I know I talk about the security line often. This is probably because a traveler encounters the security line each and every time they fly, and when you fly often, that is a lot of security lines. And when you see people doing things that hold up the line and slow everyone down, every single time, it can be, let’s say, frustrating.

For example, last week I traveled to Nashville.  Overall, the trip was pretty uneventful. I was very excited when I saw how short the security line was on my trip home. However, when I was going through the x-ray machine line, things started to slow down. I stood there waiting for several minutes for my bags to go through, and then for the TSA agent to wave me through. I couldn’t figure out what the problem was! Finally, I got to the other side, and there was a woman standing there, right by where you grab your bags. She had several bins, with stuff spread out all over the place. And as I stood there next to her, trying to get my bag but not able to because she was in the way, she slowly picked her watch up and started putting it on. In the line, with people waiting behind her. As I stood there she also put her sunglasses on, and started looking through her purse. I am not kidding. I said, “Excuse me. I need to get my bag.” She moved over about two inches, I squeezed in and grabbed my bag, laptop, and shoes out of the machine (which you’re really not supposed to do), and  went over to the bench to get myself situated. When I had my laptop back in my purse and my shoes on, I turned around. She was STILL THERE. Seriously.

The moral of the story, friends, is this. Keep your stuff organized when going through security. Keep it so organized that all you have to do is pick up your bag and laptop and shoes, or just pick up your bins, and move to the bench just a few feet away. There is nothing more irritating then standing there while some lady puts her watch on while she’s holding up the line. Or some guy counting his change (seen that too). And even if your stuff isn’t organized–pick up your bins and move to the benches! It’s so simple. Stack them up and move out of the way.

Stepping off soapbox now. Thanks for listening.