I was going through security at Nadi International Airport in Fiji. Unfortunately, I forgot to get a clear, sealed ziplock bag to hold my 15ml bottle of tea tree oil.
"You have to get a clear bag for this bottle."
"But, if I do, you will only see the same bottle that you hold in your hand, inside of a bag."
"Those are the regulations. They can be bought for F$1 in the shop outside.*"
After much heavy breathing, I went to the shop (for some reason,** the only shop selling bags).
"How much does this box of 40 bags cost?"
"$3.95"
"So you are making $40 on a box that costs $4? How about I buy the bag for fifty cents?"
"Yes, everyone complains. But, no, we can't do that -- the price is listed in the computer."
After five days in Fiji, meeting many lovely people, I was left with this last encounter -- this 900% mark-up, security bullshit regulation that does nothing to make my flight safer. (I am buying yummy cake from the lady in the photo, for F$1.)
America and Britain gave the pretext; all these other countries are blindly implementing it. We waste money and get no security.*
Bottom Line: Good job, Department of Homeland Security [SIC]
* I can hardly describe how incompetent and rude the TSA people in LAX were (but I just did). At least the Fijians were nice about their stupid regulations! (Australians allow you to carry water through security. Ahhh, the sweet smell of rationality!)
** NOT! Someone has a sweet deal with the security folks. Many airports give you baggies at security.
0 comments:
Post a Comment