it’s not about the shoes. I’ve flown over 2 million miles and I can assure you, I have plenty of easy on + off shoes. no, it’s about the laptop and liquids.

I’m one person, who generally carries her allotted carry-on bags onto the aircraft. I pack efficiently, but I still don’t want to have to take out my laptop and quart sized Baggie of approved liquids in 3 oz containers or less. it’s a hassle. It takes three bins. I get stuck behind less efficient travelers. It’s a clusterfuck. So, I applied to, and paid for, TSA Pre✔️. (Despite the fact that I was in American’s program and grandfathered in, they wouldn’t give me my known number so I could use it on other airlines.). I played the game.

Now, for the second flight in a row, Pre✔️ was CLOSED. I didn’t give it much thought in Reno, as it’s super teeny, but at LAX? MIDDLE OF THE DAY? At ALASKA? I about lost my mind.

The PIC said there were enough people to WARRANT opening it. By my count, the SIX wheelchairs and multiple children under 5 said differently. But she was mean and didn’t budge. Her reply, “you may leave on your shoes.” Great.

So, I complied, because I have to get to Seattle, but let me tell you, I will find a way to complain without getting put on a double secret no-fly list. And as for today, I did feel better using five bins and taking my sweet time to get through. Bastards.