We’ve all taken a flight now and again, only to be tunneled through security like pigs to a slaughter—we’re half naked, pants falling off, barefoot (some of us pregnant) and chilly (from removing the outer garments). The question is this: Is all this pandemonium worth it? Are the mishaps just power-pushing plays of abuse? Here are some abridged versions of longer stories of some of the worst case scenarios at the airport. (I’ll, of course, start with mine.)
I had just gotten in to JFK from Morocco for the umpteenth time. This time, I went for pleasure and not work. A security officer and a dog approached me as I waited at the baggage carousel, asking where I’d been and for my passport. I produced it, and stood in nonchalance. The officer started berating me on all the Morocco entry and exit stamps. “So, how do you afford to travel so often?” he asked. “My mom pays for it.” I retorted smartass-like (I was 26 at the time). “So, your Mommy pays for your travels? What did you do there?” I answered his questions, which gained more and more condescendence as he harangued me. He walked with me after I got my bags and only at the last minute handed me my passport. Because he was having a bad day, I got to exit next to a security officer and his over-sized dog. My story, however, is nothing in comparison.
Another story happened with a one Monica in the Reagan International Airport. There, she had her 19 month old toddler with her, trying to get passed the security check point. In her child’s sippy cup, there were a few ounces of water. She was told to hand over the sippy cup, an item she didn’t want to give up. Her child needed it for the long flight to Nevada. She offered to drink the water or pour it out. The security officers told her that she’d have to go through the lines again. She went to drink the liquid and it accidentally spilled. She was told she would be arrested for endangering others for the spilt water. She was contained and examined for forty minutes and missed her flight. Her child finally got the empty sippy cup back.
Airport security when we travel is supposed to work for us, the passengers. Security is there to keep us collectively safe and worry free. When we see wastes of time, power plays and plain stupidness when we travel, how are we to feel anymore safe. From blower machines that “sniff” out explosives to security guard gropers feeling up every hotty’s behind that passes by, there has got to be some better ways (fully clothed) to inspect society and keep things moving safely. Maybe you’ve got a similar or worse story to tell. If so, let us know what mishap you’ve suffered with a mortifying result. Whether you’ve been restrained for a pair of toenail clippers or searched by an aroused security officer, share with the world your mortifying airport mishap.
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