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The return flight from my recent trip to Kansas City was a bit of an adventure, made a bit more exciting by the fact that I'm an idiot. Explanation follows.
I have a plastic box that I keep in my pipe case. It has some of the accessories and tools I use most frequently when tinkering with my pipes and is a convenient size for traveling. The most essential tool in the box is a utility knife; a good sharp knife is a must for any pipe maintenance kit. There is a slight problem when traveling by air because a) pipes are ALWAYS carryon luggage and b) TSA people don't like sharp things.
The flight out to Kansas City was fine; I packed my plastic box in my suitcase and transferred it to my pipe case after arriving in KC. The excitement starts when genius me forgets to put the plastic box in my suitcase for the return trip.
During the inspection of my pipe case, they found the plastic box. This wouldn't have been a big issue if it had not contained the aforementioned knife, but it did so it was. The TSA guy had a great idea though, and told me this after he checked with his supervisor: go back out of security, open the handle and throw the blade away, then bring the empty handle back through security.
Brilliant! I get to keep the handle (replacement blades are cheap) and leave with greatly improved my opinion of the TSA. A good day for everyone.
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Monday, January 19, 2009
Air Travel: Every trip an adventure
The hassels of traveling by air are well known to most people these days. Anything from beaurocratic red tape to bad weather to air traffic to a loose screw can add hours of annoyance to any journey. I'm by no means the most experienced air passenger around, but I've been on enough planes to know that air schedules are very much estimated, a change of clothes (or at least toiletries) in the carryon luggage is highly recommended, and even such seemingly static data as dates, times, scheduled stops, and even airlines can vary wildly from departure to arrival.
My most recent trip by air presents a perfect example of two very different flights. K and I flew from Portland to Kansas City for an awesome weekend of bagpipes, and the trip out was nothing short of ideal. The flight from Portland to Detroit was smooth and right on time, we had a short walk through Northwest's very nice terminal, and a nearly on-time departure for Kansas City. The light snow meant the plane to be deiced before takeoff, which set us back about 20 minutes arriving into Kansas City. Not really a big deal. The baggage claim was almost next to the gate (separated by just a barrier), and our suitcases were literally the first and second ones to hit the belt.
The trip back was a different story. We were again flying Northwest and connecting through Detroit, and upon checking in at the airport were told that due to snow in Detroit, our flight out of KC was delayed beyond our connecting fight. By the time we arrived they had already arranged an alternative itinerary on a different airline: flying United through Dulles. I hadn't guessed they would put us on a competing airline, but they did. I was quite impressed.
There was another issue though: because we had switched airlines on the same day as the flight, we were "randomly" selected for additional security screening. I can't figured out how, but apparently that's a sign of suspicious behavior. It meant that in addition to the regular metal detector and x-ray process, we recieved a pat down from our friendly TSA officer and a thorough search of our bags. Genius me left my utility knife in my pipe case, so I had to go outside security to deal with it, then go through the process again to get back to the gate. At least that section wasn't terribly busy, so there wasn't much in the way of lines.
There were three things that made the whole experience bearable. First was that our rescheduled flight was to arrive in Portland at roughly the same time as the original, so we didn't lose any more time than we already had. Second was that our rescheduled flights were all on time. Third, everyone we dealt with at the Kansas City airport was really great to deal with. The curbside Northwest rep, the Northwest ticket agents, the United ticket agents, and finally the TSA reps at the security checkpoint were very pleasant, professional, knowledgable, and just generally pleasant to work with. The attitude was "Sorry your flight has been delayed, I understand this is inconvenient, but we're doing our best to get you where you need to go."
In fact, the whole process was handled so well by the airline reps that I don't have a thing to complain about. Our luggage even arrived in Portland on the same plane!
My most recent trip by air presents a perfect example of two very different flights. K and I flew from Portland to Kansas City for an awesome weekend of bagpipes, and the trip out was nothing short of ideal. The flight from Portland to Detroit was smooth and right on time, we had a short walk through Northwest's very nice terminal, and a nearly on-time departure for Kansas City. The light snow meant the plane to be deiced before takeoff, which set us back about 20 minutes arriving into Kansas City. Not really a big deal. The baggage claim was almost next to the gate (separated by just a barrier), and our suitcases were literally the first and second ones to hit the belt.
The trip back was a different story. We were again flying Northwest and connecting through Detroit, and upon checking in at the airport were told that due to snow in Detroit, our flight out of KC was delayed beyond our connecting fight. By the time we arrived they had already arranged an alternative itinerary on a different airline: flying United through Dulles. I hadn't guessed they would put us on a competing airline, but they did. I was quite impressed.
There was another issue though: because we had switched airlines on the same day as the flight, we were "randomly" selected for additional security screening. I can't figured out how, but apparently that's a sign of suspicious behavior. It meant that in addition to the regular metal detector and x-ray process, we recieved a pat down from our friendly TSA officer and a thorough search of our bags. Genius me left my utility knife in my pipe case, so I had to go outside security to deal with it, then go through the process again to get back to the gate. At least that section wasn't terribly busy, so there wasn't much in the way of lines.
There were three things that made the whole experience bearable. First was that our rescheduled flight was to arrive in Portland at roughly the same time as the original, so we didn't lose any more time than we already had. Second was that our rescheduled flights were all on time. Third, everyone we dealt with at the Kansas City airport was really great to deal with. The curbside Northwest rep, the Northwest ticket agents, the United ticket agents, and finally the TSA reps at the security checkpoint were very pleasant, professional, knowledgable, and just generally pleasant to work with. The attitude was "Sorry your flight has been delayed, I understand this is inconvenient, but we're doing our best to get you where you need to go."
In fact, the whole process was handled so well by the airline reps that I don't have a thing to complain about. Our luggage even arrived in Portland on the same plane!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Security Recap
A few days ago I wrote about taking bagpipes through airport security, and as promised I'm reporting in with the results from this weekend. The first time I went through security was at the Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Portland, Maine, and the screener called her supervisor over for a bag check. The supervisor looked at the screen for a minute and said "Bagpipes?" Turns out he was a firefighter for 30 years and has heard his fair share of pipes.
The return trip through BWI was far less eventful. I don't think there were any confused looks, but I was preoccupied with the change in my pocket that set off the metal detector so I didn't really get a chance to look at faces. By the way, I've gone through security before with change in my pocket and it didn't do anything. Guess it just wasn't my day.
The return trip through BWI was far less eventful. I don't think there were any confused looks, but I was preoccupied with the change in my pocket that set off the metal detector so I didn't really get a chance to look at faces. By the way, I've gone through security before with change in my pocket and it didn't do anything. Guess it just wasn't my day.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Scopes and barrels?
I was once stopped at airport security while traveling with my pipes; the x-ray technician said it looked like the case contained "a collection of scopes and barrels." I understand the description, but I still have to crack a smile at the situation. As mysterious as the instrument may look when disassembled, it's unlikely I would be trying to bring a high-powered sniper rifle onto a plane as a carry on (even though this particular event was pre-9/11), but even so I imagine it's better they examine unknown objects before the explosion rather than after.
Now that I think about it, that was the first time I had taken my pipes through security. I've done it many times since, and while I've never quite been accused of carrying a firearm on board again, I have gotten some strange looks. The highlight of my airport security experience (have to make it fun somehow, right?) is trying to predict the reaction when my pipes go under the x-ray. I've seen a bunch of raised eyebrows, some furled foreheads, a few that call to the supervisor and say "Hey, can you take a look at that?", those that ask me what they are ("Oh cool, can you play them for us?"), and occasionally I'll get no reaction. About a third of the time they'll search the bag..
So the reason I'm thinking about security at the moment is that I'm packing a suitcase, flying out tomorrow for the Anne Arundel Highland Games in Crownsville, MD. I'll keep an eye on the security folks and let you know what the reactions are this time.
Now that I think about it, that was the first time I had taken my pipes through security. I've done it many times since, and while I've never quite been accused of carrying a firearm on board again, I have gotten some strange looks. The highlight of my airport security experience (have to make it fun somehow, right?) is trying to predict the reaction when my pipes go under the x-ray. I've seen a bunch of raised eyebrows, some furled foreheads, a few that call to the supervisor and say "Hey, can you take a look at that?", those that ask me what they are ("Oh cool, can you play them for us?"), and occasionally I'll get no reaction. About a third of the time they'll search the bag..
So the reason I'm thinking about security at the moment is that I'm packing a suitcase, flying out tomorrow for the Anne Arundel Highland Games in Crownsville, MD. I'll keep an eye on the security folks and let you know what the reactions are this time.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Q: Where has the piper been?
A: All over!
It's true, I've been away for about the last month, and haven't posted anything to the blog for a while before that. For the regular readers (all two of you) I've made it difficult to read regularly, and I'm not going to swear to post more often because it's a promise I won't be able to keep.
Anyway, here's the itinerary of where I've been since school ended. There's a summary at the end if you don't want to read the whole thing.
Stage 1, June 13-June 17: Home. School's out, I'm excited and getting ready for a long road trip. Yahoo!
Stage 2, June 18-20: The Drive. Left Fryeburg on June 18, spent that night with a friend in Westbrook, CT, then spent the night of June 19 with my sister and brother-in-law in York, PA. Arrived at the parents' house in Finksburg, MD on Friday, June 20.
Stage 3, June 20-21: Parents. Played golf with my dad and generally hung out. The lovely and talented Kayla arrived for a short visit on Saturday evening (June 21).
Stage 4, June 22-27: Piping School. Departed on Sunday June 22 for a week of piping school at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. A great time, some new friends, and a lot of piping. My notion that Roddy MacLeod is a super cool guy were reinforced, and Colin MacLellan was also determined to be a super cool guy.
Stage 5, June 27-30: The Wedding and Visiting. Chris and Emily, two of my good friends from Fryeburg, got married in Grass Lake, Michigan. Kayla and I drove up on Friday afternoon and evening (~8 hours from Winchester). A really nice wedding, the first visit to Michigan for both of us. Left Michigan on Sunday the June 29, stayed that night with my friends Patty and Alan in Ligonier, PA, then back to the parents' house on June 30.
Stage 6, July 1-6: Hanging out. Mostly in Finksburg area, I did exactly as described. Cut the grass, played golf again, caught up with a few high school friends.
Stage 7, July 7-8: Virginia. Drove down Monday to visit Kayla for a few days. Went to Kings Dominion on Tuesday and were dominated by the new roller coaster, Dominator.
Stage 8, July 9-10: The Drive, Part II. Left from Staunton, VA on Wednesday and drove to visit another friend in Fairfield, CT. Continued the drive home to Fryeburg on July 10 (Thurs).
Stage 9, July 10: Fryeburg. 24 hours at home, just enough time to see the cat, do a bit of laundry, and shoot off a few fireworks (illegal in Maine). Note that this is the first night I've slept in my own bed since June 17.
Stage 10, July 11-18: Vermont. Band practice Friday evening at St. Johnsbury Academy, then hang out in St. J until Sunday afternoon. Sunday sees the beginning of an AP Summer Institute held at St. J Academy. This was a week-long workshop with a very experienced teacher of AP Physics. It was really worthwhile, a lot of good information, and a lot of good networking with other physics teachers in New England.
Stage 11, July 19-20: Highland Games. Stayed in St J for band practice again Friday July 18, then drove with Andy to West Springfield, MA. One night in a hotel, then on to the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival in Northampton, MA on Saturday. Solo competitions, band competition, drive to Stony Point, NY for a night of camping, then a solo competition at the Rockland County Feis on Sunday.
Stage 12, July 20-21: The Drive Home. Drove from NY to Randolph, MA and stayed the night with cousins. Drove back to Fryeburg on Monday, arrived about 2:00 pm. Home at last!
Here's the promised summary.
Days since the end of school: 38
Nights spent at home: 6
Number of different beds: 15 (including one night of camping) in 9 different states
It's good to be home; I'll be here for about 10 days then off on another piping-related road trip. Whew!
It's true, I've been away for about the last month, and haven't posted anything to the blog for a while before that. For the regular readers (all two of you) I've made it difficult to read regularly, and I'm not going to swear to post more often because it's a promise I won't be able to keep.
Anyway, here's the itinerary of where I've been since school ended. There's a summary at the end if you don't want to read the whole thing.
Stage 1, June 13-June 17: Home. School's out, I'm excited and getting ready for a long road trip. Yahoo!
Stage 2, June 18-20: The Drive. Left Fryeburg on June 18, spent that night with a friend in Westbrook, CT, then spent the night of June 19 with my sister and brother-in-law in York, PA. Arrived at the parents' house in Finksburg, MD on Friday, June 20.
Stage 3, June 20-21: Parents. Played golf with my dad and generally hung out. The lovely and talented Kayla arrived for a short visit on Saturday evening (June 21).
Stage 4, June 22-27: Piping School. Departed on Sunday June 22 for a week of piping school at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. A great time, some new friends, and a lot of piping. My notion that Roddy MacLeod is a super cool guy were reinforced, and Colin MacLellan was also determined to be a super cool guy.
Stage 5, June 27-30: The Wedding and Visiting. Chris and Emily, two of my good friends from Fryeburg, got married in Grass Lake, Michigan. Kayla and I drove up on Friday afternoon and evening (~8 hours from Winchester). A really nice wedding, the first visit to Michigan for both of us. Left Michigan on Sunday the June 29, stayed that night with my friends Patty and Alan in Ligonier, PA, then back to the parents' house on June 30.
Stage 6, July 1-6: Hanging out. Mostly in Finksburg area, I did exactly as described. Cut the grass, played golf again, caught up with a few high school friends.
Stage 7, July 7-8: Virginia. Drove down Monday to visit Kayla for a few days. Went to Kings Dominion on Tuesday and were dominated by the new roller coaster, Dominator.
Stage 8, July 9-10: The Drive, Part II. Left from Staunton, VA on Wednesday and drove to visit another friend in Fairfield, CT. Continued the drive home to Fryeburg on July 10 (Thurs).
Stage 9, July 10: Fryeburg. 24 hours at home, just enough time to see the cat, do a bit of laundry, and shoot off a few fireworks (illegal in Maine). Note that this is the first night I've slept in my own bed since June 17.
Stage 10, July 11-18: Vermont. Band practice Friday evening at St. Johnsbury Academy, then hang out in St. J until Sunday afternoon. Sunday sees the beginning of an AP Summer Institute held at St. J Academy. This was a week-long workshop with a very experienced teacher of AP Physics. It was really worthwhile, a lot of good information, and a lot of good networking with other physics teachers in New England.
Stage 11, July 19-20: Highland Games. Stayed in St J for band practice again Friday July 18, then drove with Andy to West Springfield, MA. One night in a hotel, then on to the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival in Northampton, MA on Saturday. Solo competitions, band competition, drive to Stony Point, NY for a night of camping, then a solo competition at the Rockland County Feis on Sunday.
Stage 12, July 20-21: The Drive Home. Drove from NY to Randolph, MA and stayed the night with cousins. Drove back to Fryeburg on Monday, arrived about 2:00 pm. Home at last!
Here's the promised summary.
Days since the end of school: 38
Nights spent at home: 6
Number of different beds: 15 (including one night of camping) in 9 different states
It's good to be home; I'll be here for about 10 days then off on another piping-related road trip. Whew!
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