I haven’t flown in 5 years, so I had no idea what to expect today on my flight from Orlando (MCO) to Detroit (DTW) via Delta/Northwest. I did know that traveling light would be key to increasing comfort, so I decided on an unorthodox plan for my luggage. I had packed light from MI in the first place…just one small duffel bag and my backpack. I decided that the only thing I wanted to take with me to the airport was my helmet (essentially irreplaceable due to my gigantic melon), my iPod, and a book to read. So, I took everything else and boxed it up and asked my dad to ship it UPS after I left for the airport. Turned out it was cheaper than paying to check a bag, and I get a tracking number to boot.
I made sure the Harley was ready to check-in, and there was nothing of mine left in the side bags. Then I said goodbye to my dad and rode back to the rental place in Orlando. I-4 was a madhouse as to be expected in FL. No problems on the check-in, and they gave me a free ride to the airport. Flight check-in was no problem. I was about 2 hours early for my flight so I stopped at Nathan’s for a slaw dog and some lemonade. I figured that once I went through security there would be no food or anything like that because allowing vendors to bring in cartons and crates of food and other stuff past the security checkpoint is a major security hole. Then I went through security. It was nuts…I can’t believe they make you take your belt and your shoes off. How stupid is that?? Security theater at its best. Meanwhile, I had to wait while some woman tried to coax her little girl to go through the scanner. It gave me a chance to take a look at what people consider “carryon luggage”. I was laughing…one guy had two big suitcases with him. Nearly everyone I saw seemed to think that anything with wheels and an extendable handle meant “carryon” even though what they had were “suitcases” by any other definition. And nearly everyone had a laptop case just as big as their other bag to go with it. If it were up to me, they’d crack down on the whole carryon issue, big time.
So, I get through security and take the tram to the gate. I get off and what do I see but a bunch of shops and restaurants selling everything under the sun. Past the security checkpoint? WTF??? That makes no sense to me at all…there’s no way they are inspecting every person/employee/clerk and everything (food, dry goods, condiments, etc) that comes into that terminal, so what’s the point of making passengers essentially strip naked before allowing them through? Oh well…if it makes people who don’t know any better feel all warm and fuzzy, I guess it is worth it.
Flight back was uneventful. I can’t say it is good to be back in MI, but it is good to be home.
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