the shape of their ears. If they want a sniff, they're welcome to it as far as I'm concerned. They're working, so I don't interrupt them.

The TSA stuff is a minor inconvenience for me, really. I always book round trips and choose an exit row seat. That gets me a Pre-Check on my tickets from Sun Country Airlines. That's worth the $25 extra for the exit row seat, which also provides me with additional legroom. I have window seats, too, which is my preference. I tend to watch the country pass under me during the flight. I can recognize almost everything on my usual route now. Every river. Every town and city. It passes the time. If it's cloudy, I play Solitaire on my Kindle Fire to pass the time, or read something.

For me, a 3.5 hour flight on a route that would take me 2.5 days to drive is a real treat, regardless of any inconveniences along the way. I pick up a sandwich at the airport, so I don't have to wait for "snacks." I get a cup of coffee from the flight attendant when he or she goes by with the cart. Mostly, I relax, though, and think about why I'm traveling.

Sun Country also boards exit row passengers early, at the same time as First Class passengers, and lets them check in at the First Class desks. It's a decent bargain for $25. I learned about all those benefits the first time I chose an exit row seat. It's a good deal. Really.

I don't want to be flying to California right now, but that's what I'm doing. It's not a pleasure trip.

HipChick

(25,575 posts)

3. Safe travels MM....last TSA asked me where I was headed

Reply to MineralMan (Reply #2)

Mon Dec 31, 2018, 02:55 PM

Dec 2018

I said, flying home to Washington DC few weeks back..

He looked at me, and asked if I was going to see that Trump

then said in a lowered voice, out of earshot of anyone else , that he can't say what he wants to say

I gave him a knowingly nod, and went about my way

MineralMan

(150,569 posts)

4. The TSA people at the MSP airport are about

Reply to HipChick (Reply #3)

Mon Dec 31, 2018, 03:04 PM

Dec 2018

the politest, most helpful ones I've encountered anywhere. LAX is not as friendly, but pretty efficient. Those are the two airports I seem to use the most these days, now that I'm no longer traveling on business.

As they do everywhere, a smile and eye contact go a long way toward making the process easier, I find. Once in a while you do encounter a grumpy sort at the security screening. I still smile and make eye contact. I also say thank you a lot. They don't hear that so much, I imagine. I also know the drill by heart, and never do anything that is going to hold up the process. Never.

I've been doing those things since security screenings first started. I've never encountered a problem, even when my bag was selected for an inspection. I just stand there and let the process occur, and then move on toward my gate. I know there's nothing alarming to be found, so I'm not concerned.

Do I like the TSA and security screenings? No, not much, but there they are. I can't see any utility in complicating the process, really. I can tell you, though, that I often observe people who make the process much more difficult for themselves than it needs to be. I see that every time I fly. Why would someone do that? I've never figured that out.

Ilsa

(63,791 posts)

5. I hope they don't think you're trying to manipulate them.

Reply to MineralMan (Original post)

Mon Dec 31, 2018, 03:08 PM

Dec 2018

I hope they are in a friendly mood while you travel. Good luck and safe travels!

MineralMan

(150,569 posts)

6. No. They never think that. I do the same thing every time,

Reply to Ilsa (Reply #5)

Mon Dec 31, 2018, 03:10 PM

Dec 2018

except for mentioning the shutdown. I generally get a smile in return. They're just folks at work. They see enough frustrated, angry people. I try to be an exception. It works.

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