"People in wheelchairs can't have luggage" says security

[YoungPunk]

http://davehingsburger.blogspot.com/200 ... pears.html

I was waiting patiently in the airport, quietly watching people go by. My luggage was stacked up next to me and I felt that I looked like quite the world traveler. Suddenly this illusion was shattered when a security type guy came with a luggage cart and began loading my luggage. I sputtered a protest, 'Hey, that's my luggage.'

He looked at me, annoyed and said, "Luggage can't be left unattended."

"I AM attending it," I said incredulous.

"You don't understand, SOME BODY needs to be in possession of the luggage," he said and I didn't get his implication, not yet, I was still too startled.

"I am in possession of this luggage, it is MINE," my voice is rising.

He looks at me with exaggerated patience, "SOME BODY (long pause) needs to be attending the luggage."

I got it then, I wasn't SOME BODY, "Are you suggesting that I can't supervise my own luggage because I'm in a wheelchair?"

"You need to settle down, sir."

"What are you going to TAZER me? You are stealing my luggage," I'm almost screaming now.

"Sir, Sir, SIR, you don't understand, luggage can't be unattended," what world have I slipped in to?

"I AM ATTENDING MY LUGGAGE!!"

At this point a pilot in uniform happens by and sees a commotion. He comes over automatically siding with the security guy. He asks what is going on, before security can answer, I say, "He says my luggage is unattended because I am a disabled man and can't supervise my own luggage."

Pilot looks skeptical and security man says, "He doesn't understand that luggage must be attended at all times."

Mr. Pilot's face begins to show both horror and outrage, he looks at me, "I am so sorry sir, really really sorry ..."

The security guard is lead a few feet away and they have heated words, I keep hearing about 'unattended luggage' ... finally security leaves and the pilot offers me more apology. I just thank him for his help.

I'm home now and still shocked, this blog begins what I'm sure is going to be an interesting correspondance with the airport.

I just love airport security.

[ZBBYLW]

Wow, it is amazing what happens some time, I hope that security guy does not try this again, good on the pilot.

[just curious]

YZF security would have had the chair in a million pieces by that time. And the screw driver and wrenches would, of course have been confiscated.

[200hr Wonder]

I hate to jump to conclusions but I am going to anyway. The security guard did not have English as his native language and I bet you he did not understand what he was suppose to be doing. I think that he should have to do all his training again and spend a month in a wheelchair. His manager should be sacked, an official public apology should offered as well.

[Conquest Driver]

this blog begins what I'm sure is going to be an interesting correspondance with the airport.

If Dave wants to push things their buttocks are so BBQed.

[swordfish]

YZF security would have had the chair in a million pieces by that time. And the screw driver and wrenches would, of course have been confiscated.

And passing the magic wand over his electronic speed control.

[b1ngnx33]

Perfect security for the 2010 Olympics.

GOLD medal material.

Seize all luggage, no matter what.

Everyone is a terrorist.

// Turn off sarcasm +10000

[YoungPunk]

I have been reading the updates to his blog regarding this incident and I find it interesting that he feels this is only one jackass in a field mostly filled by good people. I'm not sure if I agree with him on that but props to him for being able to approach it that way. Personally I'm still skeptical of all airport security personnel until proven otherwise.