Being scrutinized by the T.S.A. as traveling photographers with carry on camera bag...
Jun 8, 2022 20:45:50 #
How many of you fellow traveling photographers; have experienced heavy screens; by the T.S.A. when traveling with your carry on camera bag?
This seems to be the norm for me..
Either coming or returning home...
At least once a trip this seems to happen...
I understand that the black bag could raise some suspicion...
All lenses are layed down as to not make the X-Ray scann bring suspension...
There's nothing sharp or unusual in the bag...
Although once I did have a small knife that I forgot was in there and they missed that all together...
But I have experienced a shake down even after my bag was X-Ray ed...
It is almost like I can count on this happening at least once every time I travel...
Just wanted to know if I was just unlucky... I really don't have anything to hide from them...
I even scored a "full security" .... "random test check" with a palm swab...
That was very unnerving...
I must have been the thousandth passenger... Lucky me...
I will never forget the looks from my wife and the other folks nearby...
This seems to be the norm for me..
Either coming or returning home...
At least once a trip this seems to happen...
I understand that the black bag could raise some suspicion...
All lenses are layed down as to not make the X-Ray scann bring suspension...
There's nothing sharp or unusual in the bag...
Although once I did have a small knife that I forgot was in there and they missed that all together...
But I have experienced a shake down even after my bag was X-Ray ed...
It is almost like I can count on this happening at least once every time I travel...
Just wanted to know if I was just unlucky... I really don't have anything to hide from them...
I even scored a "full security" .... "random test check" with a palm swab...
That was very unnerving...
I must have been the thousandth passenger... Lucky me...
I will never forget the looks from my wife and the other folks nearby...
Jun 8, 2022 20:55:48 #
You are not being uniquely picked on. You have a variety of gear that could easily be used to conceal contraband. Be happy they are trying to be thorough. Plan on it. Pack your bag so it is easy to unpack for TSA and then repack. Put collections of small items in zip locks.
Jun 8, 2022 20:58:01 #
Jun 8, 2022 20:58:22 #
Jun 8, 2022 21:03:01 #
I always carry a gym bag with my camera gear and medicines. Because of my artificial hip, I go through X-ray. The only time I was pulled out for extra screening was one time to swap a knee bandage.
Jun 8, 2022 21:10:16 #
Jun 8, 2022 21:42:40 #
nison777 wrote:
How many of you fellow traveling photographers; h... (show quote)
It last happened to me on our trip to Ecuador as i went through TSA at LAX. The agent took out each lens and both cameras to test for explosives. When he started to put things back i asked him if it would be OK for me to repack them and he was cordial and complied with my request.
Jun 8, 2022 21:47:48 #
nison777 wrote:
How many of you fellow traveling photographers; h... (show quote)
I have gone through the TSA screening a number of times with different bags and cameras. Only once did the screener ask if they could go through the bag. Took about 3 minutes and I was on my way. Never before or since in America or Europe.
Dennis
Jun 8, 2022 23:18:12 #
Once I forgot that I had a tiny Swiss Army 1" keychain pocketknife in my bag.
(OK, I always have it, usually in my pocket with my keys. I have had to surrender 2 of them at various times whenI forgot.)
They pulled me aside and said that they were trying out "new edge detection technology" and needed to go thru my bag to find it.
Out came camera, lenses, some extra clothes. They couldn't find the knife.
I told them it was too tiny to matter and offered to show them where it was and they yelled at me stand back and shut up!
They put it thru the scanning machine again, alarm went off again, everything out of bag again.
They did it all 3 times, never found the knife, and then just sent me thru the gate knife and all.
By then I had missed my flight, had to re-book the next day, and missed the first day of my assignment.
Another time, outside the security gate, 4 marshals with rifles came running after me and confiscated my disposable camera with all my vacation pics on it.
They said I had photographed their secure area.
I had taken a photo of a pretty sloop sailboat they had on display in front of the gate, I guess the secure area was in the background, maybe.
Either way, they had no right, but I wasn't going to argue with 4 rifles.
No, TSA does not make me feel safe at all.
(OK, I always have it, usually in my pocket with my keys. I have had to surrender 2 of them at various times whenI forgot.)
They pulled me aside and said that they were trying out "new edge detection technology" and needed to go thru my bag to find it.
Out came camera, lenses, some extra clothes. They couldn't find the knife.
I told them it was too tiny to matter and offered to show them where it was and they yelled at me stand back and shut up!
They put it thru the scanning machine again, alarm went off again, everything out of bag again.
They did it all 3 times, never found the knife, and then just sent me thru the gate knife and all.
By then I had missed my flight, had to re-book the next day, and missed the first day of my assignment.
Another time, outside the security gate, 4 marshals with rifles came running after me and confiscated my disposable camera with all my vacation pics on it.
They said I had photographed their secure area.
I had taken a photo of a pretty sloop sailboat they had on display in front of the gate, I guess the secure area was in the background, maybe.
Either way, they had no right, but I wasn't going to argue with 4 rifles.
No, TSA does not make me feel safe at all.
Jun 8, 2022 23:38:26 #
I usually fly from Indianapolis to Tampa Florida...
Might be a common drug route of sorts...
The Midwest to the South... And back again...
Might be a common drug route of sorts...
The Midwest to the South... And back again...
Jun 9, 2022 05:28:08 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
nison777 wrote:
How many of you fellow traveling photographers; h... (show quote)
I travel extensively, with a shi::load of equipment. Never a problem. Of course, I don't look like a threat, more like a grandfather.
Jun 9, 2022 06:09:32 #
billnikon wrote:
I travel extensively, with a shi::load of equipment. Never a problem. Of course, I don't look like a threat, more like a grandfather.
I agree, it has never happened to me.
Jun 9, 2022 06:24:24 #
Dalek wrote:
I agree, it has never happened to me.
I wonder if obtaining a “TSA pre-check” designation would help?
My husband + I recently applied. It lasts for 5 years, I believe. We had to go to a local center to apply in person and be fingerprinted on an iPad.
Can’t remember the cost was about $85-125. If you pay with credit card most major credit cards will refund you the entire cost.
Gets you through security w/o removing your shoes or taking your laptop out, for example.
Only snag I discovered: however TSA Pre-Check records your name for their records, you have to list that precisely when you make your reservation with various airlines (including the use of your middle initial).
~ Eileen
Jun 9, 2022 06:41:38 #
dennis2146 wrote:
I have gone through the TSA screening a number of times with different bags and cameras. Only once did the screener ask if they could go through the bag. Took about 3 minutes and I was on my way. Never before or since in America or Europe.
Dennis
Dennis
-----------------------------
Dennis...
My apology, I grabbed the wrong post for a response.
Correction is being made...
Cheers
Jun 9, 2022 06:47:51 #
goldstar46 wrote:
----------------------------- br br Dennis... br ... (show quote)
George for the life of me I can’t comprehend why you addressed your post to me. My post said I never had a problem. Love hearing from you but I am also retired LEO and corrections as well.
Have a great day.
Dennis
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