While another plane was dispatched to replace the one with the balky red light, we explored the terminal and I was stopped at a security checkpoint. Apparently, I fit a profile.
I had to turn on my laptop computer to prove it wasn't a "device." Time stood still as I waited for Windows 95 to boot and reflected how similar laptop batteries and plastic explosive must look on an X-ray machine.
Being singled out was a little embarrassing. Still, considering the uncomfortable seats, weird food, lines, annoying delays, the feeling that airport concessions are ripping you off and the fact that the flight attendants never have change, it wasn't the worst thing that happened on our trip.
We came home to this note from a friend: "Just returned from vacation ... hit a five-hour delay in Salt Lake City airport where five hours felt like five days. Traveling by plane now is like taking the bus forty years ago - crowded, smelly and generally awful. I guess we can all be thankful we got there and back."
Tightening security in response to the TWA disaster makes sense and, by itself, is endurable. But how much hassle will travelers put up with before they say enough's enough and just stay home?
