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Want to ignore airport security rules? Become a celebrity!



Airport security took a bit of blow this week when Britney Spears passed through LAX security carrying... a Big Gulp! I'm not a big fan of paparazzi (or Britney Spears for that matter), but the underlying story is interesting enough to deserve a closer look.

When Britney passed through the checkpoint, she was carrying her Big Gulp, something you and I would be told to throw away. Apparently being a famous singer gets you a special waiver, because none of the TSA staff told her to dump it.

Initially, there was some outrage from TSA opponents, as a drink like that is not permitted. TSA blogger "Bob" was quick to defend the TSA agents by pointing out that there were only ice chips in the cup, and that as long as the cup is put through the x-ray, ice chips are permitted.

As far as the TSA was concerned, that was end of the story. This is where the paparazzi come in handy, because they filmed Britney clearly carrying the cup through the checkpoint, without it ever passing through the x-ray equipment.

So, next time you don't want to spend $6 on an airport drink, just put on a Britney Spears mask or find yourself a career in entertainment, it'll make your trips to the airport so much easier.

Filed under: Airports

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EPISODE 5 OF TRAVEL TALK TV...
* features a Santa Cruz beach adventure;
* explains why Scottish money is no good;
* and shows how to cook brats the German way!

ASK A FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Q. What's the etiquette for switching to an open seat? Should I ask the flight attendant first?
A. Go for it! Switch seats, but be aware of the 3 reasons flight attendants won't allow you to switch seats in flight.


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