Topic: Jfk Airport

35 chapters across the catalog

On The Fritz
Episode 1718 2:39:42 - 2:43:49

1718: On The Fritz

Russian Stowaway at JFK and Facial Recognition Setup

A Russian national snuck onto a Delta flight at JFK International Airport without a ticket or ID, leading to her detention in France and eventual return to the U.S. This security breach is being interpreted by some as a "setup" to justify the mandatory implementation of facial recognition technology at all airports. While a bipartisan group of senators has opposed the expansion of biometric surveillance, incidents like this provide the TSA with a narrative for increased security measures.

Illegal Chants
Episode 1655 2:36:37 - 2:41:12

1655: Illegal Chants

Executive Producer Donations, Boeing Safety Issues

James from Western Australia is elevated to Executive Producer following a significant donation. Amidst the donor thank-yous, a news update mentions a Delta Airlines flight forced to return to JFK Airport after losing an emergency slide mid-air, adding to the ongoing safety concerns surrounding Boeing aircraft.

Juice Joe
Episode 1622 1:29:49 - 1:31:20

1622: Juice Joe

JFK Airport Protests, Air Traffic Control Interference

Pro-Palestine protesters at JFK Airport reportedly launched a balloon that forced air traffic control to reconfigure runways for safety. Such actions are described as massive felonies, though critics note a lack of aggressive prosecution for the interference.

That 70's Podcast
Episode 1446 1:45:15 - 1:47:36

1446: That 70's Podcast

Travel Experiences and Mask Mandates

Adam Curry recounts his recent travel experience flying Delta from JFK to Texas, noting that while masks are no longer legally required in terminals, many employees and passengers remain masked. He describes a "stink-eye" attitude from masked airline staff toward unmasked travelers. The Delta Sky Lounge at JFK is described as massive, largely to accommodate the high volume of delayed and cancelled flights.

Bunny Hugging
Episode 1341 51:19 - 53:34

1341: Bunny Hugging

New York Traveler Health Forms and Funeral Home Clinics

A traveler arriving at JFK from Amsterdam reports new questions on New York State health forms regarding vaccination status and COVID-19 history. In Chicago, a funeral home begins hosting vaccination clinics. Meanwhile, the CDC considers relaxing outdoor mask guidance for vaccinated individuals.

Curtain Wranglers
Episode 1241 11:26 - 12:53

1241: Curtain Wranglers

New York City Police, Unlawful Assembly Orders and JFK Airport

The New York City Police Department issued recorded warnings to citizens stating that non-essential gatherings are prohibited by Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio. Failure to disperse from these unlawful assemblies results in arrest. Similar automated warnings regarding ticketing and towing are noted at JFK and Oakland airports.

Imminent Threat
Episode 1207 1:40:34 - 1:45:01

1207: Imminent Threat

Border Harassment Claims, Laura Poitras, and Surveillance

The co-directors of the Cambridge Analytica documentary claim they are frequently detained for hours by Customs and Border Protection when entering the U.S. at JFK Airport. These claims mirror previous stories from filmmaker Laura Poitras regarding government harassment of whistleblowers. The hosts express skepticism, suggesting these anecdotes may be exaggerated for promotional purposes or related to common administrative issues.

Invidious Phobias
Episode 1202 6:46 - 9:52

1202: Invidious Phobias

TSA Security Experiences and Canine Screening at JFK

A travel report details recent experiences at Austin and JFK airports, specifically noting the use of pre-check lanes and a unique "gerbil line" canine screening process. Observations suggest that metal detectors have been detuned to allow passengers to keep shoes and belts on to speed up holiday lines.

Q-Vision
Episode 1056 14:15 - 18:23

1056: Q-Vision

TSA CT Scanners, American Airlines JFK Security Upgrade

American Airlines donated eight high-tech 3D CT scanners to the TSA, with the first unit deployed at JFK Airport in New York. These $300,000 machines allow screeners to rotate bag images 360 degrees, potentially eliminating the need for passengers to remove liquids and laptops. Speculation suggests the sudden media focus on plastic "ghost guns" may be a public relations push to secure congressional funding for 2,000 additional scanners nationwide.

Pot on Sale
Episode 1046 37:12 - 41:47

1046: Pot on Sale

Zero Tolerance Policy, Illegal Immigration Costs, Personal Anecdote

The hosts argue that the "zero tolerance" policy has exposed a long-standing financial scam involving NGOs and government contracts. A personal anecdote is shared regarding the difficulties of the legal immigration system, involving a spouse being sent back to Europe from JFK Airport due to incorrect paperwork. The discussion emphasizes that legal immigration is a costly and bureaucratic process that often requires thousands of dollars in fees.

Nein Nein Nein
Episode 999 3:03:41 - 3:07:37

999: Nein Nein Nein

NextGen Air Traffic Control, Privatization and Infrastructure

The U.S. aviation system faces significant infrastructure challenges, with major airports like JFK and Hartsfield-Jackson experiencing recent power outages and flooding. The discussion covers the "NextGen" air traffic control system, which uses satellite-based GPS (ADS-B) rather than 1950s-era radar. There is a push in Congress to privatize air traffic control and increase passenger facility charges to fund $100 billion in needed upgrades.

Sock Puppet Media
Episode 969 2:51:48 - 2:55:07

969: Sock Puppet Media

Fentanyl Seizures at JFK Airport Mailroom

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a record amount of fentanyl seizures at the JFK International Mailroom, with most packages originating from China and Hong Kong. Officials noted that the drug is so toxic that agents must wear protective gear, and seizures have nearly tripled in the past fiscal year.

Chow Hound
Episode 948 37:41 - 40:57

948: Chow Hound

Global Entry System, TSA PreCheck Inconsistencies

The Global Entry program faced criticism for inconsistencies after a "trusted traveler" was randomly selected for secondary screening (SSSS) while his spouse passed through standard customs faster using new automated kiosks. Observations at JFK Airport suggest that Customs and Border Protection has moved toward a nearly agent-free system for US citizens, raising questions about the actual value of paid expedited entry programs.

Loyalty Test
Episode 899 24:25 - 29:20

899: Loyalty Test

Executive Order 13769, Airport Protests and Anne Frank Meme

Protests erupted at JFK and Dulles airports following President Trump's executive order banning travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations. Media outlets compared the situation to the U.S. denying a visa to Anne Frank's family during the Roosevelt administration. Iraqi national Hameed Khalid Darwish, who worked for the U.S. government, was among those detained and later released.

Yes Wee Can
Episode 895 3:02 - 7:51

895: Yes Wee Can

Schengen Area Passport Regulations, Airline Boarding Refusal

Adam Curry was denied boarding on a Delta flight from Austin to Amsterdam due to a strictly enforced Schengen law requiring three months of passport validity beyond the departure date. Airlines face $25,000 fines for transporting passengers who do not meet these European Union entry requirements.

EU Gougers
Episode 856 2:26:04 - 2:31:46

856: EU Gougers

Airport Panics, LAX Zorro Incident

A series of false alarms and panics have struck major U.S. airports, including a high-profile incident at LAX involving a man dressed as Zorro. Reports of gunfire, which later proved to be unfounded, led to mass evacuations and several minor injuries as travelers fled onto the tarmac. These events, occurring shortly before the anniversary of 9/11, suggest a heightened state of public anxiety and potential "security theater" testing by authorities.

Captain Talking Points
Episode 851 23:03 - 26:13

851: Captain Talking Points

Delta Airlines Data Center Meltdown, Travel Delays

Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian addressed a massive system failure caused by a power outage at a data center, which led to thousands of flight cancellations. Adam Curry experienced the fallout of this "meltdown" while traveling through JFK Airport. He describes the failure of Delta's redundant systems and the subsequent challenges with ground personnel and flight upgrades.

Captain Talking Points
Episode 851 26:13 - 28:30

851: Captain Talking Points

Airport Etiquette, JetBlue Terminal at JFK

Adam Curry vents about common travel annoyances, including passengers who struggle with oversized roller bags and backpacks in narrow airplane aisles. He describes the uncomfortable conditions at the JetBlue terminal at JFK Airport, noting that the facility becomes excessively hot and "sticky" when the air conditioning fails to keep up with summer temperatures.

Toxic Speech
Episode 744 39:12 - 41:48

744: Toxic Speech

JFK Airport Drone Incidents, ISIS Homeland Threat

Two flights at JFK Airport, operated by JetBlue and Delta, reported close encounters with drones flying within 100 feet of the aircraft. The Department of Homeland Security warned law enforcement that drones could be used by adversaries for illicit activities in the homeland. The narrative is viewed as a regulatory tactic to link hobbyist technology to the threat of ISIS.