AIRPORT ’19

~ Iain Kelly

Full body scanners rang alarms sporadically, accompanied by flashing red lights. Body and bag searches caused extended queues.

Once past the security gate the hollow muzak was interrupted to remind people not to leave their luggage unattended.

Security dogs snarled. The guards walked around with hands on machine guns. CCTV cameras kept a watchful eye from the high ceiling.

The air of suspicion infected fellow passengers, eyeing one another, judging threat levels based on appearance.

Parents hushed noisy children lest they draw unwanted attention to them.

Cowed and paranoid: the perfect way to start a relaxing holiday getaway.

ben-gurion-airport-2
Copyright Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

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My novel, ‘A Justified State,’ is available now
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Published by Iain Kelly

39 year old writer, avid film viewer and book reader, employed in the media industry as a television editor.

78 thoughts on “AIRPORT ’19”

  16. The contrast made me think of pre 9/11 days. Travel felt safe and fun. I don’t recall a security presence although I’m sure it was there. Something deadly occurring wasn’t on the radar. Now I expect the possibility of an attack. Sad world.

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  23. This is so true, and not only at the airport. Stuff happened on trains and buses. I travel by bus every week for 3+ hours, and sometimes people watch each other with suspicion. I always think, mantra-like, I’m not afraid, they must not win…

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  25. Yes, traveling today can be a stressful exercise in patience and tolerance. It’s not for the weak at heart, mind, or body, not to mention those lacking funds. Amusing while still realistic, Iain. Well written. 🙂 — Suzanne

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  27. Nice commentary. 🙂 I think back to the days when people would dress up for flights like they were going to a party. Today it’s closer to a cattle car, then add in all the security checks and other dehumanizing procedures.

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  30. The first time I flew to Heathrow, about 30 years ago, I was shocked to see the guards with their assault rifles. After 9/11, everything changed in America. We have the guards, too. We have beeping scanners and everything else you’ve described. What a world.

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