Thursday morning, around 1AM EST, I was packing my suitcase in preparation to leave Munich. Nothing says Happy Thanksgiving like abandoning your family so you can eat jägerschnitzel)with your partner over the holiday.
When I heard the news about Mumbai, my heart sank into the pit of my stomach. The scenes replaying on cable news seemed out of control, and there was a shortage of information. We learned others who worked at the Mister’s company were staying at a targeted hotel (they were safe).
The shuttle to the airport was a solemn one. It’s hard to hear the t-word, and not think about the incident that occurred in New York seven years ago, or associate it with the changes in security and personal freedom. Some changes have been for the better, while others are simply eyewash.
As a frequent traveler, I adapt, regardless of inconvenience, and some times in spite of personal beliefs. The benefits of seeing the world, have outweighed the hassles of security, immigration and sleeping in airports. But until Thursday I had never been out of the U.S. when a malicious disregard for humanity occurred.
I couldn’t help but wonder about more potential changes in airport security. Would I be required to check my luggage? Would they confiscate my lip balm? Would they change the policy regarding electronics? Would the Mister’s coworkers be safe? Would I get patted down like the last time? Most of these are minor things, simply nervous impulses, or fears of the unknown. Fear of personal safety never entered my mind.
Passport control, immigration, and security were thorough, friendly and exceedingly efficient. Wasted concern? I suppose, but it does give one pause for thought, being away from one’s country when a conflict becomes a concern.
I’ve flown on at least twenty three commercial flights this year, been screened in seven different airports, and interviewed at six immigration checkpoints. I have strong, biased opinions about security screening. I read this article last week, and I am curious about the way you feel about airline security, both in this country and abroad.
December 1st, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I am afraid that i find the screening not too effective.
Of course, i have no ideas about how to make it effective, which makes me a whiner.
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:14 am
I think infrequent travelers from the US (such as myself) are likely to be unfamiliar with the current restrictions, and thus unprepared for the rigors of check-in. For example, on our (domestic) trip last year I forgot and packed yogurt in my carry-on for the kids. I was rueful until the checker pointed at the kids and said, “Is it for these?” These what? I bristled at his de-humanizing pronoun.
On the return flight for that trip, we departed from a larger airport that had separate lines for family and business travel, and it was much better. That was the first time since ‘01 that security was pleasant to me.
We were in Europe when Bush the First started bombing Iraq. I felt vulnerable and anxious about getting back to the US.
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
meno, you aren’t alone. I don’t think it makes you a whiner, it shows you are more observant than the bureaucrats in charge.
de, I think separate lines is better, it makes travelers more at ease. The article mentioned improving signage in security areas, and I think that would improve the situation for those who don’t travel as frequently. As it is, there are too many signs with too little information and too much explanation. it’s too distracting, and unhelpful.