Just got back from a short holiday...minus my trusty Zippo lighter.
Checked in at Gatwick last Wednesday morning at 4.30 am. Stuck in a bloody queue at check-in for ages because a daft couple at the front couldn't understand why EasyJet wouldn't accept SIX bags weighing over 20kg each for two fare-paying pasengers. rather dimwits - why don't they read the restrictions before they set out.
Eventually they paid £170 and the queue started moving again.
Got to security and was told to remove shoes, jacket and belt and place them in x-ray tray,. Also told to empty trouser pockets. Out came my trusty Zippo lighter which has accompanied me on many a trip.
Conversation with security woman:
"You can't take that on board."
"But I've taken it with me before with no problem"
"You can't take it"
"What am I supposed to do then?"
"Well, you could put in the luggage hold"
"Yes, but I've already checked in. I can't go and ask them to get the bag back."
"Well you can't take it and I'll have to confiscate it"
Which she does...and also takes a Zippo off an irate guy behind me.
I go through to airside and walk into WH Smith.
"I don't suppose you could sell me a lighter?"
"Are you travelling to the US?"
"No, just Thessaloniki"
"OK, then, that'll be £1.40 please"
Incidentally, I purchased a new Zippo in the duty-free shop on the way back. What will happen to my old one? Car-boot sale, perchance?
An anti-terrorism drive is one thing, and I support it, but what happened to common sense? Grrr!
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Topic: Goodbye trusty Zippo lighter (Read 1036 times)