On a recent flight from RDU to somewhere, I was in one of two (short) security lines awaiting the opportunity to disrobe my jackets/sweaters/shoes and scramble for my toiletries hoping my well worn ziplock bag survives yet another run through. As I stood awaiting my chance to place things into bins, I overheard two men having this conversation...
Man #1 (a dad traveling with his wife and toddler son): "Excuse me you just cut in line...you were in that line over there (my line) and you skipped ahead in line here"
[At first, I thought he was kidding]
Man #2 (older business traveler) Nodding in agreement - "Look I'm going to miss my flight"
[Not really amused or interested in having the conversation]
Man #1: "You just skipped in the line - you were over there and now you jumped ahead in line. Move. I hope you do miss your flight"
Man #2: "Look I'm really going to miss my flight"
Man #1: "I really hope you do miss your flight. You don't like what I'm saying? What are you going to do about it tough guy"
Mom #1 (ME): Since this was taking place just behind me over my shoulder, I could not resist nor listen to these men argue in this manner a second longer. I whipped around, looked them dead in the eye and said...."Ok. How old are you - both of you. Really".
At that moment it occurred to me I could quickly be picked up by either of them and thrown on the conveyer belt to be sent through the scanner horizontally if I wasn't careful. The man behind me doubled over laughing at the men so I think he would have blocked for me if necessary. The two men said nothing from that point on and I felt a small victory rise within. I stood taller as I cleared the security area. I wondered what my kids would have said to all of that. The "family man" avoided eye contact.
The unfortunate thing about it all was that "family man" just wanted the actions to be acknowledged and to be asked before a cut in line was granted. He might have still said no. Who knows. The business traveler, with his entitlement bubble surrounding him, didn't find himself accountable to his actions in any way and placed more value on himself than anyone around him.
Let us try to all get along and not lose others for ourselves. Welcome to the boarding area - please take your seat.
