TSA Checkpoints Are For The Rich and Famous Too

Opinion: Alicia Cruz
Associated Content

I'm sure Kim Kardashian and Kanye West (after Thursday’s incident) will thank TSA employees for attempting to show acts of kindness, but will offer to go through the proper procedures just like the rest of us in the future.

I haven't read about any statements from either couple's camp following their security breach at New York's John F. Kennedy airport yesterday morning, but hopefully they'll turn down special treatment and just trudge through those long, annoying lines just like the rest of us weary travelers from now on.

I can recall flying into Atlanta's Hartsfield International airport on my way to an assignment. I didn't know there was a smoking booth located on the concourse that I was already on so, like many die-hard stogie lovers, I trekked all the way out to the front of the airport, which required me to take an underground train.

When I finally arrive at my smoking post, a woman who worked for the airline nicely informed me that, "There's a brand new smoking booth up on concourse B. You didn't have to come all the way out here, child," then proceeded to light my cigarette while she laughed hysterically.

I did not complain, I needed the exercise and it helped pass the time between my layover. Again, I did not complain, but I was pretty steamed when I re-entered the airport and saw that long, winding line for the TSA checkpoint. Knowing there was nothing I could say or do to avoid having to languish in that line; I just sucked it up and waited my turn.

Thank goodness, this occurred on a day when God was smiling on me and I only ended up spending a good 10 minutes in line. It could have been my pretty smile (wishful thinking) or maybe the press badge dangling from my neck (I don't know why some people cringe when they spot a press badge. We are not lepers!) and they just wanted to get my nosy behind out of the line. Either way I was grateful to get back to concourse B where I had enough time to buy a yogurt ($3) and bottled water ($4) before getting on my plane.

I realize it is highly unlikely that I will ever be as important as West and Kardashian, but if TSA wants separate rules for superstars, then build separate airports for them and we can avoid security breaches and delayed flights. Maybe TSA can suggest to Congress that superstars should not have to be bothered with the same rules as us mere mortals.

But until that happens, I think we would all feel safer knowing that every traveler, be they wealthy and famous; slick or smooth or just mentally deranged but intelligent enough to bypass TSA checkpoints must go through the same checkpoints and security inspections as the not-so-rich and famous.

The New York Daily News article stated that an employee of the airline wanted to help the couple reach their connecting domestic flight expeditiously, and I can appreciate his or her kindness, but hey, I'm just saying. The TSA representative said the pair was not to blame, but the employee was.

I'm sure the couple was beyond tired (and poor Kardashian is pregnant too!) after traveling from Brazil, and I feel for them, just as the airline employee did, but again, inconvenience and hassle has been a trademark for air travel since 9-11.

Try going through four checkpoints, standing in line, while digging for your ID, in 2 inch heels (because your flats are in your carry on, which is lost somewhere between the moon and New York City)--all off of 4 hours sleep while worrying whether you’ll make it to your destination in time to catch a story (your job).

The employees considerate act did nothing more but place the expecting couple in the spotlight, perhaps jeopardize his job and in the end, delayed the flight for an hour -- causing misery for other travelers who were likely hoping to make it to Los Angeles on time. West and Kardashian did not walk away unscathed, the poor couple were reportedly forced to deplane and undergo a private screening anyway.

Since 9-11, air travel has become a pain for all of us, but it is unavoidable if what we really want is secure, safe travel. Star status or not, require the same security checks for them as you will other travelers.  There, I've said my peace.