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But I am a bit dazed at the other posters, the ones who are taking this all the way to Aushwitz.
Now in your position Patrick, with all that hard work of flying to land and be confronted so ludicrously, over a tiny knife, I totally get your outrage! You are among those who keep us safe in the air and how dare they treat you as they do on the ground. Can't the pilots' union or whatever collective you have get some respect going?
BUT for the rest of us, come on folks, this isn't all hellish. I fly about 7 long flights a month. This past month I've been all over USA including Hawaii, small airports or smaller flights like LGA to FLL (La Guardia to Fort Lauderdale) vs. larger airports SF, MIA, JFK, etc. Sometimes TSA are rude and sometimes I have a spate of being "selected" and wind checked, that was a booth in SF, that was pretty grusome. But, and admittedly this may point to my dull life, I make it fun.
These folks smell your contempt. These folks are not the top 1% of the population and they well know it. They do not necessarily LIKE lording it over us PASSENGERS, I'm definitely not including pilots.
I have studied the situation and though few will agree with me: I believe They need a little fun, along with us to obey the rules. Crazy rules, sure but we're all in it together. I never expect to be treated well by these folks but I surely do treat them well. I compliment them, and in turn, they are usually very nice and almost apologetic to me. I went bald, (I'm female) and had to wear a clip wig. It beeped. Never has any singe TSA person asked me to take it off when it beeps and most tell me it looks really good, my hair-ish.
I truly like flying. I used to be afraid and now, for reasons very personal, I'm not at all. Yes, I usually fly with a friend or mate, but that is NOT why I've made the whole absurd affair kinda juicy. I know what's ahead. I know my shoes are coming off along with bracelets, necklaces etc, and so I am nice to those who know not what they do, or maybe I'm like the only other letter writer who flies right thru TSA stuff.
I give good vibes and get human friendliness in return. If you plan to fly, check this out. They are not power crazed folks, not in general. They are flawed folks with a shitty job and though sure I've met autocrats, I say, you be upbeat, smile, do what we all have to, and you'll get some sweet moments. Before you call me crazy, prepare for that long line and chat with others. Don't go late to airports and don't be in rush mode and I bet you'll see the difference. Let's take out our anger on those with REAL power.
