I wanted to report to all my Bodholt mates that I returned from Florida late this past Sunday night without being incarcerated by the TSA in Orlando. My saint of a husband, who reminds me of my "Newark" mouth pleaded with silent eyes for me to keep my mouth shut. And I did. Like I am the only Newark raised gal with a mouth?? Oh, just get me going.
My husband and I enjoyed a 30 hour "grammy-moon" in Fl w/ our brandy new 7 week old grandson Andy. My Jake (& his wife Rosalie) live in central Florida. Small town called Auburndale halfway between Tampa and Orlando. Jake left NJ a year ago. He now lives next door to my 82 year old mother. God bless him for that. [If you thought the nuns packed a punch....] Anyway my husband decided that spending $300 for two nights in a hotel was preferable to listening to his mother-in-law comment on every feeding, burp, and diaper change. This privilege ended up costing us $66. per hour in the end.
On Friday the 25th at 1 p.m. Grandpa and Andy and I checked in at a beautiful hotel anticipating 30 full hours of cuddling. Dean and I traveled with a suitcase each. Andy on the other hand came with stroller, car seat, boppy pillow, diaper bag, duffel with clothes, 3 blankets, bottles, chow and a case of diapers. It was on.
Feedings every 3 hours, diaper changes, tracking missing pacifiers, socks and binkies, reaching deep into our non-repertoire of songs. We fed ourselves one handed, baby on shoulder and entertained every patron where we dined. For this we were rewarded with brief periods of smiles and coos. It's amazing how a sweet infant brings such joy to total strangers - and especially the elderly. People can act the fool! Rosalie and Jake are wonderful parents and I see my son in a whole different light now. Little Andy kicked OUR butts and stole our lunch money. 30 hours is a long, long time with an infant.
Scheduled to leave Orlando for Newark at 6:45 am Sunday morning. It was a Charlotte then connecting changeover into Newark flight. The Charlotte flight was canceled. No non stop flights from Orlando into Newark or Kennedy/Laguadia NY or Philly or Pittsburgh or Wash DC or VA. We were stranded along with hundreds of others. We tried to book any leg into Newark. Nilch.
We could only get out of Florida via a flight from Orlando to Cleveland Ohio, flying FIRST CLASS. Then rent a car from Cleveland and drive 8 hours home to NJ. $900 on top of the $800 we had spent. CHA CHING. Can you believe it?? What could we do? We figured to enjoy wider seats and a hot meal over a bag of peanuts! Plus booze is free in first class, and served in real glasses. You also board first and get off first...that is if there are no complications...
Security check though was flawless. We travel light. No gels, aerosals, liquids or explosives. Nothing in our suitcases or on our bodies except polyester or 100% cotton. [Actually would have worn sandels. not Crocs if I knew we flying first class]. Anyway they call first class boarding and we are on our feet. Ticket in hand, feeling "special" [neither of us had ever flown first class before] I go first and start toward the plane. Looking back I see Dean has been detained. Detained for a full body and property search. A special homeland security team is dispatched from the main terminal to conduct this. They are rude and un-apologetic - wanding EVERY square inch of Dean's body in full view of boarding passengers. His carry-on is dumped and they examine our digital camera like it is a garage sale find.
Why? simply because Dean purchased us last minute tickets to Cleveland? Did a buzzer go off in the TSA office alerting them that 2 fools were so motivated to leave Orlando and get home to Newark airport they just dropped $900 to Cleveland, rather than camp out in the airport?? I was convinced it was because Dean was wearing a Cleveland Indians jersey. The Yankees won and I just knew we were being punished. It was humiliating. We were the last passengers boarded. Sorry but First Class food ain't worth the extra $900. But I kept my Newark mouth shut.
I hear you. Couple weeks ago I bought a last-minute ticket. I dislike doing that, but that's what circumstances dictated. When I went through security, I was pulled out of line. They gave me a right going-over, including being sent through not just a magnatometer but another machine that blew puffs of air all over my body. Then they gave me the wand, then a pat-down that I would have enjoyed had they gone slower. Then they searched my carry-on. Then they swabbed some liquid onto my shoes and laptop looking for traces of explosives! I tried to be civil, but you know me. I had just had enough. I mean, I had flown Jet Blue perhaps 20 times in the last year == have I not demonstrated a bit of harmlessness, having not tried to light my shoes in all that time? It's just ridiculous.
I understand! My husband has had a hip replacement, and we go thru that scenario everytime we fly! I just wait patiently. Arlene and I flew Delta to NYC this past weekend without incident, thank God. I think we were surpassed by the bunch of girls drinking martini's with foam Statue of Liberty hats on!
Martinis, not martini's! Same difference! We flew in and out of LaGuardia. Since all of us are travelling back and forth betwen Newark, NY and Florida, we should all get together!!!!
I travel frequently for business, and being a Videographer, travel with electronic equipment. To add insult to injury, I had my knee replaced a few years ago, and set those damn metal detectors off routinely. Well, they make you feel like you're concealing something, and are treated like a Criminal, not a Customer. I'm used to it now, but the TSA people are generally are rude, condescending, and most speak broken English. I have had to keep MY Newark mouth under control all the time. It is the worst part of my trip. I feel your pain and frustration.
Vinnie
How's this one?
I'm flying overseas a lot on business, and because my name is so common (a Robert Jones is apparently wanted by InterPol somewhere in the world) I trigger an alarm whenever I come through Immigration.
The first time it was scary. Hundreds of people are moving through those stations (that look like toll gates) in the huge immigration lines but the guy clicks my stuff into the computer and stops cold... he waves for another officer to come over and they place my passport in an "evidence bag". The second cop pulls me from the line and escorts me to Newark Airport's Homeland Security area. It looks like a full police precinct with the big desk up front, dozens of officers working on computers, and interrogation rooms around the side. The middle of the area had about a hundred seats and it was filled. The detainees in there looked like they came out of the jazz lounge scene from Star Wars. They all looked like terrorists.
It took a while but they let me go. I asked if there was a way to clear me or put something in the computer so that I wouldn't get stopped again. NO. In fact they seemed annoyed that I even asked such a question. They were nice enough to say that I should tell my travel agent to book me as Robert Edward Jones Jr. to beat the the "generic" name problem.
Three weeks later? Same thing. Longer name was no use. But at least I knew it was coming. Then again this Thursday. But this time I was thinking of having some fun with it.
When I'm standing in those huge lines I should strike up a conversation with the people around me (you stand there for fifteen minutes anyway) and I should allude to the murders that I think I got away with.. or the RPG or plastique in my luggage or some such story, and then watch their faces when the fun begins at the booth.
ahhh, got many stories about TSA follies when traveling... it's been 2 1/2 years since applying for my passport renewal and we're still playing footsie with the state dept over it...
always (100%)get stopped for 'special treatment' by TSA, (am a special person to them, think it's too many batteries keeping me going... limit is 6 and I need 7 total for medical devices) and have developed a routine that usually pisses them off and gets laughs from other passengers, entertainment is sorely lacking in airports anymore...
when we fly somewhere, Jay won't get in the TSA line with me but sends me through first so he knows if I've finally been handcuffed with duct tape over my mouth...
scary thought here, road trip through TSA, all of us at one time together, can you imagine the ruckus we could all have fun making??? terrorists??? we survived SRL!!! TSA and homeland insecurity are minor leagues to us...
Hi everyone, Obviously I don't check this site very often and have never replied before, but I can't resist. There is no risk at all involved in making a fool out of myself. It's a done deal, but here goes. My passport was long overdue and I decided to go to Switzerland to celibrate my 62nd birthday, so I had it renewed. My girlfriend agreed to go on this tour with me. When it came time for our departure I was all about checking out all her arrangements because she had not traveled much, whereas I had done some in younger years. Her husband was thrilled not to drive from Toms River to Newark because we took the Olympic shuttle. We arrived in Newark, went to the desk to check in and that was when I discovered I had the wrong passport with me. That same husband now had to go to my house find the right passport and drive in late Friday afternoon traffic doing 90 to get it to me just in time. We went through the line( I also always set off all the bells due to replacements, but it makes me feel soooo special), and proceeded to the gate. We went to the desk showed them our passports and gate passes and a few minutes later started to board. Once on the plane, we did not take off immediately but eventually left. Nine hours later we got to Zurich and guess what?!! I had no passport!! A small blonde Gestapo type woman informed !MADAM YOU ARE A DEPORTEE!!! THaats right folks they sent me back to Newark on the next flight. And of course you know where my luggage was// back in Zurich. I appealed to a stewardess for help saying we had spent all this money on a tour yatah yatah but no help. She did take us to lost and found to report out luggage. When I stated my name etc. They announced OH WE HAVE YOUR PASSPORT SOMEONE STUCK IT IN THE SAFE..they had the passport at the gate while the plane was still there but never told the pilot or called Zurich. Now They asked us if we would like to fly back to Zurich for an additional 400$. SOOOO we got back on the plane again for another 9 hours.. Somewhere along the line someone in Continental found out it was my birthday trip. When we got off the plane in Zurich for the second time there was MISS Gestapo saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY.. Ijust looked at her and requested my luggage and directions to catch up with the tour . During all of these travels my friend managed to sleep almost constantly, but not I. We had to take three different trains , the last of which was straight up the Alps. There was a Little grandmother type right out of Heidi and while we were going past this beautiful landscape she kept gesturing for me to look at this and look at that. I kept taking alternately pictures and falling asleep mid-sentence all the way up. I now wear my passport around my neck like a little kid. I'm writing the screen play for the movie and figure I will get Goldie Hawn to play my part..
I hope you had a wonderful time with your grandson. It must have been a special time for you.
I can appreciate your pain regarding what you went through at the airport. I don't know if you are more mad at the TSA or the people who are trying to circumvent the security that is in place to make us safe...
I was a paramedic in Newark on September 11 (check out my blog at http://paramedicsociety.blogspot.com/ ). The tragedy and deaths involved are unspeakable. I remember standing by the rubble and asking myself "Why...how?"
On my desk here where I am the EMS Coordinator in Alameda California, I have pictures of guys that I worked with in Newark. I also have pictures of guys from the Port Authority Police, a couple of whom that I worked with when they were paramedics in Newark NJ (Lt. Bob Cirri, NJ Paramedic and P/O Dave Lemagne) others like P/O Steve Huckzo and Capt. Kathy Mazza I knew from working the paramedic unit that was assigned to Newark Airport.
I personally know 7 people who died on Sept. 11, people who I trusted my life to on more than one occassion, people who I broke bread with, drank a beer with, had a laugh with. One of my best friends, a former EMT in Newark, Paul, became a chief in FDNY EMS...he knew over a two hundred people who died on September 11...I still cannot comprehend it.
I remember going to a funeral for one of the Port Authoriuty cops I knew. A little girl, whose dad was also a Port Authority cop, whom I did not know, but was killed, grabbed my hand while I stood in uniform waiting to pay my respects.
She said to me "I miss my daddy"..I could barely speak, but I told her he knows, he misses her too.
I know that it is a major inconveinence dealing with the airport and the TSA. What would our conversation be like if something were to happen because the TSA didn't do their job? Something unspeakbale to you, your husband, to Andy?
When the fire department puts out a fire, when the cops catch the guy who robbed our house, when the sanitation department picks up our garbage, and the water department makes sure we have safe drinking water, for the most part we don't complain, because they are doing their job...in the case of the police and fire departments we are even tempted to write a letter or bring by some cookies or pasta...but get a ticket from the meter maid (who is just doing his job too!) and BOY do we get steamed.
Every day there are people looking to circumvent what we have in place, to hurt us and our families. Al-Qaida purposely had the last group of terrorists look very 'western', they were even told to drink alcohol and eat pork, something that is a severe no-no in the Muslim world!
If they could find a way to breach security they will.
Your grandson Andy sounds like a pip. God bless you, your husband, and your grandson Andy.
Hi: I worked for Port Authority PBA for 25 years, I was working the day the tours went down, I was on the phone with one of the cops, and was cut off, it was a horrible day. ANy precautions that can be taken have to, so another tragedy doesn't happen. The fallout from 9/11 is still going on.
Thank you, Daniel for your kind words about our little Andy. He is amazing and if I truly believed stripping naked in front of the whole world would make us safer I'd be the first in line to do so.
Gratefully I did not know anyone personally lost on 911. I was acquainted with individuals lost on 911. My neighbor lost her brother-in-law and classmates of my son lost their mother. I was living in Millburn at the time and will never forget the smell wafting from the city and the gritty dust that covered the surfaces in my home. I knew what the dust was.
As I stated I am a very conscientious traveller. What I do expect as a citizen of the United States of America is NOT to be made a public specticle and treated as a criminal. Sure I understand they are only doing their jobs, and
random searches are meant to deter "evil doers". All I ask for is for a kind dismissal so that other travellers don't treat me like I have the plague.
One of the reasons "Bodholt's Diner" is so genuine is that all are permitted to "share" - even unpleasant TSA experiences. Whether topics start out as light hearted and evolve into serious responses do not deserve a rude dismissal from you. Dan's response was particularly heartwrenching and I think it was wonderful he shared with us.
In all due respect perhaps it is you that should "move on". No one is twisting your arm to read the postings so if you are "done" with the topic discussion finish your coffee, pay your check and split. Moderation of discussions is John's job as administrator of the site.
Ok Ladies. I happen to know you both. You are fine outstanding young women, who I'm sure if you met each other, you would both be impressed. Jen, I saw that you might be bothered by the previous 2 responses and should have spoken then. Your situation is not unique, as I'm sure you know. This BS happens to 100's of American citizens every day. Not to mention the 100's of foreigners. All responders have legitimate points. Jen's point, I think, and I know she will correct me if I am wrong, is this shouldn't happen to the same person every time they travel. It's happened to Bobby Jones on more than one occasion. After the second time the TSA should get it! Talk about overkill! I understand this has happened to some US government people, more than a few times. The TSA should get that part straight. How hard can that be? And ladies, met me at Cryan's next First Friday and I'll introduce you to each other! I'm sure you'll be impressed. I'll buy the first one! Bob
Well, I don't know what Margie meant, but I would guess she feels the same as me, which is that there's nothing we can do about it, so we may as well move on and not let it bother us.
While on a trip to Austria with 39 h.s.orchestra members an incident happened with one of the parent chaparones. (Not bad but too long to go into here.) I explained to his son and said, you better go check on your dad. He walks up to his dad says, "You o.k.?" Dad says, "Yeah" Son says," Well, now you have a story." So Jen, (and all of us who have had run ins at the airport) We can look at it this way, Now we have a story.
