Security Embarrassment!

[inkkognito]

Just home from Orlando, and I had an embarrassing security moment at MCO. They pulled my carry-on bag to inspect it because something showed up on the x-ray. I couldn't imagine what, but figured it might be my DVD player battery. The agent reached in, pulled out a case containing my mini binoculars, opened it, and pulled out a wicked-looking KNIFE!! I had recently bought the binoculars and forgot that they came with a knife and compass. I innocently put the case in my luggage bag without a second thought. I was SO embarrassed! I didn't want to check the bag, since Midway can take an hour or more to get your luggage, so I just let them keep it.
But what's really frightening is that I took that same bag, with the same contents, through Security at Midway, and they didn't catch it...yikes!
Barb

 

[leebee]

Yes, it is amazing how the sensitivity of the scanning devices seems to vary from airport to airport. DH and I refer to it as the "illusion of security". BIL is a flight attendant for United, and he says it's scary, how little is actually done, and that he doesn't feel any more secure than he did prior to 9/11...and that BOS-LAX flight that was involved in the terrorist attacks was one of his "regular" routes, he just wasn't assigned that particular flight on that particular day. He still flies BOS-LAX and BOS-SFO regularly, and says he won't feel secure until no carry-ons are allowed, people are body-scanned before boarding, and ALL cargo is closely scanned as well. For as long as convenience takes priority over security (curbside check-in, self-checkin, on-time departure instead of departing when everything has been scanned) and financial matters dictate the actual level of security, he doesn't think anything will have REALLY changed and that it's just a matter of time...pretty scary, coming from an 'insider'.

 

[Sammy]

We flew MHT to MCO in September and my carry on was selected for search too. Couldn't figure out why until they came up with my folding cosmetic scissors which I keep in my travel bag. Never even gave them a thought whenI tossed my cosmetic bag in my carry-on because I keep it packed all the time and seldom look in it.

On the other hand, I had an experience like the OP's, when in February we flew out of BOSTON and my DH went through security with a large Leatherman tool in his fannypack! I didn't even know he brought it with him (why he needed it on vacation I'll never know....men and their tools!). He pulled it out of the fanny pack while looking for his wallet and I almost had a heart attack! So much for security from the very airport that two of those 9-11 flights were from.

 

[Niagara2]

Last Thanksgiving my brothers family was meeting us at WDW. At the Buffalo airport my 18 year old nephew was running late for their early flight and stuffed the last few items he didn't pack into his pockets. You know how teens are and getting up real early for those 6 am flights! Well at security he emptied his pockets into one of those plastic tubs. My DB and SIL were shocked to see him pick up his shaver with blade and put it right back into his pocket. When they questioned him he said the security looked at it, picked it up and put it back into the bin! My SIL made him throw it away prior to getting on the plane, not that he would use it, but she was spooked that someone could get on a plane with a razor blade.

 

[DebbieB]

Was it an old fashioned straight blade or was it the kind most use now - safety razors with double or triple small blades? The safety razors are allowed, the old fashioned straight blades are not.

 

[oogieboogie]

I have a small pocket knife attached to my key chain and I've gone thru the security with it. Not once have they pulled it out or made me throw it away.

I've even carried in to WDW because it's great to cut moleskin with. Makes you wonder doesn't it?

 

[crisi]

Oh, that's not too bad. A friend of mine had her luggage out on the table. Of course, when she got pulled aside for the bag check, she knew what they would find.

Family board, so I can't tell you anything other than "toys."