LOCATION: An airport near you.

VIOLATION: Stealing valuables from travelers’ bags.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who begrudgingly surrenders to the inefficient and gratuitous search policies enforced by the TSA. Sure, I get it, there are crazies out there, but when the TSA and Homeland Security decided spending $300 million on new scanners so some underpaid, bitter employee can look at skeleton boobs all day – er, I mean “advanced image technology” – I’m left wondering what was so bad about our standard metal detectors? But, I try to be accommodating and assume that the intent is good, and they are here to keep us safe, right? So, I surrender my bags and walk through the scanner hoping the person going through my personal belongings and reviewing my naked digital image is a professional –a respectful professional.

Wishful thinking, and it seems there’s not just one bad apple spoiling the bunch — just take a look at the videos below. When hiring people who are responsible for enforcing a safety policy, it seems too obvious to hope that they are well-paid, trained professionals, right? Travelers jump through these hoops to avoid becoming victims — not be exposed to them by the very people who are supposed to be protecting them. Raise your standards, TSA. You’re a hot mess, and travelers deserve better.

What are your thoughts about TSA policies and/or your recent experiences at security?

Join us every Monday for a Hot Mess travel post, covering anything from the bizarre and hilarious travel photos and places, to the ridiculous travel accessories and news. If it’s a hot mess and it’s about travel, we’ll cover it. We’re always open to suggestions and reader contributions, so hook us up with your Hot Mess travel photo or story.

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