Springing Through Security

 In Blog

There are three letters that often raise my hackles: TSA.

Granted, I don’t know of a single person who actually likes the screening process, but when you do it as often as I do, it usually holds even less enjoyment. Since all of us at Team Marcus travel frequently, we have every advantage under the sun. TSA pre check, Global Entry, Clear, etc. If there is ever a way to make it easier, I’ll be all over that.

Screen shot 2016-02-15 at 5.24.40 PMOn our return home from St. Louis yesterday, the Hotness and I had a fairly wretched TSA experience. First, they had only one line operating. Thus, no pre check which means that, in addition to the obstacles of getting my Seeing Eye dog through security, I also had to remove my jacket, belt and shoes AND take my laptop out of my backpack. What a pain!

The TSA agent, while nice enough, clearly didn’t have much experience with a guide dog. She wanted my wife to go through a different metal detector while she (the agent) would bring me through. Unnecessary, but even worse was how the agent said she would take Garrett first and then I’d come through. Uh, no. I’m not relinquishing control of my service dog to anyone I don’t know.

Marvelyne explained the usual (and easiest way) we do this, but the inexperienced agent still wasn’t sure. So, the agent called the supervisor over where, again, we explained the best way this works for us that is still within TSA guidelines. He agreed, we did it, got our stuff on the other side and the super thanked us for our patience.

Screen shot 2016-02-15 at 5.25.02 PMIn all reality, it probably didn’t delay us for more than two or three minutes, but when we’re used to breezing through, it was still kinda a pain. Still, we proceeded to the gate with no problems and the Hotness ran off to grab herself some coffee.

While waiting in line, Marvelyne was approached by a woman who had been in the security line behind us. Because Garrett and I are hard to miss, Marvelyne is often approached by people when she’s not in my direct presence. Usually, these folks want to compliment Garrett or something sweet like that. However, this fellow coffee drinker wanted to compliment Marvelyne herself.

The woman, who we learned is a photo journalist named Spring, said she travels about as much as we do. She saw the inexperienced agent delaying us due to the agent’s unfamiliarity. Spring then complimented how well Marvelyne and I dealt with these headaches which she knows must be pretty irritating. Spring said she’s seen people with less reason than we have to blow a gasket on agents. The fact we kept a sweet attitude and instructed without being jerks impressed her.

Screen shot 2016-02-15 at 5.26.55 PMHonestly, this is how we usually operate. But, it’s always nice when another notices that we deal with more than the average traveler. You can attract more flies with honey than vinegar, we all know, but putting that into practice is sometimes easier said than done.

Thanks, Spring, for noticing!

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