and behind the waistband of my pants). Then he went off to test his gloves to see if they showed residue. That test came back negative and we were allowed to go and re-pack my bags.
Whole thing took probably 15 minutes (seemed like longer, but it really was quite efficient and quick). And I have to stress every one of the TSA people was completely polite and professional. No macho. No power trips. No sanctimonious "it's for your own safety" or arrogant "you don't have a choice" or condescending "it's just my job." Just professional, treating it seriously, but not treating us like we were scumbags or things to be manipulated.
As everyone knows, I'm not a fan at all of the rigamarole -- I think its unconstitutional, silly, and has no serious safety-improving effect. But I had absolutely no issues with the people I dealt with at the Albany airport.
Thuji of course handled it all like a trooper, watching everything with his little head sticking out of his carrier, only trying to crawl out when I was putting by shoes and belt back on.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)