chris_gerrib: (Me)
chris_gerrib ([personal profile] chris_gerrib) wrote2014-05-28 09:26 am
Entry tags:

TSA and KC BBQ, or Alphabet Soup Edition

TSA

For the second time in a row, on my trip out from Midway I was ushered into the "TSA pre-screen" line despite not being actually "TSA-pre-screened." It was nice - leave your shoes on and your laptop in your bag. I've decided the trick to getting in that line is arriving at the airport looking like a middle-aged businessman. Since I happen to be a middle-aged businessman, that's not a hard look for me!

On the other side of the TSA coin, my checked bag got searched both ways - I had the "we searched your bag" note from TSA in it. I think the trick there is to show up at the airport early and be a single traveler, thus fitting a profile. (Mad bombers only need one bag and hate to miss their flights.)

KC BBQ

While in KCMO, my party went out for official Kansas City barbecue. We asked a couple of locals where to go. A city cop mentioned "Oklahoma Joe's" but said it was a takeout joint in a gas station. He said it was "good but a bit ghetto." The consensus of opinion for take-a-cab-and-dine-in was Jack Stacks, specifically the Freight House location. (KC claims to have invented the shopping mall, and they have a lot of them.)

While at Jack's, I ordered their "Jack's Best" signature platter. It was baby-back ribs, a beef rib and "burnt ends." Burnt ends are a KC-specific item, and they are the burnt ends of barbecued beef briskets, cut into cubes. I found them hit-or-miss.

Tomorrow - thoughts on the con itself.

[identity profile] daveon.livejournal.com 2014-05-28 04:54 pm (UTC)(link)
I just got TSA Pre and Global Entry via a deal on my American Express card and used it for the first time yesterday. Very nice. Very like flying used to be.

Worth the $100 they charge for it frankly if you fly more than once or twice a year, you'll save hours standing in lines.

[identity profile] chris-gerrib.livejournal.com 2014-05-28 05:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, and that's the rub. I really only fly for vacation and ConQuest, so that's twice a year. Not sure the extra $50 / trip is worth it.

[identity profile] daveon.livejournal.com 2014-05-28 06:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah... it also works with the Canadian and Mexican border express lanes too. But as I'm currently flying more than once a month and AmEx pick up the cost for 5 years it's worth it.

Plus I get to skip the passport/visa controls at airports and use the machines now too, which since Seatac started putting Green Card holders through the Visitor line again is amazing.