The State Of . . . Airline Security

I’ve been out the past few days traveling to our nation’s capital. And let me tell you . . . we aren’t as safe a the government wants us to believe.

I was packing my bag the night before my trip trying to think of all the things I am not allowed to bring in my carry-on: toothpaste, gels, lotions, etc. I was bringing some topical medication and I had to pack my prescriptions for my doctor. When I was done, I was very proud of myself for being a good American citizen. That and that I would hopefully get through the security as fast as possible so I could make my flight just in case I’m late.

I get to O’Hare and shove my carry-on onto the X-ray conveyor belt expecting them to stop me and show my prescriptions for the creams they found inside. It never happened. I was upset. I think I was more upset that my hard work had gone unnoticed. I was then upset because I had to throw away some hand lotion I forgot to leave out of my briefcase. I was then upset because the security of our airlines is supported by smoke and mirrors. I thought to myself that if I wanted, I could have stuffed the lotion in my pants pocket and no one would have known because they didn’t pat me down. If I could think of this, so could other people who are way more nefarious.

This was my first time traveling since the new rules and as a business traveler who hates to check bags, they are cumbersome and annoying. If you have only carry-ons, you have to buy toothpaste, lotion, and the like after you arrive at your destination. The same goes for gel deodorant too.

The State Of . . . our air travel is spotty at best. On my trip back, I was stopped as I went through security at Reagan National. I showed them my prescription and I was good to go. Although satisfied that my hard work went “recognized,” I was still dismayed that we are not as safe as too many of us believe.