Being scrutinized by the T.S.A. as traveling photographers with carry on camera bag.. (Page 4): Sometimes precheck works and sometime it doesn't. In Newark one time I was passed...

sroc

Gspeed wrote:

I wonder if obtaining a “TSA pre-check” designatio... (show quote)

Sometimes precheck works and sometime it doesn't. In Newark one time I was passed through with no problem. The next time through Newark I was scolded for not taking my photo gear out of the bag and placing them in a tray. European airports are about 50/50 as to whether they check or not.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

nison777 wrote:

How many of you fellow traveling photographers; h... (show quote)

You just are going through what has become the norm and random checks of all sorts. I was traveling both with and without a camera bag and was given the same checks. And on the same trips it was bag on the belt and through the metal detector and on to the plane at the other end of the trips.

Sorry about your unfortunate luck.

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

I worked in corrections for 20+ years, all prior to 9/11. My most difficult time with security at an airport was while escorting an inmate to a medical center for treatment. We had a short layover enroute and circumstances required we change gates and go through security again. As I was in charge of the inmate, who was on crutches, I carried a pair of handcuffs, just in case. The security guard said I could not have them and intended to confiscate them. At that, I did balk and told him they were federal property, I was a Federal Correctional Officer, showing him my ID, and he would NOT confiscate the cuffs. We had a relatively quiet conversation during which I emphatically told him he could call my employing institution and explain why he wanted the handcuffs. He finally acquiesced and allowed me to continue with the cuffs and the prisoner.

Mustanger Loc: Grants Pass, Oregon USA

I used to fly a LOT for business but since I retired I dislike the treatment so much that I refuse to fly ever again...there is no where in the USA that I will go that I can't drive! I love to see the country & be on MY schedule now! LOL...just call me old! I flew when the customer was king & treated like royalty! Never again the good Lord willing!

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

My worst experience was when I took my old Minolta TLR film camera with me on an overseas flight. The TSA officers weren't sure what to make of it and after multiple scanning and poking, eventually called over a supervisor to inspect it and ensure that it was indeed just a harmless camera. I wasn't really worried about missing the flight as I had plenty of time, but I was somewhat concerned that they may confiscate my beloved camera.

Sendai5355 Loc: On the banks of the Pedernales River, Texas

Between 2016 and 2019, I made 4 roundtrips to SE Asia via Japan. I carried 3 cameras, 2 cellphones, a laptop and a tablet in my carry-on. Never was subjected to a search other than placing laptop and tablet in basket and the standard removal of shoes and belt.

tcthome Loc: NJ

PHRubin wrote:

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.

Ha! didn't think of that. Haven't traveled since my hip replacement.

GrannyAnnie

They don't care a whit about my camera equipment but my hip and knee replacements seem to fascinate them.....every single time!!

Mr Bill 2011 Loc: southern Indiana

I haven't flown since I retired 17 years ago, and I haven't missed it at all. After reading about all the hassles other people have had over the years, I doubt I will ever fly again unless I absolutely have to. I always preferred to drive anyway because I could carry extra "stuff," and can stop and go when and where I want to.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Mr Bill 2011 wrote:

I haven't flown since I retired 17 years ago, and I haven't missed it at all. After reading about all the hassles other people have had over the years, I doubt I will ever fly again unless I absolutely have to. I always preferred to drive anyway because I could carry extra "stuff," and can stop and go when and where I want to.

I love being in airplanes. I had a job with an air express company in the 1990s which allowed me to ride in the cockpit jump seat. That's an experience almost without parallel for an aviational "layman." Probably not so much for someone who has to do it routinely.

But like a few others, I've flown very little since 2002, and not at all in the last 10 or 12 years. As food safety manager in my plant, I had to learn quite a bit about the security process and what it can and cannot actually accomplish in real life. The short version is that there are absolutely no guarantees. So I will not subject myself to the indignities of a largely illusory security system.

Driving works just as well for the places I want to go, and I've also taken a couple of train trips. As far as flying, you are welcome to have my seat.

tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

Having a TSA Known Traveler # has saved me from some of the situations others have experienced. It did cost some money but imho, money well spent. I cannot say it will prevent a search of the camera bag but I think it does help with security check points.

izziadog

Once....and the TSA would NOT let me repack and just threw my gear back into the bag....I gave him a huge stink-eye with a real sarcastic 'really?'. It was abusive...

James May

I've gone thru with my hard case which is exactly like a pecian case on wheels and I just put it on the conveyor belt it goes thru the x-ray machine and never had a problem. They can open it if they want to but, never had a problem.
I got my hard case at Harbor Freight for $80.00 and works great.

Paladin48 Loc: Orlando

Mustanger wrote:

I used to fly a LOT for business but since I retired I dislike the treatment so much that I refuse to fly ever again...there is no where in the USA that I will go that I can't drive! I love to see the country & be on MY schedule now! LOL...just call me old! I flew when the customer was king & treated like royalty! Never again the good Lord willing!

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

izziadog wrote:

Once....and the TSA would NOT let me repack and just threw my gear back into the bag....I gave him a huge stink-eye with a real sarcastic 'really?'. It was abusive...

Depending on when it happened, that abusive feeling could have been very intentional. One of the informal goals of the whole program was to retrain the travelling public to quit bringing "everything plus the kitchen sink" on their travels. It really hasn't worked.