On pins and needles

In traveling, I have found it useful to use a string of safety pins and diaper pins in my travel purse to keep track of small items like keys and nail clippers and for many emergency uses.

On a March ’06 flight leaving Flores, Guatemala, where all hand luggage was hand inspected (no x-ray), the young woman pulled out the pins. Opening one, she poked her hand and shook her head “no.” She would not allow even small safety pins in my hand luggage!

In Guatemala City, another member of our group had her small sewing kit taken, not because of the safety pins or scissors but because it contained several needles.

RUTH K. PETERSON, Flint, MI