Living Outside The Lines: “Flying the Unfriendly Skies”

The coordinated terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia that claimed the lives of nearly 3000 people on Sept. 11, 2001 forever changed this nation.

 by, Becky j Miller

Flying post-911 is very different thanks to the Aviation and Transportation Security Act or TSA passed by the 107^th Congress in November 2001.

The coordinated terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia that claimed the lives of nearly 3000 people on Sept. 11, 2001 forever changed this nation.

Although the intention was to help the nation, to multitudes of travelers, TSA restrictions make flying extremely uncomfortable. 

Prior to 911, private companies handled airport security, each with their own regulations. The argument against this continued practice was that only a single federal agency could best protect air travel. So, thank you stupid terrorists for the tears I shed practically every time I fly.

While I understand, in theory, the reason for TSA practices, in practical application, I have many questions. Why are young children and the elderly excused from removing their shoes??  Seriously. If terrorists use children as suicide bombers, why are children excluded from the shoe removal policy? And old people? Is there a mandatory terrorist retirement age?? 

I completely understand the TSA requirement to verify identification; it’s basically the one part of the process I have no qualms about. I mean; folks ought to be able to prove they are who they claim to be. I do not however, comprehend the limitation on liquids. Passengers are limited to one quart sized bag filled with containers no larger than 4 ounces. Obviously no one on the TSA governance board has curly hair.

Our luggage was old and the zippers close to dying, so my husband and I recently purchased a new set. We bought two small carry on suitcases to take on board and one more just to carry my two mousses, two hair sprays, and spray conditioner because those items/brands cannot be purchased in travel sizes. 

Even when we travelled to Africa using hiking backpacks, we checked a suitcase with hair products and just left the unused portions behind with our Kenyan hosts. I may look like Medusa in the morning prior to the hair taming process, but that does not make me a terrorist, nor do the products required to tame my curly locks. 

On our last trip out of state, we somehow ended up on the TSA Pre-Check list. I was excited at the prospect of keeping my shoes on, until I walked through the metal detector, which as I passed through, buzzed obnoxiously. The TSA personnel informed me I was “randomly selected”. #really

If I was TSA Pre, how could I be randomly selected? How was I suddenly a security risk? #GRRR! So, I was unceremoniously subjected to executing the “under arrest” pose while the scanner circled about me revealing God knows what bodily secrets. It seemed like a cruel joke through which I tearfully attempted to maintain my composure.

On the return trip, we were not TSA Pre Checklist. I cannot comprehend how one is less of a security risk leaving a home state versus returning?? Was I being judged for the insanity of spending money to run 13.1 miles? #perhaps

Yes. Yes. I understand all of these enhanced security measures are for my own safety. However, that knowledge does not make the practices any less intrusive. That said; I do not find it unreasonable to label the skies “no longer friendly.”

Until Next Time,

Becky J Miller

“Warrior Princess”

Becky J Miller is a contributor and is exclusive to SM Corridor News. You can read more of Becky’s columns in Lifestyle.