Last week I flew to Anaheim, CA for Disneyland's World of Color VIP media premiere (it totally ROCKED, but more on that later).  While taking my carry-on luggage through airport security I got escorted to the side for a bag check. The security gentleman said in a scary, no-nonsense tone: "Ok, miss, do you want to show me where the knife is?"  My heart stopped.

And then I remembered that I had recently put my Swiss Army Knife (which usually stays in the diaper bag) in my purse when we went to the the park, so I could cut up apples for a snack.  I blushed deeply and said "Oh my goodness it's my Swiss Army knife and it's in this pocket - I completely forgot to take it out."  He looked at my sternly.  I continued: "I'm so sorry for the trouble.  I usually don't keep it in this purse."  His look softened a little. 

While he fished it out I told him how I always make sure to leave it behind because it's a keepsake from when my husband and I spent our first year of marriage in Switzerland.  I reiterated how awful I felt for accidentally bringing it through security and causing him hassle.  He smiled a little and said it was no hassle, just part of his job. I thanked him for what he was doing, keeping everyone safe.  He told me I could go into a nearby shop, purchase a mailer & stamps and then he would help me send the knife back home to myself.  We shook hands amicably.

The whole experience taught me a few things about Airport Security:

1 - They get alot of grief from grumpy travelers, all because they are simply doing their job.
2 - They are not trying to make our lives hard - just safe.
3 - Their rules really aren't that difficult to follow, and they exist for very good reasons.
4 - A little kindness & appreciation goes a LONG way.

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