Young or old, those of us who have flown since 9-11 know going to an international airport is almost like going on a combat mission. You have to be really disciplined about what gear you put in your backpack – absolutely no weapons like nail files or hairspray. Ha! I’m always nervous when I pass the drug sniffing dogs about the ONE Percocet I have in my sling bag -- in case I get ambushed by a kidney stone.
And it’s always good to have your Government Issued ID ready before you get to your Check Point.
My daughter and I thought we had followed all the orders as we maneuvered our way toward the security clearance on our recent trip to NYC. We were really gung-ho. We never expected the skirmish I experienced. But it turned out to be REALLY funny.
When we were waiting in line, I grinned at my daughter as a booming voice announced that passengers 75 years or older did not have to take their shoes off. I somewhat strutted as I marched into the scanner with my shoes on, smiling at the huge security officer on the other side.
In a no-nonsense questioning voice: “Ma’am, are YOU 75?”
With a little smirk & teasing eyes: “Hard to believe, isn’t it?”
Loudly: “Back Up, Madam!”
“What?”
Louder: “I said back out of the tube!”
As I exited the scanner with my hands up, I saw a line of startled passengers trying to decide if I were a terrorist and they should find a foxhole or not.
The no-nonsense gruff voice commanded: “Ma’am, come with me!”
“What’s wrong?”
Like an expert interrogator: “Do you have artificial knees or is it your hips?”
I’m still laughing…
Again, he didn’t think it was funny when I answered with a little smirk & teasing eyes, “Neither, Sir.”
Although my experience was definitely an example of ageism, I can understand the officer stereotyping me because nearly 7 million older Americans have hip or knee replacements – that will set off the alarm system in the scanner and really terrify the masses. But…
He’s just lucky I was wearing Depends. *Wink
It’ll Be OK.
~~~
“When I’m an old lady, I’m going to leave little bags of snacks on the floor all over the house in case I fall down.” ~ Aunty Acid
COMMENT: Have you experienced discrimination because of your age?
Great piece of writing Jan. Thanks for the heads up so I will be very careful when I am at the International Departure in August. I am over 75 next week so I may get asked questions as well. Maybe different here in Australia but then I have to travel home again from the US. I hope if I do I find the funny side of it like you did.
Another great piece of writing from you Jan . I haven’t yet experienced discrimination because of my age, something to look forward to in the future maybe?