My Last trip through the Detroit Security which was the second day of the Federal Inspectors, went like a charm.
I was waiting in line for about 15-20 minutes. Everyone was working hard to get people through as fast as possible. Except this one line. No one was going though this line. So when I got closer, being bored and the normal extrovert I started a conversation. "So, you are to good at your job, that no one want to get in your line?" The security guard replied with a nice smile, " You do not want to be in this line." Then this not so looking security guard snapped the rubber gloves she was wearing.
I should have just turned away at that point, yet I replied, "Why would I want not to be in your line?. He, The first security guard, replied that. "This line is a special line that the airlines randomly and not so randomly would put passengers through. Meaning that if you were the lucky number you wet through, or if you fit the profile, you might end up here as well." At that point he asked to see my ticket. I smiled and provided my ticket and passport. IT was a domestic flight, yet I fly with my passport, it
helps me to avoid problems, if I can keep my mouth shut. The security guard said I was not a randomly picked person by the computer and that if the security guard directing people to which line chose to send me to him is the only way I would go through his line. I thanked him and smiled and said nothing else.
When I got to the head of the line there was a sudden back up, so we waited a few minutes, and then I was directed to a normal line.
I pulled out my Lap top, put it in a separate box (* Required *)
I then put the laptop back and my gloves and glasses in another box, with the contents of my pockets, wallet, palm pilot keys, etc. I filled a third box and then my jacket in the fourth box.
I thought I was doing well here. I planned for this. I turned to go through the metal detector. The young lady ( security Guard ) smiled and said, would you please take off your shoes. Before I could reply the guys behind me, already pissed at me using all the boxes and taking the minute to empty out everything said, "Shoes????? why Shoes?" the nice young lady replied no problem sir, just that you may end up over there with them. I was already slipping off my shoes end put them on top of my jacket.
So my recommendation, think first and take as little as possible to the airport. Also smile and do not Joke around. Answer Yes and No and be polite.
My other recommendations are never say, " Hey that is the Gas Chromatograph EJ 7502. Those work real well to detect chemicals"
(* Note: I had used the same model years before in college, but the price had dropped enough to now be state of the art security equipment. *) Knowing the security system scares them. IF you know just smile to yourself, and say nothing.
Also, thing not to pack in a carry on bag.
One Alarm Clock
One Hair Dryer
One Shaving Kit containing safety razors blade heads
One Pine Cone from a Red Wood or similar size.
Why you might ask? Through the X-ray machine the clock is the timing device and the hair dryer is a nice power coil, shaving kit is the shrapnel and the pine cone is the grenade. You would not believe the problems this causes with security.
Pay attention and plan ahead and consider everything you take on your person or carry on. It will save you time and less hassles.
Rich