[img]96|left|Shachar||no_popup[/img]Dateline Jerusalem — Never a dull flight! What is it about me and flying? This little old grandmother (height-wise, not width) always seems to be the one pulled out of line by airline or airport personnel. This time I was actually frisked!

Usually when I fly El Al, Israel's world-renowned security conscious airline, I am the object of their attention. True, I speak no Hebrew, I am so afraid of flying that I perhaps look nervous. Often I am sweating because I have a fever or I am on the verge of getting one because flying literally makes me sick. So far, this trip to the states I made it through several flights without coming down with pneumonia or the flu, thank G-d. This time I made it through El Al's interrogation process. My daughter thinks it was because she was standing with me when I was questioned, and that she looks “normal.”

Do I look like a terrorist? Of course not!

Once I survived El Al's screening procedure, the next step was airport security, TSA (Transportation Security Administration). My carry-on luggage passed the x-ray machine with flying colors. Then I went through a metal detector and entered a “box” structure, which is an imaging machine. As I exited I heard a loud voice saying “female passing through.” Does that mean they could tell I am a female from the image? No alarm went off since my shoes and jewelry already went through the x-ray machine. The same voice that said “female passing through” now confirmed “no alarm!” Then why did two female TSA agents rush over to me, intent on frisking me in public?

Swimming in Conveniences

My eyes must have bulged like a frog's because it was only then that I was asked if I prefer a private room. I was escorted to a small room where the patdown took place. I asked if this were procedure because I was flying to Israel. They told me that it is done throughout the U.S. I mentioned that I had just flown from New York to Florida, and from Florida to California. This was the first time I had ever been frisked. Even flying from Israel to New York was not as intrusive. I also mentioned that no people in line before me or immediately after me were pulled out of line to be pat down. Why just me? I felt like one of the criminals I used to frisk when I was a cop many years ago. However, the former “spread 'em” now is like doing squat thrusts when working out at a gym.

My 14-hour non-stop direct flight from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv was perfect. No extra charge for food or baggage. The plane was not crowded for a change, perhaps due to the current fears of unrest in the Middle East. The private fingertip touch control TV screen in front of each passenger's seat provided a choice of 26 movies, 59 TV shows, music and video games to play via hand-held remote control. Each passenger could elect to watch the show of his choice, in English, French, or Spanish, with Hebrew subtitles. Also, the movies and TV shows began when I wanted to watch them instead of having to watch at a particular time. Local Israeli newspapers were passed out, and there were foot rests for tired feet. We were even given hot towels to wipe our face and hands.

Throughout the flight, attendants came around with coffee, tea, juice and soda along with pretzels and crackers. The regular kosher meals provided to the passengers looked delicious. But I ordered Glatt kosher meals (Mehadrine and/or Bedatz), which were tasty and filling. My first meal consisted of chicken breasts on a vegetable rice pilaf, salad, hummus, raisin challah rolls, coffee, spring water, and a rich chocolate brownie for dessert. Snack time was midway through the flight.

I was provided with two challah rolls, one filled with about 1 1/2 inches high of tuna and the other with an equal amount of egg salad. I haven't eaten an egg since I was a small child, and so I was pleased the tuna sandwich was thick and satisfying. The final meal of the flight was breakfast, flavored yogurt, orange juice, fresh fruit, challah rolls (bagels for the non-Glatt passengers) to be spread with butter and jam and/or cream cheese, a sweet roll and an omelet. But I gave back the omelet since I do not eat eggs.

Although it was a very long flight, it was relaxing and comfortable. It made up for the “frisk.” It is great being home in Israel, but already I miss my family and friends in the states.

L'hitraot. Shachar