Horrible experience at IND today with the TSA. I get through security have the back scatter and a light patdown. Bag goes through etc. I go to the Skyclub for 1 hour or so. I then am waiting for flight DL2913 with my daugher and S-I-L for the flight to JFK to connect to DL122 to SNN. 4 TSA agents are by the gate with the machine that does swabs. They stand around for 40 minutes and I even chat with them all friendly. The plane is running late and they ask for 1st class to board. So I like a fool try and board first. I get singled out for the random check. Lo and behold my hands show positive for explosives and the 2nd check is clear. They ask if I want to go somewhere private. I say no, lets get it over with. So I have the full body fondle, belt off etc. They now swab my bag, laptop etc, it also shows positive. Everyone has now boarded the plane and I am freaking out having never touched explosives in my life (well OK fireworks when I was a child). I am worried they will not let me on. I applogize to the GA. A supervsior is called and she explains they have to follow procedure. She asks me loads of questions including my line of work. I explain I am a resaerch chemist/material scientist and the laptop belongs to my company. I get asked for proof so pull business card and on a further search of my bag they see papers about chemistry. The supervisor calls her supervisor and recommends they let me board. I explain that I handle all sorts of chemicals on a daily basis.

I am absolutely shaking like a leaf and feeling like a real crminal. This was my 621st lifetime flight and this is the first time this has happened. Fortunately I remained reasonably calm and very respectful. I get to board having held the whole plane up. I appologize again to the GA then to the lead FA and then to the plane for holding it up.

Sorry about this. I am still shaking and had to share. The FA poured me a Gin and Tonic once airborne.^

No comments required. I am just hoping I dont get on some list somewhere.