Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

I’ve traveled to Colorado and back in the past five days. As only the latest in a long line of trips we’ve taken this year, I’ve observed much in our nation’s airports.

First, there is no consistency in the security process, even though there is supposed to be a national organization handling this issue. In South Bend, Indiana, the TSA employees are fixated on shoes and cell phones. They want you to divest yourself of both. Yet, in Denver, Colorado, the issues are belts and computers.

So, as a conscientious traveler, I am confused about what I should and should not bring on a trip. I know there is a posted list of the no-no’s at most airports, but by then it is too late to revamp my luggage contents.

Denver has the most strict surveillance system of those airports I’ve gone through. If you hope to ski in Aspen or Vail this winter, plan on allowing extra time when flying home.

Crochet hooks are currently allowed; screwdrivers that repair eyeglasses are suspect and can get you investigated; real screwdrivers, hammers, and hairdryers — yes, hairdryers — require relinquishment or at least an explanation on the part of the traveler.

Coming home from Colorado, I was behind a young man who had a lot of items for the magnetometer. He opened his computer, moved his cell phone from pocket to bin, added his personal data assistant, pulled two hard candies from his pocket, and removed his shoes before entering the magnetometer. But the darn thing still went off.

When asked to pull out his pockets for inspection, he revealed a tin of chewing tobacco that had made the machine blink red. Tobacco itself isn’t on the forbidden list, but the tin certainly was.

I’m glad I don’t chew.