Why is an Audi key like a switchblade?

[VroomVroom]

A. You can't bring either on board a plane.
Nathan Rau, a 31–year–old Minneapolis lawyer, was flying out of Dallas recently when he approached the security checkpoint.
He emptied his pockets on the table and the TSA inspector picked up his car key and asked, "what's this?"
Rau answered that it was his car key but it was "game over" as far as the security person was concerned.
Long story short: Rau's car is an Audi, which now comes with a super–stylish ignition key inside a protective holder (above and below): you push a button and the key slides out.

Just like a switchblade.
Which is what the security guard visualized as he confiscated the $300 key.
But that's not all: Rau had to produce his driver's license and other I.D. to be photocopied.
Lucky for him he keeps a spare in a magnetized box under his car.
And of course now he's on all the TSA lists and will be scrutinized closely forever, assuming he's even allowed to fly again.
But wait — there's more.
To replace one of these fancy–shmancy keys you can't simply call the dealer and have them mail you a replacement; no, you have to go there — with the vehicle — so that the new key can be programmed to match the vehicle.
What if you don't have a spare key?
You have to pay to have your own car towed from your home or airport or wherever to your dealer.
I am not making this up.


bookofjoe: Why is an Audi key like a switchblade?



Full story
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/21/b...ed6a4d14f&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

 

[Centurion]

That's the most absurd stupidity I've ever read in my life. Where were those airport security people hired from, the Stoneage? Have they ever seen a post year 2000 car key?? I certainly hope the affected driver filed a complaint against time cause that it totally unacceptable treatment of customers.

 

[kovachian]

Owners of newer VWs and Audi-era Lambos Bentleys and yes, even Bugattis could potentially have the same headache when flying. No actually, some of those owners would own their own jets but still, the others might still have their keys confiscated. As for getting the keys programmed at the dealer, that is only partially true. Yes the dealer can program them but that's a ripoff. They can be programmed and deprogrammed by anyone on the fly; although the blade would still have to be sent out to be cut.

If you wanted, you could program an Audi key to work on a Bentley, or whatever VAG brand. I use to be an Audi mechanic, that's the only reason why I know this. Well I know that'd lock/unlock the doors, can't remember if it'd start the car or not.

 

[Family Guy]

WHAT! $300 for a spare one? Absurd! Merc used to use that type of Key and it with the car!

The thing about confiscating the key that acceptable but having to photocopy your ID...

 

[LaArtist]

Lol that key concept is dead old..

Was on W210 mercs.. i thought the world was used to them by now..

 

[TSABob]

I originally registered to log in so I could get more info on the officer that did this, but this article was written in 2005?

I assure you folks this was an isolated incident. (If it really happened)

Our Officers have been seeing these types of keys since the TSA's rollout in 2002. In fact, I drive a 2002 VW Jetta Wagon that has a key nearly identical to this one. I fly a good deal and have never had any problems. I've stood in line and nervously clicked the key open and closed over and over again. (Sadly, that has worn out my spring)

Also, this event would not get anybody on a watch list. I have no idea why the gentleman had to have his ID copied. It sounds to me like law enforcement got involved for some reason.

I just thought I'd stop by and say there is nothing to worry about. These keys are fine to fly with.

Thanks,

Blogger Bob
TSA EoS Blog Team
tsa.gov/blog

 

[Giannis]

Well Volvo keys are also of this type and i didn't have any problem either..

 

[VroomVroom]

Dw Bob, I didn't post the article to scare anyone!

Just thought it was funny how someone was actually stopped for having a flip Audi key

 

[Gullwing]

Just thought it was funny how someone was actually stopped for having a flip Audi key

They should just be stopped for owning an Audi

 

[VroomVroom]

^

The security guy was just sooo jealous he simply had to have the key to steal the car later