SirFlysALot
Jun 22, 12, 8:46 pm
I missed my UA connection and they put me up in a room where I spent the night. Early this morning I arrived to see the entire security area packed! Status can get you in the short line.
I got the goodies out of the bags and put them in the bins. As it turned out that line was slow because of a screener who felt he could not make a decision on his own. He consistently called for someone to interpret what was shown on the screen. Four groups of people got through for each one in our line.
The six foot two hippie in front of me put his backpack on the x-ray belt. The screener sees something on the screen and he panics. I couldn't hear what he was saying but it appeared he kept speaking. Soon 4 managers showed up. They looked and quickly called two more. He radioed to move passengers to another line as this one was now closed. With my stuff still in the x-ray.
After 5 minutes I asked the screener why he didn't just open the bag and just look to see what it was. He yelled at me that I shouldn't tell him how to do his job. It was likely something very dangerous. I pointed out that if it was so possibly so dangerous should ten people be standing right next to it?
Finally four of Denver's best showed up. They looked and appeared to be stumped. A terminal dump seemed imminent.
Finally one of the cops (a really smart one) asked the owner what it was. He explained that he was traveling to San Diago and then on to Mexico. It was a water purifier. He asked the passenger to describe it. It was round plastic about three inches tall with a filter in the center to screen the water. The cop had to put his hand over his mouth because he started giggling. He stepped back and told the other guys in blue what it was. Then they stepped away and started smiling. The TSA folks were still not convinced.
Finally the TSA took the bag to a table to open it. As soon as the TSA stepped away the cops slapped me on the back and thanked me for being patient.
This was a great start to my day. The best part was that I was not involved! :D
I got the goodies out of the bags and put them in the bins. As it turned out that line was slow because of a screener who felt he could not make a decision on his own. He consistently called for someone to interpret what was shown on the screen. Four groups of people got through for each one in our line.
The six foot two hippie in front of me put his backpack on the x-ray belt. The screener sees something on the screen and he panics. I couldn't hear what he was saying but it appeared he kept speaking. Soon 4 managers showed up. They looked and quickly called two more. He radioed to move passengers to another line as this one was now closed. With my stuff still in the x-ray.
After 5 minutes I asked the screener why he didn't just open the bag and just look to see what it was. He yelled at me that I shouldn't tell him how to do his job. It was likely something very dangerous. I pointed out that if it was so possibly so dangerous should ten people be standing right next to it?
Finally four of Denver's best showed up. They looked and appeared to be stumped. A terminal dump seemed imminent.
Finally one of the cops (a really smart one) asked the owner what it was. He explained that he was traveling to San Diago and then on to Mexico. It was a water purifier. He asked the passenger to describe it. It was round plastic about three inches tall with a filter in the center to screen the water. The cop had to put his hand over his mouth because he started giggling. He stepped back and told the other guys in blue what it was. Then they stepped away and started smiling. The TSA folks were still not convinced.
Finally the TSA took the bag to a table to open it. As soon as the TSA stepped away the cops slapped me on the back and thanked me for being patient.
This was a great start to my day. The best part was that I was not involved! :D