[CQ-Contest] Bencher Paddles & Customs/TSA

[kd4d at comcast.net]

I had a similar experience with BWI.  I finally managed to get them
to accept the paddles but have started checking them (and taking
the risk of losing them of course as a result).  This was several years
ago...

It's great that there is a predictable, well-defined process and that
you can determine what items are allowed and prohibited before
arriving at the airport.   

The Jones paddles I use are no longer manufactured.  By the time you 
are at security you can't check things.

This isn't improved screening, it's just arbitrary and random
decisions...

73,

Mark, KD4D

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Chris Hurlbut <c_hurlbut at adelphia.net>
> Well... it's not always a big deal.
> 
> I flew from Pullman, WA once out east to do a contest.  The security 
> guys at the little Pullman airport are notoriously picky.  I had my 
> W9WBL V22 in my carry on, and they checked it.  No big deal, easy.  Well 
> they got all bent out of shape and didn't believe me.  They didn't allow 
> it because it was "questionable" and it was heavy enough that it could 
> be used as a weapon if I threw it.  My options were to either leave it 
> there and have them throw it away, or have someone pick it up right now. 
> 
> I argued as long as I could, and they finally won.  Luckily I managed to 
> find someone who was still in town that would pick it up for me at the 
> airport. 
> 
> I think that was the last time I flew out of Pullman. 
> 
> Maybe I just look kind of shady? 
> 
> -Chris KL9A
> 
> 
> Steve London wrote:
> > I always take my Bencher paddle carry-on to prevent damage, and yes,
> > security people always ask questions.  So what ?  They ask what it is.  I
> > tell them it's for sending Morse Code. Sometimes they swab it.  Sometimes
> > they don't. Then they let me go.  Never takes more than 2 or 3 minutes.
> > What's the big deal ?
> >
> > On my recent trip to WRTC-2006 in Brasil, I took all cables, adapters,
> > accessories, paddles, etc. in a single carry-on bag.  It was totally stuffed
> > with bizarre looking stuff.  Except for DFW, getting through security never
> > took more than 3 minutes.  DFW took about 10 minutes of swabbing.  No big
> > deal.  I feel better that they actually are seriously checking funny-looking
> > items.
> >
> > 73,
> > Steve, N2IC
> >
> > On 8/15/06, Jimk8mr at aol.com <Jimk8mr at aol.com> wrote:
> >   
> >> The multiple reports of Bencher paddles being examined by customs and
> >> security people is no surprise to me.  I had one attract the interest
> >> of  customs
> >> inspectors at the Toronto airport back in about 1980.
> >>
> >> However, if you are still lugging a Bencher around the world, I'd
> >> recommend
> >> you look into a K9LU Bulldog paddle.  I began using one for
> >> mobile  contesting
> >> a few years ago, to avoid the potential problems of a Bencher
> >> flying  around
> >> in case of an accident.  It is much smaller, lighter, and for use as  an
> >> auxiliary way of sending CW where a computer does most of the work, it
> >> does  just
> >> fine.  It weighs a couple of ounces, and packs quite nicely into
> >> a  generic
> >> prescription drug container.  In that packaging it won't fool an  X-ray
> >> machine
> >> but would probably not attract attention of human screeners.
> >>
> >> I use the version with a magnetic base.  There is also one with a  suction
> >> base. That may be somewhat larger, but is still far smaller and
> >> lighter  than a
> >> Bencher.
> >>
> >> I highly recommend the Bulldog paddle for traveling.
> >>
> >> 73  -  Jim  K8MR
> >> _______________________________________________
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> >>
> >>     
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> >   
> 
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