Random Bad #5 - The Airport Security Process

Traveling is a very fun thing to do. You get to get out of your element, take a break from your normal life, and live in a totally different style than normal. Many times, when traveling, you end up having to take an airplane to your destination. This experience can be hit or miss. While the planes are okay, the whole process of boarding a plane is a bit of a hassle. To me, though, the most annoying part is the metal detector.

You shuffle through a long, long line and finally get to the part where you place your things through the x-ray scanner. You have to remove your shoes, put all of your bags through, empty your pockets, and if you have a laptop, you have to put that through separately as well. This process would not be so bad if not for the huge line behind you and the attendants urging you to go forward. You feel rushed and under pressure. You now have to step through the metal detector and hope nothing rings you up, causing you to hold up the line even longer. Now, once you're through there, you have to gather all of those previous belongings in a very timely manner, and clear out so the next person can get through. You have to put your shoes on, replace your belongings in your pockets, and gather all of your bags. It's all really annoying, and it's probably the only thing I hate about traveling.

Sidenote: I traveled through Japan this past summer, and I found that they were really good about this process. They collect your belongings for you, place them in the bins, and do everything efficiently, but slow enough that you're comfortable. All the attendants were really nice and polite. After you go through the detector, they let you take your time and give your bags to you. It was a much better process.