In anticipation of my flight this week, I am a bit overwhelmed by all of the news regarding the latest attempted terror attack. I am fearing that while I used to have to take off just my shoes, I am now going to be asked to remove everything but my underwear. Not a bad idea - maybe that would scare the terrorists enough seeing everyone in their undies.
Travel is supposed to have entered a new age with faster planes and quicker check-in kiosks. I would bet however, that our grandparents did not have to get to the airport four hours in advance, be patted down from head to toe as though applying soap in the shower, wait another three hours because of delays and finally reach their destination which was supposedly only two hours away in a record 12 hours.
I understand that security comes with a price (and level of patience) and I am in full cooperation of doing anything that will make us safer. I am a bit confused though as to how sitting for the last hour of a flight without blankets or pillows, personal belongings of any sort, while crossing my legs for the bathroom is an effective way to ensure a safe landing. Perhaps we should actually look at the 500,000 people on the list before letting them get onto a plane and make serious note when a family member alerts the U.S. Embassy of a disturbed son who has been hiding in Yemen. Needless to say, I am happy that those passengers are safe and had the assertiveness to act quickly.
On that note, I am planning on wearing my pajams to the airport with my wallet on a string around my neck without a sole piece of luggage or carry on. Lets hope I can hold it for that last hour.
