JT At the Airport

There are many stories to share from the vacation in New Jersey. Today, I want to talk about an incident at the airport on the way to NJ.

JT was telling me from the night before our trip that we needed to pack light. If we need something, we can always get it in NJ. And it's true, I always regret packing too many stuff because our luggages get too heavy even before getting to destination and moreover, we ususally end up not using half of the stuff in the suitcase. I tend to buy many things while one vacation, so let's be smart and bring only the necessity. And I really enjoyed packing only the things we need - I realized less is better...

Anyways, when we were about to leave, JT came out from the storage and said, "I'm going to bring this putter," and he held in his hand. "You are not bring the golf bag?" I asked. He said, "No, I have my other sets at dad's." The putter is a gift from my dad and JT cherishes it ever since.

Now, we got to the airport and we were checking in at Continental desk. They charge $15 for first luggage and $25 for the second. Gosh, it was free until last year... Anyway, as we're checking in our luggage and kids' car seats, there were three agents saw that JT had the putter in his hand. But they didn't say anything when we walked away from the counter to heading to the gate.

At Tampa International, we need to use monorail to get to terminal/gate. When we showed the tickets to the security, the lady said, "Sir, I don't think you can bring your golf club..." Now to our drama that lasted 40 minutes begins...

JT: "What?"

Lady: "It is a prohibited item. They wouldn't let you bring it in.."

JT: "But, the ticketing agents saw me holding this putter the whole time I was downstairs."

Lady: "Well.."

JT: "I thought I could bring it because they didn't say anything. Can I at least try to see if I can go through the security?"

Lady: "Prohibited item is prohibited, but you can try. I think you will have to turn around and back though.."

JT: "Okay, that's fine. Thanks."

Now, JT and I were getting annoyed. We both knew that those agents saw him holding the club. They didn't even ask us whether we're checking in the putter. I mean, come on, what did they think it was that JT was holding? A crutch?

After the monorail, we were at the security check point. First guy who saw us with the girls directed us to where no one was waiting in line - it's good to have little ones. LOL. As we tried to put the stuff on the belt, the guy security officer said.... "Excuse me, you can't bring that in though. They won't let you bring it in on the plane."

Here we go again. Sometimes, my husband amazes me...

JT (in a very calm manner) : "Well, none of the ticketing agents told me I can't bring this on the plane. They saw me carrying it the whole time I was checking in. Why didn't they say anything to me?"

guy: "I don't know. But I don't think they will let you bring it on the plane."

JT: "I don't need to bring this on the plane with me. Do you think I can leave it by the gate enterance with my kid's stroller? They can take it with the stroller to the cargo and bring it back when we land in NJ.."

guy: "I don't know.. I don't think you can, but let me ask.." (security asks his superior officer..)

Boss Security: "Sir, I'm sorry, but you can't bring that. It's a prohibited item."

JT: "I understand now that my PUTTER is a prohibited item. But why on Earth no one at the ticket counter told me I couldn't bring this? It's really frustrating. "

Now Maki felt that she needed to back her husband up although there is no winning in sight.

Maki: "Seriously, they all saw him carrying this putter. It's their job to make sure that he to check in the patter. It's not right that they just let him go without saying anything and knowing he's going to get in to trouble. It's a little embarrasing too." (my face was turning red!)

Boss Security: "I don't know what else to say. I can escort you back to the ticket counter...."

JT" "Okay, let's go. (he turns to me) Now, you go with the girls and wait for me at Starbucks."

After 30 minutes waiting for JT at the Starbucks, he finally showed up with frustration. He said the same agents were there when he went back. When JT complained why none of them had asked nor told him to check in the putter, they said they didn't see he had it. Bull Shit!!!! Can you believe it? We only use Continental and we love flying with them. But, I was very upset with their "Oh, we didn't see it" comment. Some people were just lazy. Plain lazy. However, they only charge JT for the box to put the putter in because of the misunderstanding, they said.

It was very frstrating, but at the same time it was kind of funny to see my husband trying from every different angle to see if he can bend the rule. I knew and he knew it wouldn't be possible, but I thought for a minute, maybe he could make those security guys say "yes.." He has that charm. LOL. I am sure he would haved tossed that putter if it hadn't been from my dad's.

So, do you have any bad experience at the airport? Have you seen any annoying passenger like JT who wouldn't take "No" for answer?