TSA Checkpoint 3 – Honolulu International Airport

All TSA checkpoint are slow. But if you think about the nature of the business making sure we have a safe flight experience, I think we could be a little harsh on them. I appreciate their responsibilities. This airport TSA process seem better than any large airport. My bag was opened by them with a note that they did an additional inspection. Again, just doing their jobs.

I made the huge mistake of underestimating the stupidity of the TSA agents at the Honolulu airport yesterday. So my laptop is a larger size so I decided to pack it in my luggage between A LOT of clothing and in a case so it would not get damage. Today, when unzipping my bag, I come to find out the my laptop is not in its case and laying above all of my clothing. Upon examining my laptop I find a huge crack on the back of it. You F&$&ing idiots! I do not care if you have to violate my privacy and look through all of my things but do you not have the common sense or decency to have a little respect for other people’s things!!! All of my work and school things are stored in there! To make matters worse they leave that stupid TSA card in my laptop so of course I call it and lose my shit. The TSA agent was less than helpful and sends me a long claims form. He also informs me that he cannot guarantee that they will pay to have my laptop fixed. SO IRRITATING!!! I am definitely going to fill out this form and continue to contact them until I get this situation is resolved. You can also bet I’m going to talk to them in person! Word of advice TSA… Better train your staff or at least try and hire individuals that have common sense!!!

I had accidentally packed guava butter jam that was above the allowed liquid amount and TSA was very quick to point that out — it was a petite lady in her 50’s. I told her sorry, and that I will throw away the jam immediately because I have a flight to catch and security took longer than I thought.
While literally looking only at the jar of jam in my hand, she tells me «don’t throw it away… you can leave it here if you decide to come back and check in a bag.»
Why in the world would I go back to the counter and pay extra to check in a bag for a jar of guava butter, especially when I told her that my flight is about to leave? She clearly wanted to take it home and enjoy it herself.
Keep in mind the ENTIRE time she never took her eyes off of the jar. Like one of those paintings where the eyes follow your face. Except in this case, it wasn’t a face; it was a jar of guava butter jam.
In the end I just handed the jam to her into her tiny hands, bitter that she gets to enjoy it on my expense. I don’t think TSA is allowed to take home confiscated goodies. Then again they almost lost my laptop by giving it to a stranger so I don’t really have faith in them anyways.

Unusually quick processing today. I don’t know whether TSA Pre-​Check is a bonus or not, other than being able to keep my slippers on while going through the xray machine. Good job!