Terrorism frozen out in Detroit
It’s the first flight we’ve taken since the Christmas Underpants Bomber scare in Detroit. Security. What changes would we see? Would there be some new rule like required handstands while going through the X-ray machine so all potential bomb making materials would drop from your pockets?
We gave ourselves extra time to catch the 7:05 a.m. flight: up at 4:00, out the door by 5:00 and off the parking tram at 5:45. A whole hour plus at the airport. Who knew how easy it could be getting to the airport? Usually, I’m running late to the gate.
DTW looked full of life, trams and cars pulling in and out of the garages, a Delta agent suggesting check-in kiosks at the top of the escalator and then we entered the lower level security area. The agents manning the growing serpentine line in front of the x-ray machines kept trying to tell passengers the lines upstairs were smaller. Thankfully, not many listened and shuffled into the queue.
We, however, needed a smoke so headed upstairs. The first thing we saw was the endless line at the check in counters. How many people fly with luggage? Are they made of money? That’s good drinking cash they’re wasting on baggage 
handling. I’m doing this trip with one small shoulder bag that also contains a computer, a heavy computer at that.
Then, we turned and saw the security check point. Almost void of people. Seeing it wasn’t so bad, we went out to have a smoke. It’s funny how fast you smoke a cigarette when it’s only six degrees.
Two seconds later, we headed back in. Once past the first guard, we got in line. Unfortunately, we didn’t notice the lady in front of us had a dog and an extremely awkward husband. After almost being knocked over by his backpack (go Grampy!) they made it through and it was our turn next.
What was different? What had changed? Nothing. Oh, I’m sure there are new bulletins in the TSA break room, more names on their plentiful lists, but to me, nothing had changed. It was simple, easy and surprisingly fast (except for that goofy dog and guy)
Either it was the early time, the first class line or the cold. What was the reason why there was no line at the security gates? My theory – it’s too freakin’ cold for anyone to be able to do harm today. It’s hard to ignite anything when it’s this cold. All those liquids will freeze. The only reason to line your panties is with mink to stay warm.
So what do no changes mean? Get out and travel. Flying remains much safer than driving.
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