In today’s world, you can hardly pick up a paper without reading about another business that is at risk of closing down in the current recession — it’s over, it’s not over, it’s getting worse, it’s getting better — and yet the stress on business is obvious.
In the midst of all that apparent uncertainty, however, what you are unlikely to find is appropriate service, and that is found nowhere more than in the travel industry, especially in the lines at commercial airports.
You’d think someone would figure out that treating travelers better would equate to business success, but you’d be wrong.
And that is especially true when it comes to the inspection lines where government employees are in charge.
So, if you will insist on air travel, it’s wise to learn humility — you’ll need it.
Here are some of the security-line tips for travelers from the Transportation Security Administration as presented by the Associated Press this busy travel season:
• Bring proper ID — means a passport, a driver’s license or a military ID.
• Don’t forget your boarding pass.
• Put large liquids in checked luggage. Otherwise, put 3.4 ounce bottles in one quart-sized, zip-top bag. One bag per passenger allowed.
• Put loose items — coins, keys and phones all that stuff — in your carry-on until you go through security. And leave out all those nasty things, from nail clippers to hockey sticks and power tools, out all together.
• Wear slip-on shoes.
• Remove laptops and other electronics from your carry-on for extra screening.
• Put your winter coat in your carry on or in your checked bag — this saves time from having to take it off in the security line.
• Don’t travel with banned items, such as fireworks.
• No joking. No complaining. Just get it over with an get the line moving to the plane, then hope the airline is on time.
Here’s where the humility comes in line.
You are going somewhere. They are stuck on the job. You won’t get there any quicker by taking a public employee’s haughty attitude to heart.
The advice from those in the travel industry is to swallow your pride, get on the plane and enjoy your trip — or at least enjoy it as much as the economy will allow.
It’s good advice.
— Chuck Smith