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Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-08-04 19:11, Seismic wrote: Yep! Really happened to me. Last year, leaving MacWorld in NYC, flying out of Laguardia. I have a lunch box, which was in my camera bag (the one I use to carry my props) that has a radiation warning sticker on it and a biohazard warning on it. I had cleared it in advance with airport security, but the guys at the gate evidently missed the memo or something, even when I showed it to them. The National Guardsman, seeing the security types gathering around me, decided that there as a problem and I wound up with an M-16 up my nose until the supervisor got there. Once they opened the box and saw that it contained 2 decks of playing cards, 6 half dollar coins in a little bag, 4 sponge balls, a small golf ball, a handkerchief and a roll of Rolaids, they lightened up a little. Then, one of them got the bright idea to check my business card. I wound up having to do 10 minutes to PROVE that I am a magician! Needless to say, I no longer carry that lunchbox on gigs I fly to. Then they decided that my shoes had some sort of metal inserts in them and X-rayed them as well, just to be certain. So be careful out there. And don't believe everything that the Security staff tells you on the phone. Lee Darrow, C.Ht.
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
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Lithix Regular user Tempe, AZ 168 Posts |
I think that nail clippers could possibly be used to sever wire connections for vital functions of the plane - or communications perhaps. Assuming you had access to the right wiring.
Also, most nail clippers come equipped with a metal file that could be used to sharpen something into a weapon - like a broken peice of plastic. You could make a knife in a relatively short period of time. |
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Pete Biro 1933 - 2018 18558 Posts |
I had a blank gun and a switchblade knife in my CHECKED bag... and was told to "declare" these before hand... which I did (in Portland, OR). So, they put it through x-ray, then opened the case (my stand up comedy magic act) and started to take everything out and lay it on a long table... I had some expensive "one-of-a-kind" props that are fragile and when I asked if they would let me re-pack, that set off their brains... it was the inspection from Hell.
I had four C0-2 cartridges and they took two, saying "you are only allowed 2" (I use one each show and if I had more than two shows what do do? -- I ship ahead?) Anyway, there is a website to keep up with the latest rules. The one important item, if you carry a blank gun and it is in checked baggage it ALSO MUST BE IN A LOCKED CASE. And you declare it at the check in counter and fill out a form. I could go on but my arms are tired, I just flew in from FISM and Prague vacation. No problems other than delayed flights due to weather... I was nervous though having two spoons in my bag and a smoking thumb gimmick.
STAY TOONED... @ www.pete-biro.com
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Chris Berry Special user 831 Posts |
Thanks for the advice guys! I will be flying out of LAX to Orlando later on this year and I do plan on taking some magic with me. Probably just a couple coin purses and some cards.
I have heard horror stories from bringing Rocky on board! I guess this rules out my Bullet Catch trick! (j/k!) Chris |
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20Robert04 Regular user Midland, MI 152 Posts |
They might start checking our decks too. I just read that they think some decks could have a metal sharp edge and be used for throwing.
When will this madness stop. |
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Michaels Elite user 412 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-08-07 08:00, 20Robert04 wrote: One year ago security went through every one of my decks at Ft Lauderdale Intern. Now I know why. Thanks for the answer Robert!
"Our technology is ahead of our humanity"
Albert Einstein |
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Chris Berry Special user 831 Posts |
Isn't it scary that security checks our bags and stuff, yet they don't check our wallets?
Very easy to carry a glimmer card. Chris |
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Jim Davis Special user What is....? Utah 945 Posts |
For 12 years I have worked corprate security for a major airline, (I will not say who) and have had to take on my share of issues. (Remember that I'm the last step prior to the FBI)
There are a few things that should never be flown with, flash paper, flash cotton or any other combustible divice is a major no-no. Not because of the threat of a weapon, but just the fact that a fire at 40,000 feet is virtually impossible to put out. Any container that has ever had combustible material also should not be flown with. I say this because at elevation gasses can sublimate much faster. An small regional outfit in Hawaii found this out the hard way. Containers that had stored kerosine had been loaded onto a small 6 seat aircraft. They were comletely empty. About 15 minutes out the pilot nearly passed out because the fumes had become so strong. Compressed gasses like C02 are another issue in my mind. I removed a paintball gas can from a teenager about a year ago. The can was allready bulging from his outbound trip. Allthough the gas was inert and would not cause a fire if it were to rupture, if it were against the aircraft skin (which is only milimeters thick) is could cause a catostophic decompression of the aircraft. Forcing you to land in some other city than desired and probably missing your show. The bottom line is, the governments security is not perfect, and will never be. It is only a deterent, and we as citizens must be prudent in our actions. I agree that some things seem outragous, but I promise noone intends to tell granny that her 14 inch knitting needles are being confiscated because she's a terrorist. But who might be sitting next to her? Trust me when I say there are plenty of loopy folks who fly and they are as much as a threat to your safety as any Mohammed Atta. My advice to you all is simple, comply with requests, answer questions openly and without humor, and be on you best behavior. I can't believe that I even have to say this, but I have dealt with adults who have worse manners than my four year old son.
Diamond Jim Davis "The Cardslinger" ~~~ Magic from the '80's....................the 1880's!
<BR><BR> <BR><BR>Don't just be a magician, be a human interest! <BR><BR> <BR><BR>[url]www.periodplayers.com[/ur |
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Lee Darrow V.I.P. Chicago, IL USA 3588 Posts |
Diamond Jim has the right of it. Rule One in dealing with airport security is COOPERATE in a friendly, honest and open manner. Do NOT screw around with them!
These guys get plenty of guff from run-of-the-mill idiots. Magicians can be really off-putting if they decide to cop an attitude. Remember, people, these folks can cause you MAJOR grief, including jail time, fines in the tens of thousands of dollar ranges and even force a body cavity search, should they deem it necessary (at last look at the regs.). The LAST person you want to ***** off is the person who is going to do a body cavity search. Doing that is as bad as ticking off your dentist. You will experience a new definition of pain AND humiliation - trust me. If it goes "bang, pop, flash" or uses compressed gas - leave it at home or ship it separately. It's just plain safer. I learned my lesson the hard way (without the cavity search, thank you very much!). Don't repeat my mistake. Although I DID check with Airport Security before ever going through and was told everything was okay, the guys at the checkpoint must have missed the memo or something. NEVER trust what they tell you ahead of time. LOOK at your props and ask yourself - could this doohickey POSSIBLY be dangerous in ANY way that's remotely obvious, including someone snatching it from you and using it for a purpose that it was not intended for (like the knitting needles)? If the answer is "yes," then either pack it, leave it behind or ship it separately. Trust me on this. A 5.56mm (standard round in an M-16)nose job simply is not worth it. Lee Darrow, C.Ht.
http://www.leedarrow.com
<BR>"Because NICE Matters!" |
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Frank Tougas Inner circle Minneapolis, MN 1712 Posts |
Decks of cards is a new one on me. Let's just hope security never gets to see a copy of Ricky Jay's book, Cards as Weapons!
Hey Jim, I was in Security for ten years myself. I wrote training programs. Hmmm, both former security, both magicians, let's hope they don't find out we both work here, who knows what they would think about that.
Frank Tougas The Twin Cities Most "Kid Experienced" Children's Performer :"Creating Positive Memories...One Smile at a Time"
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Undone New user Connecticut 54 Posts |
Here is a link to the list of "Permitted & Prohibited Items" put out by the Transportation Security Administration: http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=12
While I wouldn't try to make a case for an item being permitted based on this list, it's a good place to see if something is definitely prohibited. Undone |
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RandyStewart Inner circle Texas (USA) 1989 Posts |
I would think you'd be OK with those items. Heck some of them even look like normal everyday items.
On similar note, I was travelling through Brownsville, TX airport on my way back from Mexico. I acquired a new crucifix collection most made of copper, silver, and wood/steel combinations. Well as soon as that thing hit the X-ray machine the fun began. Asked to open them, they looked at me rather strange. I assured them I had receipts and one certificate of authenticity to prove they were rightfully mine. Some advice here, never give more information than necessary. The concern and question at this point was can these large crucifixes be used as a weapon? I was not happy at the idea of confiscation. They had their fun with me and proceeded to examine the items. Thanks for the link above member "Undone". The quoted rule at TSA/Transportation: "Items that are voluntarily abandoned cannot be recovered and will not be returned to you." Believe me I was reminded of that and not happy to hear it as I spent much time shopping for them and a little $. Why would I abandon the items you ask? I was nudingly reminded it would spare everyone legalities to include jail time. The entire collection was removed from case, each unwrapped, and inspected as if they would eventually find a swivel piece exposing some contraband. Finally made it through to do it all over again at DFW airport! |
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Jim Davis Special user What is....? Utah 945 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-08-07 08:00, 20Robert04 wrote: If you had a shimmed card, that would appear on an x-ray, and, I would add, look rather suspicious. Also any deck that has been altered in anyway, would also look different. Again, I would just check your bag, it is insured by any domestic airline up to $2500.00. If you are traveling international, it is only $640.00, so you may wish to purchase additional insurance.
Diamond Jim Davis "The Cardslinger" ~~~ Magic from the '80's....................the 1880's!
<BR><BR> <BR><BR>Don't just be a magician, be a human interest! <BR><BR> <BR><BR>[url]www.periodplayers.com[/ur |
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Chris Berry Special user 831 Posts |
One more question for those of you that have been recently traveling...
How many carry-on bags do they allow now? I hate the hassle of checking my bags. I just have a duffle bag and a backpack. If I MUST check my duffle bag I will, but I prefer to just take it as a carry-on. Do they still allow 2 carry-ons? Chris |
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Undone New user Connecticut 54 Posts |
Two carry-ons is what I found was allowed on my last flight (and meets the specifications for my upcoming one), but many airports now have the x-ray machine set up to only allow the correct size bag to pass through. If not they will probably have a basket at the start of the jet walk to limit the size of carry ons. Of course I still see many people with oversized carry on bags make it through, but don't count on it.
-Undone |
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Chris Berry Special user 831 Posts |
Thanks Undone.
My duffle bag is pretty small. and my backpack is well...a backpack! Thanks again. I just hate the thought of losing luggage. I've heard many horror stories. Chris |
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Jim Davis Special user What is....? Utah 945 Posts |
The rule is (defined by the TSA): One carry on, and one small personal item (ie. laptop, reading material, male or female purse). Unfortunatly a backpack is up to opinion. You may be asked to check it.
Diamond Jim Davis "The Cardslinger" ~~~ Magic from the '80's....................the 1880's!
<BR><BR> <BR><BR>Don't just be a magician, be a human interest! <BR><BR> <BR><BR>[url]www.periodplayers.com[/ur |
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Chris Berry Special user 831 Posts |
Thanks for the info Jim. If I must check a bag then it will be my duffle bag. Backpack will have the magic equipment as well as CDs and CD player, etc.
I am kind of nervous about flying, not about terror attacks or anything, but about the whole getting through security! Chris |
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Matt Ferro Regular user Minnesota 128 Posts |
I went on the plane and thanks to your help, I didn't get stopped! thanks again.
Don't practice till you can do it right, Practice till you can't do it wrong...
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MJ Marrs Inner circle Los Angeles 1124 Posts |
I'll bet that airport security folks are getting a pretty good education on the different types of gaffs, gimmicks, trick coins, secret pockets, fake wallets, and other magical secrets.
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