Scissors, and nail files and keys, Oh my!

Airport security has been heightened in the last few years and I'm sure many of us have witnessed inconsistencies and even some abuse of power among the different airport security agents but recently a couple of TSA agents in Dallas went a little to far. A man had his car key confiscated because they thought it fit the description of a switchblade. If you are familiar with Volkswagen or Audi keys then you know what I'm talking about. The key is contained in the car remote which is used to remotely lock and unlock the car. The key pops out of the side of the remote with the press of a button. Although this is a switchblade like action the key itself is flat and common house keys are more pointy and dangerous than this car key.

This whole incident bothers me not just because this ranks with one of the dumbest things I've heard of but because I have a Volkswagen and I don't want my key taken away at an airport. I have no other option for a key to my car. Although there is a valet key, which looks like a more common car key, it will only operate the engine. You cannot use it to lock or unlock the trunk. Furthermore the combo remote/switchblade car key is very expensive to replace because they have to reprogram a microchip in the key in order to converse with your car. The key is more than just a thing which fits into a lock, it must submit the correct computer code or the engine won't turn on. This is an added theft deterrent but it also makes for a very expensive key replacement, around $250.00. Volkswagen/Audi had better make some public statements that they are deeply disturbed by this incident and are currently in conference with the TSA to inform them of the safety of their keys. I hope the guy who had his key taken away is suing the TSA to reimburse him for the cost of getting his key replaced. Oh, the stupidity!!

If you have some ridiculous airport security tales feel free to post your comments.