Did you happen to notice the Star-Advertiser’s unsigned editorial this morning on the issue of long security lines at the nation’s airports?
It’s very short. And oh, oh, so wrong.
Here’s the second and final paragraph:
Heading into the summer vacation season, experienced fliers already know to brace themselves for increased hordes of fellow travelers. But now, severe staffing and funding shortfalls at the Transportation Security Administration are exacerbating delays, with airport screening lines reported to be longer than ever. Words to the wise: carry-on bag.
Uh, hello?
Didn’t the editorial writers read the news? The back-up is in the TSA security screening lines, not the airlines’ ticketing and baggage check-in lines.
Avoiding checked luggage by taking only a carry-on will do absolutely nothing to get you through security any faster.
At least not in any airport I’ve been in recently.
Perhaps time for a quick edit on the punch line of that editorial?
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Hi Ian,
Yes, this editorial is ridiculously short.
The point of taking only a carry-on is not to get through security faster.
The point of taking only a carry-on?
Here’s one:
You are flying from Hawaii to London. Hurrah!
You decide to check in most of your luggage, except for your pills and iPad.
You wait in your check-in line.
You find yourself stuck in check-in line for an hour.
You find yourself stuck in security for more than an hour.
You miss your flight.
You no longer have your luggage, except for your pills and your iPad.
You panic. You scream on facebook and everyone feels sorry for you and the ensuing emotional blame game fixes nothing but helps alleviate some pent-up anger.
Yes, some people (my mom) leave for the airport 3-4 hours early. But some don’t and won’t.
The point of taking only a carry-on?
Keeping your stuff with you at all times.
We live in a stressful world. Vacation is normally meant to REDUCE stress (and get away from family, as opposed to “holiday travel”). Going on a stressful vacation makes zero sense.
Some long vacations cost thousands yet seem, well, pointless.
Less luggage = less shit to deal with.
Some people (like me) check luggage anyway. Why? I don’t really care if I loses my old pants and shirts.
Stress is living in a war zone.
Losing luggage gives you something to talk about.
(And post about)
@ “t”
Let’s be honest. More than a few travelers try to cram everything into carry-on bags so as to avoid checked baggage fees.
Here’s my packing philosophy: Checked baggage is primarily clothes and toiletries (particularly items that won’t get through carry-on screening). Carry on is for essential stuff I absolutely do not want to lose. This would include cameras and electronics. Also, TSA approved toiletries. Finally, at least one change of clothes and underwear in case my checked baggage gets lost.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/19/us/tsa-airport-security-long-lines.html?action=click&contentCollection=Times%20Insider&module=Trending&version=Full®ion=Marginalia&pgtype=article