The current state of the commercial aviation experience in the United States is approaching epic tragedy. The terrorists keep on winning every day as the core, fundamental rights of American citizens are violated by their own government every day. I’m not a big political junkie either way, but it’s amazing to me how almost everyone just rolls up any opposition to what’s going on here. Combine this with apparent apathy from the airlines and a big lack of common sense when it comes to TSA policies and suddenly the Pan Am era of aviation seems like paradise.
I’m angry about my experience at the Las Vegas airport today, but some of the blame falls on me. I probably should know the TSA rule about snow globes by now, but when that’s all your ten-year-old asked for, you don’t really think about a one-inch glass ball being a security risk in your bag. You also have to wonder if the 50 snow globes for sale in the gift shop on the other side of security were ever checked at some point. And don’t get me started on liquids, nail clippers, tiny screwdrivers or any of the other stupid policies…
My options for the snow globe were to throw it away, leave security and mail it or go back to the front check-in desk and pay to check my carry-on. All of these options sucked, but I chose to walk all the way back to the front of the airport and check the bag, as the post office was closed, the self-service kiosk was out of envelopes (and cost $23) and there was no way in hell I’d let them take my daughter’s gift.
The TSA agent and supervisor I spoke with were both professional and courteous. I tried to remain calm, as you don’t want to make a scene there for fear of what might happen (again, so wrong that I even need to worry about that). I had plenty of time to do all of this, but I had to wait in the long screening line a second time.
The other issue today was the full body scanners. This was my first experience with them at any airport and I had planned to opt out. But like all the other people I complain about in the first paragraph, I submitted too. Who needs the Fourth Amendment, anyway? Thankfully, it broke down the second time I went through screening.
So who do we have to elect to get Bruce Schneier in charge of airport security?
