| Re: Traveling with a rebreather?
In kit that we took to DEMA (350kg of it split across three people, all as baggage - no excess charges coming back: print out the "diving equipment" pages from their web sites), the only problem was the TSA. But there are worse ...
A brand new 30" nice Apple monitor (for exhibitions) in a original packaging was removed from its packing by the TSA and badly damaged: clearly not damage in transit, only damage on the TSA desk with a very heavy score on the top of it.
A camera system was stolen from the baggage on the way in. Shipped in aluminium trunks, secured with cable ties so TSA can open it, TSA put new ties on it fixing the lock completely open so lid was just flapping open. The brains in the TSA can't even work a cable tie, so the US defined "terrorist" is clearly not going to have any problems at all.
Carrying on a rebreather, even a commercial rebreather, was not a problem. 25kg in carry on. Just keep a few diving pictures with you and they are all fine.
However, TSA are far better than security at Amsterdam. Chap in front at Amsterdam last week made a polite comment that "Not a very good place this for elderly people: nowhere to sit to put shoes back on." got met with Amsterdam security response "Shut up and get on the fcuking plane". Elderly passenger behind me complained about their language so they threatened the chap with being a terrorist, then when I butted in and told them I would go to the police if they try that on him, they changed tack to one that we three would have to wait so the complaint could be checked and miss our planes (last of the day). Told them where to go and got on the plane anyway (they are not too good at blocking people). None of the security thugs at Amsterdam carry any names or ID numbers, not even supervisors (only a picture on their badge). They can fondle what they like, take anything they like, do anything they like and no comeback. Jobs for bullies and sexual deviants have never been better - join the security service at Amsterdam! At least it might put them all in one place, so we can use another airport.
Alex |