They’re not all out to steal Christmas!
Security line at Logan Aiport
Photo uploaded by redjar
Travel blogs are filled with horror stories about overzealous TSA agents and security nightmares. I’ve had some not-so-nice experiences, too, but my recent flight from Boston’s Logan Airport to Washington, DC’s Reagan International was a completely different story, so I thought I’d counter all the bad press TSA has been getting.
As a frequent flyer, I am intimately familiar with the new rules about liquids in carry-on luggage. I carefully packed my travel-sized toothpaste and shampoo, but I completely forgot that I had also packed one of those holiday-scented bath sets as a gift. (Fortunately, I knew enough not to gift wrap the set in my luggage.)
So, when my suitcase drifted through the metal detector, I was a little surprised to get pulled out of line. The security woman opened my suitcase and pulled out the verboten bath set. “I am so sorry, I didn’t even think about those gifts,” I explained, figuring that she’d confiscate the bath set and I would have to show up to my holiday party empty-handed.
“I’m sorry I have to do this, but I’m going to open this box and ask you to put these in your plastic baggie with your other items,” she told me. As luck would have it, all of the items in the set were less than 3 ounces! She sent my suitcase and toiletries through the metal detector again and wished me a safe flight.
Airport security people get a bad rep, but this particular woman was extremely polite and helpful, so if you’re traveling this winter, I hope that you will encounter others like her. And, if you need a gift idea that won’t pose a security threat, check out our holiday gift suggestion.
Planning a trip to Boston? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Boston Card.