Peregrine

In today’s issue of USA Today, there is a story about how the surge in quantity of checked lunggage to be processed in U.S. airports is overwhelming the TSA baggage screening systems.

I am not the least bit surprised; I (and many others) predicted that this overload would result from the rule changes “prohibiting an entire state of matter” (liquids) and prohibitting gels in carry-on luggage. For me, I have to now check my suitcase instead of just carrying it on because of toothpaste and the particular deodorant I was traveling with when these new rules were put into effect (I’ve since switched back to my usual traveling solid).

I don’t want to leave my toothpaste at home, but if these new and useless rules stick for long, I may just ditch it, instead making sure that all of my hotels can provide me with some. That way, I would again be able to take my suitcase carry-on and skip the check-in and baggage carousel entirely. However, when I travel, I prefer to have everything I need with me.