The airline agent in Grand Rapids was apologetic, but there was nothing she could do. My bags were in Chicago and wouldn't arrive until after midnight. The airlines, I learned, won't take any responsibility for delayed luggage beyond offering an emergency toiletries kit, which, of course, includes little of use to the fairer sex.
Meanwhile, I was due at a dinner that evening with fellow participants for a conference that would take place the following day. I had no choice but to head for the nearest department store to replenish my makeup supply. I suppose I could have gone to a drug store and spent considerably less, but some $200 later, I finally felt prepared to face the public.
TSA's new rules will save me such trouble in the future -- that is until they change the rules once again. The most frustrating part of living in this new environment is that we can never be sure that inconveniencing millions of passengers will keep us any safer from fanatics bent on blowing themselves up in order to kill us. Since we're not allowed to profile, we subject everyone to intrusive procedures that must constantly change as we develop new information about terrorist plots.
I'm glad I'll be able to bring lipstick and foundation with me when I fly later this week, but I wish I had more confidence that we've finally gotten the rules right.