Meeting TSA Explosive Technician

Traveling anywhere by any means can usually be an adventure. Traveling by plane adds an extra element of interestingness. Checking luggage and getting through security is an edgy time. This time was no exception. It started beautifully. The gentlemen at the curbside check in for Delta was wonderful! He checked our luggage and printed boarding passes and didn’t hassle us when two of the three suitcases were 1 and 2 pounds over. Next stop, security. Denver International Airport usually has two ends of the main terminal open for screening, not this day, the west end is under construction. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the lines were not very long. We got through just fine….but Kelly’s carry-on wasn’t so lucky. It was directed down the further screening side. 
Did you know that a bottle of teeth whitening powder is a cause for concern? Ya, I can see how it could possibly be suspicious. So, they had to test it and wipe down everything Kelly had in her possession…to include herself. A female TSA agent appeared and gave a full explanation of what to expect. Yes, it was a thorough pat down. After initial testing, they had to call in the TSA Explosives Technician, who tested it further. Just as traveling is an adventure for us, it was also an adventure for the agents. They had never seen the stuff and had no clue that something that is meant to clean teeth would have created this kind of attention. All of that hoopla held us up for about 30 minutes, which was just fine. We had built in extra time (we must be growing up….giving ourselves plenty of time at the airport, hahaha) and they didn’t target me just because. They saw what could be a questionable item and investigated. Just an added comfort when traveling. 
This trip we flew Delta, last year we flew Air Canada. So for a brief comparison. The cattle section (economy or main cabin seating) in Delta is more spacious than Air Canada, enough so that it will be worth a couple hundred dollars when looking to purchase the most economical tickets in the future. However, if you are looking at what they call Business Class/First Class, Air Canada knows how to rock that! They are astounding in that department! So if you can afford it, definitely choose Air Canada for that option. The entire crew for both airlines were most wonderful. It is about a nine hour or so flight from any of the east coast cities. Very challenging to sleep soundly, but short nap sessions are possible.
We arrived in one piece, along with our luggage. However, once unpacking we discovered that Kelly’s checked luggage was searched as well. I can only imagine what they thought when they saw a case with long cylindrical items inside. Yes, it was Grant again…this time it was his cigars in his portable humidor. There is a pattern starting to develop…..put all the questionable items in the girls’ bag….
Tschüs (informal goodbye)
Bis spatter (see you later)
Bis zum nächsten Mal (see you next time)