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Tuesday, August 03, 2004 WHAT a Reason to be Detained by Airport Security
I admit it. I’m a bit anal-retentive when it comes to packing a carry-on bag for traveling. I worry that the airlines will lose my luggage (after many travels *knock on wood* my bags have only been delayed by hours or days, never forever lost – Thank Heavens!). But, I always worry that I will be without some critical item when I reach my destination. So, the task of packing my carry-on has been perfected down to a very fine art. In mid-December, we were heading to Boston, MA for the weekend, and a very special Christmas party. Flying out of BWI (Baltimore/Washington International), I checked my large bag and headed toward the security gate with my carry-on in tow. Granted, the airport was bustling with early holiday travelers, as well as added security. Needless to say, there were lots of people in the airport that day. Perhaps I should explain the usual contents of my carry-on . . . my Franklin Planner (I never leave home without it!), a digital camera, a 35mm camera, a notebook and pen (I’m a writer and photographer, you never know where inspiration will strike), extra lingerie (in case my luggage is lost), my cosmetic bag, my medication, hot rollers, styling products, a toothbrush and toothpaste, assorted toiletry items, and a few miscellaneous things in the event my luggage is delayed. When I arrived at the checkpoint, I passed through the scanner, but my carry-on bag was being sent through the x-ray machine over, and over, and over again. They kept calling more security over to view the screen. I heard someone say, "It looks like a flashlight." That's when I realized what they were probably viewing was the long, thin, cylindrical Vidal Sassoon can of hairspray in the front zippered pocket. I said, "That's just a can of hairspray." To which one of the security guards pulled my bag down to the end of the conveyor and asked, "Ma'am, do you mind if we search your bag?" Well, knowing I wasn't carrying anything illegal, I immediately granted permission for a search. Of course, airport security searches are not known for their consideration of your belongings - they just pull and toss with total disregard. I kept "suggesting" to the man that he should check the front zippered pocket, as that was where the can of hairspray was stored. He continued to concentrate on the large main compartment. By this time, my planner, my cameras, my notebook, my cosmetic bag, and my lingerie were scattered all around on the conveyer belt outside of my carry-on. Suddenly, from inside the bag, came a low, steady humming noise. The security guard's eyes widened, he stepped back quickly, and he turned to look at me. He stood there, motionless, as if unable to move. I looked at him and said, "That's just my electric toothbrush." He began immediately shoving everything back into my bag, with no care or concern. Once again, I said, "That’s just my electric toothbrush. Do you mind if I turn it off? You must have accidentally bumped the 'on' button." He zipped the bag, shoved it toward me, and said, "You're free to go. Have a good flight." So, here I am, walking through the airport toward our gate, with my carry-on bag vibrating against my leg, still making a distinct humming noise. I wanted to stop and turn off my toothbrush, but my s.o. said, "Just keep walking!" So, on that day in mid-December, I guess airport security, and everyone in line behind me, thought that "flashlight" object that showed up on the x-ray machine was some giant dildo I was transporting across State lines. I hate to disappoint everyone - but, honestly, it was it just my electric toothbrush! Since that incident, I've found a new toothbrush for traveling - I bought the battery operated one, and always remember to remove my batteries before packing. Originally published Friday February 07, 2003 (bw) 2003 © Copyrighted Materials - All Rights Reserved. Susan Reno-Gilliland A Southern Belle's Life # posted by Kitty : 10:31 AM
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"a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma" --- Miss Kitty, an Irish lass, a true Southern Belle; writer, photographer, artist, interior designer, animal-lover, dreamer, stargazer, cop-groupie, 70's junkie, cbc, slightly obsessive iNFp with stories to tell! ... (fascinated by forensics, human behavior, pushing all the right buttons of men she finds interesting, and seeking utterly-sweet revenge without any repercussions. ) --- "Darlin', don't ever take a Southern woman for granted!" [tm] Feeling the uncontrollable urge to shower me with gifts?!? Check out my Amazon 
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