During my recent trip to Iowa from Washington, D.C., I had the opportunity to fly out of Des Moines International Airport and process through their TSA station. My experience with the TSA team at the Des Moines Airport is one of the best I have ever had in my life of flying.
The number of personnel on duty to facilitate the large number of Memorial Day travelers was outstanding. From the time I arrived at the initial ID/ticket check, the attendant [officer] was extremely polite and courteous, treating me like a special person.
From the ticket check to the personnel in the TSA PreCheck® and baggage check, they were very informative, ensuring that I knew what to do at their check and were very hospitable and friendly.
I was able to talk with all of the TSA personnel I came across in my inspections and received back a very courteous hello or comment about the day. I fly several times a month around the United States, and this TSA inspection center [checkpoint] is the best I have encountered.
I saw TSA [officers] assisting other TSA [officers] in their duties, including the supervision of new employees and a dialogue of professionalism across the board. Everywhere I looked during my inspection process, I saw the TSA supervisor/senior person walking the line, working with TSA personnel and encouraging them in their duties.
In addition to the quality, professional TSA employees and their day-to-day duties, the Des Moines TSA checkpoints are now using new technology that confirms the validity of a traveler’s identification and confirms their flight time. The personnel that are using this technology have been very professional in explaining what to do and where to go after getting checked into the system. All of them wear the required protective gloves, face shields, and clothing. Never once did I see anyone out of proper uniform in their duties.