Monday, June 18, 2007

The dangerous sippy cup.

Because of concern about liquid explosives,the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has banned most fluids at airport security checkpoints.This past June 11, Monica Emmerson, a former Secret Service officer,was traveling through Washington's Reagan National Airport with her toddler when she was told by a TSA officer that she could not come through with liquid in her child's sippy cup.I was in a similar situation in April when we returned to the USA from Philippines,however my reaction was very different from Ms. Emmerson's.I simply opened the cup, drank the water and was then allowed to go my way.For reasons known only to her, Ms. Emmerson decided it would be better to empty the contents onto the floor.
The battle was on.
Ms.Emmerson was detained by security and nearly arrested.A security video released by the TSA shows her dumping the water and being "out of control".
I agree that the TSA regulation is ridiculous but confronting security guards (who have no choice in the matter) in the airport is not the best solution.
Perhaps,all this publicity will force the TSA to use a bit more common sense in their regulations.

1 comment:

Olga said...

at least the security guards in your airports are vigilant and alert. we have the same regulations here in the Phil. but the regulations are just for show. i carried water bottles in the dgte. and Centennial airports, in plain view, and was never accosted! God help us!