You all may recognize the line “If you see something, say something” as the tagline from the advertising campaign run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It is ubiquitous on airport posters and billboards and is supported by near constant announcements over the crystal clear airport PA systems. Its intent is to enlist the masses to identify anything that looks out of place or suspicious.
Personally, I like the idea of reminding everyone to be vigilant. I appreciate and support this effort to keep airports safe.
So yesterday, I had a fairly long layover in Chicago and I sought out a quiet space where I could avoid the crowds and read while I waited. I found an inactive gate with only two or three people sitting among 50 or 60 empty seats. There was also a black backpack tucked under one of the empty seats and I fully expected some panicked passenger to come rushing back for it at any second.
After a half hour or so, a few agents showed up at the gate to prepare for an upcoming flight and the backpack was still unclaimed. Being fully sensitized by the constant advertisements, I decided to approach the agents to make them aware of the situation. I didn’t expect them to see it as a potential threat but, at a minimum, I thought they would secure the bag and try to find the owner. But they just laughed it off and dismissed me.
Some time later, a policeman with a bullet-proof vest, a gun in his holster, and handcuffs hanging from his belt arrived on the scene. I noticed another passenger spoke to him and pointed out the backpack. I heard the policeman laugh and say “they forget luggage and phones and even babies sometimes…ha ha ha”. Then he wandered away, ostensibly in search of donuts.
I didn’t think the backpack posed a real threat, but I surely didn’t expect total apathy from the airport officials. Especially since, an hour earlier, they made a big deal about throwing away my toothpaste when I passed through security.
