TSA absurdity

As many of my "loyal readers" (which I think only includes Mona and my mother) know, I travel every week. Week in, week out....I am at various airports. TPA, ORD, CHI, MSP, DTW....I know where the best bathrooms are, the freshest coffee, and most importantly, the shortest TSA lines.

That brings me to the point of this post. After quietly putting up with the TSA, I realized just how absurd and pointless the TSA is.

First event - I am going through security, and the agent sees something that he doesn't think is kosher. No big deal, happens every once in awhile, so I allow him to open my bag. He proceeds to rifle through my boxers, asks me why I need shoe trees (a - because they keep your shoes fresh, and helps maintain your shoes), and why I would bring my own shampoo (a - i'm balding, so I have super special shampoo to keep my hair in shape)......I'm fuming, but there's nothing that I can really do.

Of course, the pretty brunette behind me fails to put her liquids into a bag...so instead of rifling through her bag, he brings her a ziplock bag, and tells her to "remember to separate the liquids" next time. I'm pissed.....

Second event -

I land at TPA (Tampa), and I'm listening to the TSA annoucements. Off the top of my head, I believe that it goes something like this:

Due to heightened security, the TSA has restricted the items that you may bring through security. Please check with your air carrier for updated regulations.

I'd like to deconstruct this statement...line by line

"Due to heightened security" - ok, 9/11 was a good 7 years ago...we can't still be under heightened security. I don't think it is healthy for travellers to live in a state of heightened anything for 7+ years.

"The TSA has restricted..." - I'm fine with this. its clear, gets to the point..but conflicts with the next statement

"please check with your air carrier for updated regulations" - wait a second. you just told me that the TSA has restricted me. So why would I check with Jet Blue, Airtran, Air Dubai, or Southwest? Is it effective to have 6 different sets of rules? Would it be more efficient for travelers to go to the source...the TSA...to know and understand the rules.

that's the end of my rant for today.....if this post puts me on the "watch list", then I will follow up with my experience on Thursday. But, since my blog is small and barely read (other than Mona and Mommy), I doubt that anything will happen.

What's your experience with the TSA?