LEAVING ON A JET PLANE

If You Can Get Through Security

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?