We flew to Ottawa, Ontario yesterday. While passing through Security at Phoenix Airport, I had to put my brand new $1000 laptop in one tub, and my shoes, wallet, etc. in another. After passing through the X-Ray machine, I nested the shoe tub on top of the laptop tub and took them to a bench to put my shoes back on. Got everything out of the tub — it was empty, let’s go!
Got to Ottawa, opened up my suitcase, and — extreme sinking feeling — no laptop. Frantically looking everywhere, when it dawned on me. It was left behind between the nested tubs.
Call Phoenix TSA Lost and Found. No answer — too late. Slept OK, but hard to relax completely. This morning, I called back, and they had found it! Fortunately the “empty” tubs after the X-Ray machine are only handled by TSA personnel. If it had been left anywhere else it would not be so likely to have been returned.
Boy, do I feel stupid, but lucky. Derek will pick it up for me. My presentation was on it, but fortunately my colleague Les has another laptop with a duplicate presentation (just in case!), so we are in good shape.
I’ve had that sinking feeling a few times before. It’s no fun. I’m glad everything worked out OK.
Comment by Dale — June 1, 2010 @ 11:57 am
Wow that was lucky.
Let us know how your presentation goes.
Comment by Don — June 1, 2010 @ 12:35 pm
Sounds almost exactly like Robin’s experience in the Anchorage airport with her brand new Macbook. Glad you both got your babies back!
http://kenholsinger.com/blog/?p=25
Comment by Donna — June 1, 2010 @ 6:03 pm
I thought I had trained you better than that. You know that I never leave anything behind!!
Comment by Mom — June 2, 2010 @ 10:53 am
Donna,
I had forgotten about Robin’s experience, but you’re right — it was similar. She had more trouble getting it back than I did, though — Derek already picked it up for me.
Mom — you taught me everything I know about being organized and alert. 🙂
At least I didn’t do like someone we know and leave my wife behind!
Comment by Daryl — June 2, 2010 @ 3:33 pm
Who left his wife behind?
Comment by Donna — June 3, 2010 @ 7:56 pm