Flying The Friendly Skies

 In 1998, airports were a much different place. Then, Globe Airport Security protected most airports throughout the United States. Compared to the new painstaking and overwhelming requirement on entering terminals in a post 9/11 world, Globe is nowhere near the caliber as the TSA. I not saying they don't have internal problems, every company has problems. I was a recent high school drop out and needed a job. Thus began my career in the security industry as a pre-board screener. (or, very board screener)

 Imagine, standing up 8 hours straight with nothing but a 30 minute break, watching an x-ray machine as people's belongings scrolled by in black and white. Also, being the one telling those getting into the main terminal to empty out their pockets into small totes, then pass through a metal detector.

If the machine's alarm went off, they'd have to step back, and then empty out what they forgot, and then retry. If it went off again, we sent them to a third detector that was more sensitive. If they failed that, we'd break out the hand wands and scan them from head to toe. 

 The pay was also low, even for then. The screeners made $5.75, and baggage claim agents made $5.15.  I only worked as a screener for a few weeks. Then, I chose to work in baggage claim, helping Continental track and maintain unclaimed luggage.  Although I had to deal with large crowds, I wasn't having do deal with them on a face-t0-face basis.  However, things really got interesting and exciting.  

 From time to time I got into arguments with the Sky Caps because I helped travelers carry out their bags and got their tip money instead. It wasn't as if I deliberately took the person away from the Sky Cap. To be smart, I backed off until there were none, or they already had a person, and then waited. If no one showed up, I'd help whoever flagged me down.

  When things slow down, it was like working in a laundry mat: the endless thumps and swishing of baggage carousels churning around and around in circles. Sometimes you'd spot not-so famous movie actors, musicians, and nearly forgotten athletes. I saw more than I actually met.

  Here's something you should know the next time you fly with luggage. No, not the high prices on tickets or checking in bags, nothing like that. You may not know that when you turn over your bags to the ticket agent, and placed on the plane, baggage handlers will most likely open them. Nothing will stop them from stealing your valuables. I received this information from other guards, and employees of Continental. Nevertheless, I don't have documented proof. Yet, this happened years ago. Who knows what has changed. Remember this the next time you fly.

1. Don't pack any electronic device
   
2. Don't pack jewelry, etc.
3. Don't pack your lingerie, etc.

  If in fact these go missing between flights, you'll be happy to know than an employee at Continental has your items, which you'll never see again. Don't bother with locks; the thief breaks them off using wire cutters. Employees of the airline and airport aren't the only thieves. Others manage to steal luggage.

  Beneath the terminal, lurking in the shadows, hidden, nearly unseen are the homeless of IAH. I happen to meet a one in a parking lot and later befriended. I discovered how he made a living by sneaking into the luggage area or stealing the “orange” security badges that grant access into locked area. 

 However they are able to get in, they rummage through your bags and snatch anything of worth, selling it at a local flea market or pawnshop.  This is a very sad, dark reality of life. At least now, I've warned you and you know what to expect flying at Bush airport.