Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/11/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Maybe I'm lucky, but I must compliment the airport screeners I've seen villified here and in other places. Just completed a journey that involved multiple passes through O'Hare (Chicago), Tokyo (Narita), Shanghai (Pu Dong & the old, internal airport) and Xi'an. Had one camera around my neck at every airport and -- coming and going -- I was offered hand inspections without asking. And, yes, some of these checkpoints were busy. Very busy. On one pass through Tokyo, where changing terminals required an additional inspection, even the in-between security folks offered to hand inspect my film (which I'd packed in shielded containers, just in case) before I could ask. At a different checkpoint on this trek, a screener told me his father's prized possession was a Leica camera; he handled the gear in my bag more gently than I do. Like I said at the start, maybe I'm lucky. But the truth is since my travel increased substantially this year security folks have been cooperative and nice on the rare occasions I've had to ask for hand inspections. Some have been curious about the cameras (Ms & lenses), moving a bit more slowly when traffic was light and they had time to look. Had a film use discussion with a screener in Tulsa, Oklahoma, when I was returning home with some high-speed stuff (Neopan 1600) I'd not had processed there, and a digital chat at another airport on a different trip. Have tried to think what I'm doing differently than folks whose tribulations I've read about. Can't come up with anything. Unless maybe the Ms simply arouse some curiosity. When security people see me with a camera they usually offer the hand inspection. I mind my manners, say thank you and make sure they know I apppreciate their time, courtesy and personal service. Happy, safe travels. Greg Rubenstein