At least the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has a sense of humor.
In a blog post before Christmas, the TSA provided holiday travel tips for getting through security lanes, and touted some of the features of its mobile Web and iPhone MyTSA apps.
The "Can I Bring My" feature enables travelers to search whether an item is permitted and a crowd-sourcing wait-time tool details security wait-times at departure airports.
"The more people who use this, the better, so spread the word!" the TSA says of the wait-time tool.
But, interspersed among practical tips for navigating airport security lanes, the TSA shows off its lighter side.
Here's a sampling from the TSA joke department:
- "Annoying Family Members: We’ve had many requests, but we cannot add annoying family members to the No Fly List."
- "Travel Advice for Frosty the Snowman: You are not frozen solid and are larger than 3.4 ounces, so you may not board the plane."
- "Mistletoe: Although the name may sound a bit nefarious, mistletoe (not missile-toe) is permitted. Just don’t expect the person sitting in the middle seat to kiss you."
- "Christmas Sweaters: While some Christmas sweaters some can have a nauseating effect on passengers, they are currently permitted through TSA checkpoints."
Meanwhile, one year after the underwear-bomber tried to bring down a Northwest Airlines flight over Detroit, Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said airport body-scanners and pat-downs will remain in place and she credited them for making air travel safer.