Traveling isn’t really my vibe. So when I do travel, it’s all about winging it, just strolling around the hotel’s neighborhood. For me, a trip isn’t much different from a casual walk around the block. The real moment it hits me that I’m traveling is during the journey itself. Taking off in a plane, then landing with a buzz of immigration or roaming messages makes me go, ‘Oh, the adventure begins!’ ✈️
Decided to head to Jeju Island over the holidays. It’s been ages since I last traveled or flew. The weather was perfect that day. I packed light, just the essentials in a backpack. Once, on a European trip, I only took a few t-shirts and undies and it was all good. Going somewhere warm means less luggage, and I love it. With tees and undies at the bottom, I stuffed in my laptop, books, iPad, e-reader, and camera. The backpack puffed up quickly. After a shower, I added my toothbrush, lotion, shampoo, and razor, struggling to close it. Thought about ditching a tee, but managed to fit everything. 🎒
Double-checked mentally to see if I forgot anything. Everything was ready except the charger. But hey, I didn’t forget it; I’m obsessed with charging! I must’ve slipped it in before heading out. I finished packing by adding a multi-charger for ten devices from my desk. 🔌
At the airport, just as I was about to enter the gate, they asked for an ID. Of course, I had my charger but not my ID. Totally didn’t think I’d need it for a domestic flight. Last time to Jeju, I flew without one (I think). Never needed it on a drive from Seoul to Gwangju either. Jeju didn’t suddenly become independent, right? Maybe the laws changed due to COVID? Doesn’t matter. When in Rome, follow Roman laws. 🤷🏻♂️
Checking my watch, there wasn’t enough time to run back home. Gotta stay cool. ‘Find a solution,’ I told myself. Then I remembered I’d scanned my passport and ID on my cloud drive. Logged in quickly, found the files thanks to my organized tagging. Who knew I’d be so prepared? (I didn’t.) Downloaded the ID file, showed it to the gate officer, who barely glanced at it and said, ‘Nope, not valid.’ When I asked what was, I realized my blunder. 😅
‘An actual ID,’ he replied.
I would’ve said the same. Feeling small, I politely asked for alternatives. The officer whispered, as if on a treasure hunt show, ‘Ask the airline staff below.’ Why not say it outright? Anyway, I dashed to the airline desk, fearing I’d feel utterly useless if I missed this flight. Carnegie said self-pity leads to rejection. Couldn’t let an ID be the reason. I lined up behind others dropping off luggage. 💼
Finally, my turn. She looked at me, expecting luggage, but I signaled no. We had a moment of understanding. She told me to get a resident registration copy from the kiosk behind. When I asked how she knew, she sighed, ‘It happens over ten times a day.’ Ignoring her judgment, I headed to the kiosk. 🤦🏻♂️
The print was free. Our country rocks! I wondered how the machine would verify me; it used fingerprint recognition. Turns out, giving all ten fingerprints to the government at adulthood had a reason! But the process was tricky. After five failed attempts, I noticed four others in line. They must’ve been in a rush too. Imagining the last person missing their flight because of me made me sweat. I focused back on solving my dilemma. 💡
Do fingerprints change as we grow? If so, fingerprint databases would be pointless. Should I announce this? My experience could redefine forensic evidence globally. Countries might erase fingerprint data, re-evaluate judgments based on them. Crime labs might stop fingerprinting crime scenes. Companies making fingerprint dust would face bankruptcy. Chaos! Maybe I shouldn’t go to Jeju for everyone’s sake. Just as I pondered, a man behind suggested, ‘Use your thumb.’
Acting like I knew, I placed my thumb on the scanner, as if I hadn’t tried my index before. Why did I scan ten fingers if the system only needed one? But the verification finally worked, so I let that slide. 👍🏻
The airline staff put a wristband on me, confirming my identity, like an amusement park pass. Ready to go, I faced the gate officer again. He checked my pass and stepped aside, signaling I could enter. As I passed, I turned and said, ‘This process lacks facial verification, doesn’t it? An accomplice could prep everything for someone else to board.’
He didn’t respond.
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