Frequent Flyer Miles...or Kilometers

Our plane getting ready to depart for the USA.

During my travels across land and sea to visit Australia, I've definitely racked up some frequent flyer miles (or kilometers if in Australia).

Airport security, rules and regulations were always something I had to be aware of, especially since I was detained in Melbourne upon our arrival.

Happy Anniversary Schaakes!
(It was 2-days long thanks to the International Date Line) 

While leaving the Cairns Airport my bag was initially scanned as containing a handgun. I was a bit confused as nothing in my book bag should have resembled a gun, but I guess the x-ray machine was having some trouble looking through all my junk.

At the next airport in Brisbane a similar affair happened when I was stopped again for what I believe was suspicion of carrying a bomb. The scanned image I saw revealed a lot of cords and wires, but all of those cords and wires led to nothing. They were for my computer, MP3 player, phone and other electronic devices. Luckily, after a second time through the x-ray machine I was given the okay to pass and I was on my way to the United States.

All the bags bared my name.

After those stops in the Australian airports I had no more problems on my way back to Kansas. However, when I opened my smaller checked bag I was greeted by a note from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and a broken luggage lock. For some reason my luggage was picked for a random bag check. The bag that was selected contained nothing but clothes, so TSA wasted their time and broke my lock, which they will not replace. Thanks a lot TSA.

Something else I found interesting was during our flights with Qantas all of the bags bared my last name on the tags. I guess it something to do with "Bechtel" coming first in the alphabet.

The view while leaving Cairns was awesome.

After traveling well more than 20,000 miles or approximately 33,000 km in air, I'm back in the Sunflower State reflecting on my trip to Australia.

Until next time, happy trails!