“We Were Just Waiting, Clueless”: Indian Influencer Shruti Chaturvedi Shares Harrowing Airport Ordeal in Alaska

Indian influencer and entrepreneur Shruti Chaturvedi recently opened up about a baffling and stressful experience at Anchorage International Airport in Alaska. What started as a routine security check quickly spiralled into an eight-hour ordeal.

The Power Bank That Sparked Panic

It all began when Shruti’s friend Shilpa had her carry-on bag flagged during screening. The issue? A power bank, something most travellers carry without a second thought. But at this airport, it set off major alarms. Before they knew it, the anti-bomb squad had been called in, and Shilpa was taken away for questioning, no explanation, no clear communication.

From Concerned Companion to Detainee

Worried and confused, Shruti tried to find out what was going on. But instead of getting answers, she found herself in trouble, too. She was detained when she told the officers they were travelling together.

Eight Hours of Silence, Stress, and Separation

What followed was a long and unsettling wait. The two friends were kept in separate rooms, in the dark about what was happening. There were no updates, no apparent reason for their detention, and no access to basic things like calling family or even using the restroom freely.

A Deeply Uncomfortable Search

Shruti later shared that during this time, she was searched by a male officer without a female officer present, which left her intensely uncomfortable. After eight hours of silence, stress, and waiting, both women were finally released. Still, no charges were filed, and their luggage remained with the airport authorities.

Bigger Questions That Need Answers

The whole episode left many unanswered questions. Why was a routine item like a power bank treated as a significant threat? Why was there so little communication? And why were two women held for hours without any explanation?

A Story That Resonates Beyond One Incident

Shruti Chaturvedi’s story has caught attention online, not just because of the bizarre nature of the incident but also because it says something about how international travellers, especially women and people of colour, are sometimes treated. It’s sparked important conversations around airport protocols, accountability, and the need for a more humane approach to security checks.