All -

The requirements for baggage security have changed substantially, and have
become much more strict since the start of the Iraq conflict. I fly every
week, and usually twice a week, with an annual average of 300,000 air miles,
so I see just about every change. Baggage must now be unlocked AT ALL TIMES
and inspection is done at a central location after the bags are checked -
out of your control and out of your sight. After inspection it is then
sealed with labels and if possible a nylon tie cord. If you have ANYTHING
expensive or irreplaceable make sure you take it as a carry-on. Also be
aware that the US has probably the most lax rules about what can be carried
on worldwide. If you are traveling outside of the US be prepared to be
challenged about carrying anything unusual in your carry-on - optics
included.

Good travels to all,

Rob Conway
Bellevue, WA

robin_birder at hotmail.com





>From: Pterodroma at aol.com
>Reply-To: Pterodroma at aol.com
>To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
>Subject: Re: Air Travel w/a Scope
>Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2003 08:41:26 EST
>
> > There is apparently a new requirement that checked baggage should not be
> > locked. Given the value of optics that is a powerful reason for taking
>as
> > carry-on.
>
>My experience so far is that checked baggage needs to be unlocked only at
>check-in for inspection. After that, either you or they will lock it up
>before it disappears from your sight to the baggage room.
>
>****************************************************
>Richard Rowlett
>Bellevue (Eastgate), WA
> currently at
>Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, SLO Co., CA
>
>"Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what
>nobody has thought" --Albert Szent-Gyorgi (1893-1986).
>****************************************************


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