TSA Checkpoint – Mahlon Sweet Field Airport

WORST EVER.
First, they rarely open up the second x-​ray line even if there are 20 people waiting to get through. That is annoying, because for a small airport, of course most people are going to arrive right before their plane leaves. So look at the departures board and staff accordingly.
Second, they’re completely incompetent. I missed a flight recently because in combination with the above, their scanning machine «saw something» in my jeans’ pockets. Nope, nothing there, but somehow, my hands showed «traces of explosives» instead, and I was taken off to the side for a behind-​the-​curtain pat down. While I was behind the curtain, my name was being called over the loud speakers for my flight. I told the TSA morons I was clean, but I got felt all over pretty good nonetheless. Again, their wonderful machine said I had traces of something on me, so next thing I know I am basically naked getting felt over again in my boxers. Still nothing, and finally, the all-​knowing machine says I’m clean. By the time I get dressed and re-​pack my luggage (which had been tossed thoroughly), I ended up missing my flight because of these incompetent hacks. Never been subjected to such idiocy before in my life.
Look, I know they’re just doing their job, and I do appreciate the safety TSA provides, etc., but come on – get real. In 14+ years of flying in the post-​9/​11 world, this is the ONLY time I’ve ever been subjected to even a pat down behind the curtain. All for nothing, of course. Yippee.

I fly into Eugene’s Airport frequently, I lived here forever & now I fly back to visit family. My favorite thing about Mahlon Sweet Field is Allegiant Airlines. They have non-​stop fares super cheap (I’ve booked $ 59 one-​way) you have to fly through from LAX instead of SNA but I think it’s worth it if you’re flying a lot.
If you’re from Eugene than you live for U of O football and track & field, the terminal has cute memorabilia hung everywhere. It’s a tiny airport but I’ve never had any issues, although there are only a handful of airlines that service it. Eugene-​ians are notoriously laid back, you really have to come visit to see what the culture is like. Go dux. ;-)
I love that this airport is so tiny and TSA has never ever given me a problem. I’ve always had a relaxing, laid back experience here and that’s why I love flying into EUG! I come through here frequently from Orange County, CA and would absolutely recommend it to visitors. You’ll love Eugene, it’s so beautiful and there is so much to do especially if you like college sports and adventurous outdoorsy activities.
I’m here so much visiting my friends and family that you might actually run into me, lol.

Staff are pleasant and move people along but ignorant about TSA policies. TSA is inconsistent across the country.