The TSA Will Not Confiscate This Compliant Cupcake
Back in December, we posted about a story that had virally spread across the internet- the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) sparked massive outcry by cruelly confiscating a cupcake, depriving the owner of her constitutionally-protected right to enjoy the jarred treat either on the flight or after arriving at her destination.
Although many Americans expressed skepticism that a cupcake posed a national security threat, the TSA stood firmly behind the decision to confiscate the potentially deadly, creamy and delicious treat. In a blog post- yes, the TSA has a blog- the agency defended their actions. Arguing that not only was the cupcake not a cupcake, but if you had a bomb, wouldn’t to disguise it as a cupcake?- the agency countered:
“I wanted to make it clear that this wasn’t your everyday, run-of-the-mill cupcake… We have a policy… that limits the amount of liquids, gels and aerosols you can bring in your carry-on luggage. Icing falls under the “gel” category… When you think about it, do you think an explosive would be concealed in an ominous item that would draw attention, or something as simple as a cute cupcake jar?”
The agency added, “do you know who ELSE tried to sneak cupcakes onto planes?” (No, not really, but that would totally be funny.) Anyway, in response, Rhode Island’s Silver Spoon bakery has gone the extra mile to ensure no cupcake-loving American need be separated from their cupcake by perhaps-overzealous TSA agents again. Owner Kelly Colgan came up with a line-towing confection topped with exactly three ounces of icing, not gel, in a clear, quart-sized, zip-top plastic bag.
Amusing, the cake-let is topped with a retro image of Richard Nixon and the phrase “I am not a GEL!” It also comes with a mock-ticket, destination Los Vegas’ McCarren Airport- the site of the original cupcake gate. And the originally-targeted cupcake in a jar- from Wicked Good Cupcakes– has been renamed National (Security) Velvet in honor of the scandal. Do you think cupcakes pose a national security threat?
