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Ron Jackson's Perspective
The Sunday Journal -
Think
Kankakee, Illinois
April 25, 2004
Changes in air
security a cash deal |
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No. Please
say it ain’t so that federal security officials are about to reverse
a ruling that will allow non-ticketed persons past airport security
checkpoints.
After the September 11 terrorist attack, non-flying
persons were no longer allowed past security checkpoints. I
rejoiced. Why change the one positive thing that came from the
disaster?
When it comes to public transportation, the fear of a
terrorist is way down the list, especially when flying. My
number one fear is being seated next to or right behind a
two-year-old who just woke from a three hour nap. My second
fear is to stand behind lovers who can’t seem to figure it out that
you can’t walk down the aisle of an airplane holding hands and
luggage, or that boarding single file won’t lead to divorce.
Let’s not even mention the fear of losing luggage.
In the name of convenience for a few, we may once again
see hordes of people with nothing better to do than stand around
airline gates. I mean literally standing around. Ever
notice people at airports don’t talk until the announcement to
board? Then all heck breaks loose, and they are suddenly
reminded of a million things they need to say. Add to those
things one million “I love yous,” and “ I love yous, too.”
Don’t get me wrong. I understand emotional
trauma. I’m not insensitive to grandparents who just can’t
seem to let their grandchildren go or to those lovers who are so
distraught over the thought of sending their loved one off for an
overnight trip. What about the traveler who just wants to get
on the plane, buckle up, and fall asleep? Why should he or she
have to endure a thousand ends of family reunions before reaching a
seat?
This whole ordeal is just as bad when disembarking a
plane. Ever refuse to use the lavatory on a plane because you
didn’t want to disturb the little tyke sitting next to you who
luckily fell asleep? The first and foremost objective upon
landing is to make it to the proper gender facility. But no.
You end up standing on the plane for hours because it seems everyone
in front of you has someone special meeting them at the gate.
While you stand and squirm, they are all huggy and
lovey with members they just saw yesterday. If you happen to
get off in decent time, you are then forced to walk behind a group
of five who must walk abreast at a very leisurely pace, or behind
the dreaded twosome on cell phones.
Now if the feds would designate an area sort of like a
petting zoo for families and friends to say their hellos and
good-byes, I could handle that. Keep them away from the gates.
Confine them in glass cubicles like we do the smokers. Let us
travelers gawk at them as we peacefully walk a path of least
resistance to our destination.
The real reason for the proposed security change comes
down to money. Airports are losing parking revenue because
family hangers-on drop off travelers at the curb and drive away.
Airport shopping malls located inside the security area are losing
money due to loss of foot traffic of non-flyers. The cocktail
lounges inside the security checkpoints are not selling as many $8
cups of beers, either.
Ahh, the return of the dreaded airport family reunions.
Now that can drive a traveler to drink. Maybe that is what the
feds are thinking. |
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