Yet again, the actions of a deranged few have mucked it up for the rest of us. I was more-than-disturbed this morning when I woke up to yet another news story about a terrorist plot, this time foiled by the world's police organizations (and busted up -- to use the well-chosen words of our very own commander-in-chief -- in the U.K.). Not only was I freaked out all over again (the 9/11 attacks made me irrationally HAVE TO switch sides of the bed so that I wasn't sleeping next to the window), but I'm disgusted by the pure inconvenience of it all! And here when it was getting the tiniest bit EASIER to fly our friendly skies. (Please excuse the whiney, bratty nature of this post. I really do understand the need for tight security, and I will comply with every rule put in place... but I'm gonna complain about it... and this is my outlet.)
As a company "traveler", I got my obligatory travel bulletin from our travel agent today (they always send out a brief -- and, most of the time, filled with DUH information -- note about any changes happening re: airline travel) letting me know that I cannot take any liquids, gels, lotions, or the like on board the plane and that I should expect long delays if I'm traveling today. (Thank goodness today wasn't a travel day for me. The pics of airport security lines are disturbing. And the lines of cars waiting to get into the terminal area at some of the world's airports! Geez.) Our agent also mentioned (admittedly with no documentation from any of the airlines or governing bodies) that, although not explicitly prohibited, travelers toting electronics (laptops, iPods, cell phones, etc.) in their carry-ons can expect additional long delays at the airport. Of course, if I had to choose between having these items onboard my flight and landing safely (and alive!), I'd definitely choose to get back on the ground in one piece. So... if you MUST take absolutely everything away from me before allowing me to board, go ahead. But maybe we could ramp up the on-board entertainment and free snackage if a streamlined-traveler approach is going to be a long-term solution to curbing terrorism? Perhaps we could build the two into one... naked air transporation... built-in entertainment, and probably more-than-a-little appetite curbing -- you know, since America is so obese -- to keep us from wanting the free snackage. Anyway... TSA, if you're interested in my opinion, I think the following are must-allows on-board (for me, at least): laptop, iPod, book or magazine (of my choice... please don't tell me to read the airline's publication), cell phones (even though I can't use 'em in-flight, I couldn't imagine having to wait for my checked bag to be "re-connected"), chapstick, a hair tie, my change purse wallet (with ID, credit cards, and any cash I happen to have -- which is usually none at all), and sunglasses.
So, I hate to sound like a big ole whiner about this stuff... especially when it is quite possibly a life or death issue... but a part of me is really irritated that I'll have to actually check a bag on my next flight (or just not take ANY liquid items along... lotion, shampoo/conditioner, perfume/body spray, make-up, toothpaste, etc. ... so, yeah, THAT'S not happening). Over the course of my last few years of traveling, I've gotten quite good at packing for any length of trip in one small (carry-on sized) suitcase. As long as the Internet check-in (or an e-check-in machine at the airport) is operational, I have my boarding pass in hand and my trusty coming-with-me-through-security bag rolling behind me from the moment I arrive at the airport. With this approach, I've avoided many a long line at the check-in counter and gone straight to the gate to relax comfortably (well, as much as it's possible in those stupid airport chairs) until my flight begins boarding. Don't get me wrong... I'm not one of those people. I won't wheel my as-big-as-allowed carry-on onto the plane unless it's a big jet (with lots of roomy overhead compartment-ture). On most planes just a tad smaller than those big boys that easily hold my bag on-board, they have a quite effective plane-side checking process that gets your bag underneath (so you don't have to bang knees going down the aisle or wrestle with it to make it fit over your head... as you pray that the heavy-as-sin thing doesn't come crashing back down on you!) AND returned to you as you come off the plane at your port of arrival. All you need is one of the trusty pink or green or yellow tags that they hand out during the boarding process. They'll usually even let you keep the same one from flight to flight (even if they have switched colors). So, there's very minimal effort required to easily transport your bag from A to Z without hitting the check-baggage-counter or fighting the idiots at the baggage carousel. (If you're one of the lunatics who pushes to the very front of the crowd while waiting for your checked luggage, please slap yourself in the face at this time. Do you realize how freakin' annoying you are to the rest of us who are trying to wait patiently? Helloooo... if we all just stood back, like, 3 feet, everyone could see the bags as they hit the conveyor. Then, when you actually see your bag, step to the front & grab it. Good gosh... it doesn't take but half a brain, people. You know, it's just that annoying... slap yourself again.) So, yeah... seeing as how I have a meltdown every time I have to deal with checked baggage, I have chosen this much-healthier (for me, at least) option. And I'm going to be really pissed the next time I fly if I don't still have this option. Somebody get me some Advil, please. I'm gonna need it.
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