WTF, NSA???

So, the news reported recently about cigarette lighters being allowed through security scans now by the NSA. It appears that no one bothered to tell the NSA this. On a recent flight, I felt sorry for the folks forced to fish out their lighters from their carry-ons that had gone through the security screening machines at the security checkpoints in the various airports I traveled through.

Speaking of broken communications, it seems that the NSA can’t effectively work within its network from one airport to another. We’ve heard the gripes about liquids and gels, and are pretty much aware that “Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag.” (http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/threat-change.shtm)

But some airports are more militaristic than others in what they define as “toiletries”.

One definition outlines toiletries as “Any article or preparation used in cleaning or grooming oneself, as soap or deodorant”;

…another as ” An article, such as toothpaste or a hairbrush, used in personal grooming or dressing.”

But in airports, the TSA apparently overrides Random House or the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, and each location seems to determine for itself what a toiletry is. Thank god neither of them opt to classify a hairbrush as one, as the American Heritage Dictionary does.

The objective in starting up this panic movement was concern that explosive gels or liquids could be carried upon a plane, and then ignited. Despite the news programs announcing lighters being re-approved, the TSA does not allow them on planes. Despite the safety precaution of tiny packaging and clear-bagging and scanning of any carry-on gels or liquids, as intended initially, here are some examples of what the TSA are requiring in some airports to be bagged in those zip-locks (and god help you if the bottle itself is bigger than 3 ounces, even if the remaining amount of liquid – like, say, a perfume – is only perhaps 20 drops):

• Lipstick (I think of this as more of a creme than a gel or a liquid, but what do I know. I’m a girl.
• Deodorant. Unless it says “gel” or “liquid”, I’m guessing it’s not a gel or a liquid (eww, anyway) and do not bag it as such.
• Gum. yes, chewing gum.
• Hairspray.
• Medication. Again, unless it says ‘gelcaps’ or comes as a syrup, I’m not going to think of medication as a gel or liquid.

Here’s another fun fact: a one-quart-size bag. I saw people’s belongings thrown away because they were in a non-clear, store type plastic bag, not of the clear, zip-lock top kind. Now really. How much safer are you going to feel knowing that the evil Kroger plastic bag is not in your neighbor’s carry-on baggage?

One tip: If you happen to have small sized toiletries from any other country, they are likely in metric, so go ahead and make a TSA agent's day by bringing in a 50ml tube of sun screen!!