Airport Security

With the air travel warning level being higher since August, things are a little more intense at the security checkpoints. Knowing this, I did all I could to make sure I didn't have anything in my carry-ons that would provoke questions or searches.

We witnessed a squabble in the Pittsburgh airport when a TSA wouldn't let a passenger get through with a bottle of perfume. The rule is that ointments and liquids have to be less than 3 oz. Her bottle was 3 point something, but it was half empty. They assumed that since it was visibly less than 3 oz. they would be allowed to carry it with them. Well, since the bottle was more than 3 oz. she told them they would have to check it. Needless to say, the mother and daughter were not happy campers, apparently because the perfume was expensive and they had already checked all their bags.

We later realized Americans have nothing to complain about. When we reached Frankfurt for a layover, we saw we had to go through security again even though we had already been checked in Newark. On top of that, EVERY passenger was being hand frisked. Every single one. I was touched in places I would prefer to not be touched. On our way back through it happened once again, though there were more people present to witness it. During one of these experiences, the lady went over my stomach twice - my pooch must have felt suspicious to her! That was a little degrading and I was half tempted to say, "I've had two children, give me a break!"

On our flight to Asia we heard an American complaining about having to take her shoes off. She must not fly much because that's been the standard for quite some time now. Jason commented that we should fill her in on the security tactics in Frankfurt. I think that would quiet her complaints!