A Longer, and Much Worse, Commute

Last week I commuted to Orlando for Microsoft Tech-Ed. It wasn't actually a commute: I flew there on Sunday, mainly rode busses during the week, and flew back to Killeen on Friday.

As badly out-dated as Austin-area roads are, they do not compare to the under-engineering of the Orlando airport. It took 90 minutes for my checked baggage to be delivered to the baggage claim area, and when I asked American Airlines people if that were not unusual, they said, "No."

But the real evidence of an airport out of control came to light on Friday. I arrived at 7:00 A.M. for a 9:10 A.M. flight to Dallas. The only reason I made my flight is that it was delayed. A woman at the AA counter said "We advise travellers on summer weekends to arrive 4 hours before their scheduled departure."

I saw brutal things, including this episode which is burned into my mind: A crippled and retarded girl, perhaps 12 years old, in a wheel chair, was made to walk through the metal detector. She could hardly stand, but managed to stagger through. While the security people were talking to her obviously distraught mother, the girl wandered off with a tripping gait and a big grin on her face. Once of the Transportation Safety people tackled her and almost knocked her to the floor.

I don't think I'll fly to Orlando again. Maybe to Tampa and drive, but not even that if I can help it.