Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/03/09
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi Larry-- I would agree with Ted. Everything I've read says the security arrangements are really up to the local security. And they RULE. Pushing them very hard can land you in big trouble. You may have two hours extra -- do you have a day or two if you're arrested? Me? I wear a big smile. I carry my film in a clear ziplock bag. The 3200Tmax is clearly visible. I have everything in my carry-on bags that I put thru the machine--cellphone, keys, change, etc. The only thing they see is me and my bag. I'm extremely friendly, say "yes, sir", "no, sir", etc. And it's worked. But. BUT at all times I realize that somebody may say that the film "has to go in the machine" and at that point I say, "yes, sir -- you have your job to do." There are few options. I've heard wild stories about photographers having the local FAA field office telephone number in their cellphone so they can call them. Right. My feeling is that I want to make it as easy as possible for the NEXT photographer going thru. I do not want to leave a bad taste in the mouth of the inspectors in regards to photographers. Your behavior probably made it twice as hard for the next photographers going thru that check point. Photographers tend to think they're important travelers and that heaven and earth should move because they have FILM. Think about it. Who really cares? Big deal. You have FILM. I'm telling you nobody gives a hoot in hell. And after September 11th I don't blame them. John Fulton Fort Worth > >Larry Fuller wrote: >>>> I flew Burbank to Cleveland about a month ago, and insisted on a hand >> check. They were stalling and uncooperative, but I was two hours early >> so I decided to demand a supervisor and stand there in the way until >> they did. They made me stand on the 'circle' and do the whole 'routine' >> (take off shoes, belt, sweater, etc.), and took their time, but I didn't >> mind. I had a couple rolls of 200, two of 400 and a couple 800. I told >> them I was in no hurry and that I understood. I think that ticked them >> off, as they were trying to make it so I would give in and not insist on >> the hand check. I guess it depends on the mood of the inspectors and how >> defiant you are willing to be.<<<<<< > >Hi Larry, >Well ol buddy there are a few airports in the world where you don't want to >pull that trick because they'll just leave you sitting there until you see >your flight rotating off the runway. > >Try Heathrow in London UK for one. And I'd bet you could run into some mean >assed supervisors in the USA who'd let you sit there until hell freezes over >or you've peed your pants, certainly after 9/11. > >This standing tough at airport security gates and demanding hand check of >film is just a big crock! Hand baggage scanners will not do anything to your >film..............PERIOD! NADA, NOTHING, ZILCH! So why have the world think >you are some kind of jerk demanding a hand check and supervisor attention >etc for absolutely what? > >So you can show them you've got two hours to kill by being a pain in the ass >to everybody. Big deal, next time just throw the film down and walk through >and pick it up.. > >It's people like you doing the tough ass act that make it tough for the rest >of us flying photographers who make a living at taking pictures. And that >may well be your case also, but hey man why make it tough for everybody when >a small touch of common sense could make life real easy for everybody. > >And you created all that fuss over a lousy half dozen rolls of film? > >>>I had a couple rolls of 200, two of 400 and a couple 800. <<<< > >Jeeeeeeeeeeeeesh! Have a nice flight. >ted >Ted Grant Photography Limited >www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html