A Cuban resident in Jacksonville shared a story on TikTok about her experience at the airport in her city while traveling to Cuba this December. Her account, filled with humor, describes how some seemingly harmless items caused confusion and even suspicion among the security agents.
Like many emigrated Cubans, Mauren Delgado (@mauren_delgado on TikTok) packed a variety of items in her suitcase for her family in Cuba, ranging from food to bicycle cameras, a special request from her stepfather. However, as her luggage passed through the scanner, the cameras triggered an unexpected alarm.
"The guy, with his little gloves, started picking up things one by one and scanning everything until he finally pulled out what he was really looking for, but I didn’t know. He took it out and asked me, 'What is this?'. It turned out to be some bicycle inner tubes because my stepfather had been looking for tires and tubes there for a while, and he had asked me to bring him some. The tubes are small, like a little ball. So he asked me what it was, and I couldn’t remember how to say bicycle tube. I explained that it goes inside the bicycle. He looked at it and said, 'Yes, yes, got it'. Then he added, 'This looks really bad on the screen'. I, being innocent, asked him why. He replied, 'It looks like a bomb'. At that moment, I noticed that people around were paying close attention. They thought I had entered the airport with a bomb and was about to cause a scene. He asked someone else nearby, 'Did you see how that looked on the computer?'. And she nodded," she recounted, surprised.
This was not the first time Mauren had issues at security control. On a previous trip, her luggage also piqued the curiosity of the officials. "Last time, I had about 15 bars of soap I bought at Dollar Tree because at that time, soap was scarce in Cuba. They took my suitcase over there, and I had to explain that I was bringing them to Cuba. If it were in Miami, it probably wouldn't attract as much attention because they're used to it, but in Jacksonville, it does," she recalled.
After confirming that there was no danger this time, the security agent suggested that she take the cameras out of her backpack before going through security in Miami, explaining the situation to avoid misunderstandings. Mauren followed the advice and was able to complete her journey to Cuba without further complications.
The story she shared on social media has not only sparked laughter among those who heard it but also prompted reflection on the peculiarities of traveling with luggage loaded with supplies for the island. "If at any point you plan to bring bicycle cameras to Cuba, keep this in mind," this Cuban concluded.
Frequently asked questions about the experiences of Cubans at airports and travel to Cuba
What other challenges do Cubans face when traveling with luggage loaded with supplies?
Cubans traveling to the island often face thorough checks at security controls, especially when carrying unusual items or large quantities, such as soaps or basic goods that are scarce in Cuba. These items can attract the attention of security agents, sometimes leading to additional inspections.
What is the main challenge when packing suitcases for a trip to Cuba?
The main challenge when packing for Cuba is to carry as many useful items as possible without exceeding the permitted weight and volume limits. Travelers often look for ways to optimize space and weight, such as removing products from their original packaging.
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