Leaving on a Jet Plane is Easier Than Ever

Let’s talk about airports.

When Josh and I traveled to Auckland, I was struck by how different the security measures are from American ones.

It started in the car when I told Josh I was glad I had remembered my passport.

He said, “You won’t need that.”

I said, “Of course I will.”

He said, “Not flying to Auckland, you won’t.”

I said, “Maybe you don’t. I probably do. They won’t accept my US driver’s license.”

He said, “You don’t need to show ID.”

I didn’t believe him.

Then we got to the airport.

We didn’t have to speak to anyone when we checked our bag and got our tickets. The machine did it all. We didn’t have to worry about the weight of our bag or showing ID or anything.

Then, going through security, I felt like it was a breeze.

Josh held both our tickets and they didn’t even check them or ask for ID then either. And while I did have to take my laptop and camera out of my bag, my shoes stayed on and liquids stayed in the bag (not that I had any liquids, but if I’d had some, they could have stayed in the bag).

When I was about to go through the metal detector, I realized that I was THAT person who had forgotten to take off her watch. As I was taking it off, the security person, who had seen me pulling my camera and laptop out of my bag, said, “Oh, you can leave that on. I say you’ve done enough.” I’m sure it was out of pity, but either way, I thought it was a kind gesture that I’d never seen in America.

Now some people are probably wondering why I’m just realizing this. After all, I’ve been through that airport before.

However, this was a domestic flight, where my previous ones were international.

So, as Josh said, “You could fly to and hide anywhere in the country… you just can’t get out without ID.”

Once through security, we were ready to board. This is the first time they asked to see our tickets.

I couldn't get a photo of us on the tarmac in Christchurch, so this is in
Auckland, with a group leaving a plane on the tarmac.

After going through the gate, interestingly, we split up. All passengers riding in the back half of the plane, which we were seated in, went down a flight of stairs and onto the tarmac. We entered the plane from the back.

Because of this, the amount of time it took to board the plane was extremely short in comparison to pretty much any other plane I’ve been on.

Now, I completely get why America has gotten so crazy about airport security.

After September 11, everyone understands the necessity for high security. No one wants that to happen again.

But I can definitely see the benefit of getting the TSA Pre-Check status in America. If it’s anything like what I just experienced in the Christchurch Airport, it’s worth the money and the time – whether you’re a frequent flyer or not.

(Sidebar: Another thing that’s totally worth it if you’re traveling internationally, on a boat or plane, is downloading the customs app. When I came back from New Zealand last year, it seemed like I was the only person who did it and there was no wait. The other line was a million miles long. And the app is free. Look it up!)

I’ve always felt worried, going through security, more so recently. That’s ridiculous, I know, because I’m not trying to do anything I shouldn’t do or break the rules or whatever, but I’m still nervous.

Two of the three times I’ve been in Sydney Airport in Australia, I’ve been wiped down for bomb residue. One of those times led to a false positive, which led to them pulling my luggage, which eventually led to my luggage being left in the Southern Hemisphere when I was in the Northern one.

Obviously, that was all a big misunderstanding and everything worked out in the end, but it just makes me more on edge when it comes to airport security.

However, I was really impressed with how safe I felt while still being comfortable in the Christchurch Airport. I wasn’t the least bit nervous and look forward to my next domestic flight out of there.

Update: When leaving Auckland to come back to Christchurch, we realized you could also bring drinks through security. So anyone traveling domestic in Auckland, you can have your coffee and drink it, too!