Beep!
March 11, 2008Imagine this scenario: After an hour of shuffling progress you find yourself at the airport security checkpoint stripped of all gadgets. You're just a shoeless, penniless traveler at the mercy of a fickle metal detector. Step forward please.
Beep.
Time to watch mommy -- who has been up for hours stuffing toys into suitcases and struggling to maneuver the oversized baby stroller -- start to get teary eyed.
But wait, there's more.
After the wand uncovers her secret stash of tranquilizers, she gets busted for the contraband breast milk in her carry-on bag.
Cue the meltdown.
Thanks to German toymaker Playmobil, parents who didn't suffer enough while they were actually at the airport, can sit and watch their children reenact the entire event with plastic figurines, whose faces -- unlike anything ever seen at an actual airport -- all glow with eerie, permanent smiles.
Loaded with a metal detector, X-ray machine, gun, suitcase, security wand, swivel chair, passenger, police officer, and security guard, Playmobil's Security Check Point toy set has all the necessities for those "aged 4 and up" to play through one of life's major annoyances.
Let the mayhem being
The description offered by Playmobil assures parents that "every single smuggler is caught at the security check-in." Only once they pass the "watchful eyes of the security staff" can they start on their "hard-earned vacation."
But what would happen if the wand and gun were to end up in the hands of an avenging traveler who sends the security guard feet first through the X-ray machine? Or if the police officer were to decide to go on a joy ride on the swivel chair and knock over the metal detector? Or if the security guard were to make off with the suitcase? Or if everyone were to start inappropriately frisking each other?
For those with a little imagination, the entertainment is endless.
Next up: Therapy Time, complete with patient, psychoanalyst, couch and notepad.