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Crowds

My flight didn’t go as planned yesterday. It was scheduled to leave Baltimore at 6:40am. I only had a carry-on, so I figured I’d get to the airport an hour ahead of time instead of my usual two hours. But the security line was long. Very long. So long that everyone walking to the end of it was laughing nervous laughter.

I was a little worried, but I remembered that in the past, airport workers have walked down the line asking if you’re on such-and-so flight that leaves in 20 minutes, and if you were, they would pull you out and walk you to the front of the line. Yesterday, someone was shouting: “Are you not going to make your flight?” Great! They were going to pull me out of line! But then the shouting person continued: “If you are late, see this woman, and she will sign you up for TSA Pre-check for $180.” Awful! They were shaking people down for money! I would have no part in that.

By the time I got to the front of the line, I had already missed my flight. Since there was no longer any rush, I decided I would just do my usual routine and opt out of the scanner. The guy gave me a pat down, then rubbed his hands with that little piece of paper that goes in the tester machine. There was an alarm. D’oh! This led him to unpack my whole carry-on, rub the contents with those papers, and test them in the machine. Nothing.

He said he was now going to have to give me a more thorough and more personal search. It didn’t involve me taking my clothes off, but it did involve more insistent groping. He called his supervisor over, and all three of us went into a private room. The supervisor did The thorough pat down, then went out to test his gloves. When he came back, he said I could go.

My total time in the security line: one hour fifteen minutes. Ugh.

I called the Delta help desk, and was treated very kindly. I have high praise for Delta. They helped me get to my family. I arrived at 5:30pm instead of 10:30am, but I did arrive.

Everyone was at my mom’s house. It was loud and laugh-y and fun.

We had chicken tacos.  So many people are bringing food to my family.  Such kindness.

We had chicken tacos. So many people are bringing food to my family. Such kindness.

3 Comments

  1. Lauren

    Stupid security line. Stupid TSA. Kind, good woman at Delta – she is the silver lining in all this.

    I’m so glad you’re here for your family.

  2. Jill

    Glad you made it back safely. I hope stories, memories, and laughter fill the house all weekend.

  3. Carol

    Cheese and crackers – advertising an expensive way out of a horrible situation they created?! THEN doing extensive searching in places “no man has gone before” to find what after all that anyway? I’d be livid. Glad you had warm and funny family memories to finish off the day. You all have been in our thoughts and prayers all day today, too. We know the Spirit of Peace is reigning there with you all.

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