I have traveled a lot in international , domestic flights. Luckily I never had any problem. But there was only one situation when I fell embarrassed along with security lady. When I got my job transfer from MI to Denver, Colarado. I was departing from Detroit Airport to Denver. I had two 2 check in baggage and one cabin baggage.
When I was checking my check bag one lady came to me and asked you have been randomly selected for security check. Can you please step aside and show me your bag. I said yes. She asked me to open my bag and I opened my bag. She examined my bag completely. There was one box. She asked me what is there in the box. I hesitates little bit. Then she asked again. I said, its Condom. but she got suspicious and asked me to open that box and i opened that box and box was filled with condoms. I was carrying more than 100 Condoms. She asked me why this much (oh man.. what should i Say..). I said, i brought it from my native country as my colleagues told me that Its damn costly here and i didn't want to check my chance.
I was traveling just after all of the new fluids rules went into effect, and there were multiple lines for security ... I decided to choose the short one. I figured everyone had heard about the regulations or seen pictures of people having stuff taken away ... but not these two women in front of me! They caused a massive scene and yelled and shouted and swore and claimed sexism and pretty much any other ism they could come up with (the security officer was also a woman) ... to the point where airport security and management got involved, all of their stuff got searched through, and they were nearly tossed out.
Needless to say, getting in the shorter line didn't help my time through the screening process ...
Last time through was a lady from India, and she didn't understand that gold was a metal. Bracelets, rings, necklaces... my gosh she was covered in the stuff. They had her remove stuff and step through the gate about 5 times...
Way before any of the really tight security at airports I had the occaision to be at one of the fairly small airports in the north of England. I had already checked my bags and was waiting at the gate when my name was called to return to security. I wondered what I had left somewhere. When I got there they ushered me into a room where my bag was on a table. They asked for my permission to inspect the contents. (Long ago they used to do that...really). They gingerly and carefull searched through the contents, but I could see they were still unsatisfied. I suggested if they told me what they were looking for I might be able to help. They said they say a small package of electronics with wires and batteries. Oh, I said, check the little case on the bottom left. I had a case with an old Compaq Palmtop. Those ran on AA batteries and the case had elastic loops where I was carrying spares. Yes they said, that was it, and there was one other thing, something kind of round with a solid center. I was puzzled at that one for a moment and then remembered my belt, rolled with the buckle in the center and stuffed in a shoe. I pointed that out and they were satisfied that was what they saw. As we put it all away, I mentioned I understood the electronics and battery concern, but what was the deal with the belt? They said, on the XRay, it looks like plastic explosive with a detonator in the middle. Haven't packed my belt that way since. All in all I didn't feel at all put out or irritated, and got to see that there actually was some attention to my safety going on, without the current ordeal we have to deal with. Damn those that made it neccesary.
My last time to travel by airplane was the first time that I have flown since most airlines have started charging for checked baggage. I have always preferred checking my baggage as I usually have to transfer flights at least once so I only take minimal carry-on so that I do not have to lug it around the airport.
I will start this also by saying I have never had my luggage lost so far and usually fly at least 1-2 times per year. I guess my record had to end sometime...
So I told my wife before I left that the trip just for my luggage to fly would be $50 more so hopefully since now you have to pay for your bags you shouldn't have to worry about them being lost...
Well on the trip out my bags were misplaced but were eventually found! Just didn't come out with everyone else's on my flight...took an extra 20 minutes or so.
Then on my flight home I arrived to the airport 2 hours prior to my departure and decided to check the bags with the Carrier provided sky cap at the door to the airport so as not to have go through the long line at the check in area. Even tipped the guy the requisite $5 for the bag. Then after a 7 hour delay in the Dallas/Ft Worth airport I finally arrived home at midnight--1am...and everyone is tired and the airport is pretty much deserted of airline personnel. Finally our flights bags start coming down the belt...Everyone is grabbing their stuff and leaving. I am still waiting...NOTHING!!!! So I spend the next 45 minutes trying to find someone with my airline. Finally track the a guy down...his first question did you check it at the counter or with the sky cap. Well since you checked it with the sky cap it most likely didn't make it on your flight. I said what is the point of having the sky caps if they can't get the luggage to the flight in time...he said it was for convenience. He said that they would ship the bag to me when it arrived for a fee or I could pick it up at the airport. I laughed. And decided to take multiple deep breadths before responding so as not to say things that would make both of us get angry. It was hard as I was very tired. After cooling off a bit I said that this was ridiculous as I have already paid $50 for the bag to fly and should at least be assured that it would get on the same plane as me and arrive on time. I would need to speak with a supervisor before I would pay any additional fees. He decided ( I guess) that rather than call his supervisor at 1:30 in the morning that the airline would ship the bag to me for free...
Finally received my bag 2 days later....It was a tad worse for wear...I guess the luggage fee doesn't really get your bag any better treatment than what it use to get for free!!!!
;-)
I have never been trough airport security, but I travel to Canada couple times a year, and a couple weeks ago they wouldn't let us trough. they asked hundreds of question search our bags and car, including taking out the tire jack. After for about 45 minutes of searching they gave back our passport and let us go.
Have never had a problem going through airport security (other than having to wait through the odd Long Line), but the most hilarious situation was my very matronly, mid-70s Mother being first pulled aside, and then taken to an inspection room - where she was subject to such unspeakable treatment as to remain INDIGNANT for several months!
Only thing can imagine was a combination of Poor Packing Decisions & the lack of a Drivers License - although she does have a State ID Card - but at least she is now able to have a bit of fun over her tenure as an Elderly Terrorist!
While going to Denver, co
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