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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Giottos Air Blower not allowed on flight, solution?
Andrew Nelles, Photographer
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Chicago | IL | usa | Posted: 9:46 AM on 06.06.10 |
->> Funny problem today. While passing through Frankfurt's airport on my way home from an assignment, the Giottos air blower I use for hasty sensor cleaning, etc. was confiscated at security. This model: http://swpp.biz/store/images/13374.jpg
They classified it as a look-a-like weapon since it somewhat represents a grenade. Actually this is the second time this has happened, the first was at a security check in Iraq, but the guards laughed it off after they realized what it was. Next time I'll be checking it's replacement, however before I buy a replacement I was wondering if anyone knew of a similar product that maybe didn't look like a grenade? Or something that's a nice bright color, etc.
Any input is welcome. Thanks!
PS: The German Police officer who confiscated it at security then proceeded to walk around the terminal squeezing the blower for some time. I have a feeling he's taking it home. |
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Jon Gardiner, Photographer
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Andrew Nelles, Photographer
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Chicago | IL | usa | Posted: 10:18 AM on 06.06.10 |
| ->> Yeah, the office made a joke to that effect also. |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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| | | Posted: 11:57 AM on 06.06.10 |
->> It simple, you cut off the four leg stands that keep the bulp upright and you never refer to it as a 'rocket.'
I have heard of at least two other people being stopped by airport security when flying with the Air Blower. If you remove the legs it no longer looks like a weapon.
Airports in Europe are in a higher state of alert in terms of airport security than we are in the US. Flights to the US have passengers either all have a secondary sweep before boarding or one hell of an in-depth random search.
I was part of a 'group sweep' at Paris Orly last week flying back to Newark, and Friday evening I underwent having my entire bag emptied, every single item removed, when flying back to JFK from Heathrow.
When flying from Europe to the US look at everything ... its a pain in the @$$, but at least its not Security Theater like we have here in the US (or at ORD where the technical gaffs are significant). |
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Doug Holleman, Photographer
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Temple | TX | USA | Posted: 12:48 PM on 06.06.10 |
->> Maybe you could find a rubber duckie and attach the stem to it somehow, to replace the ominous looking grenade bulb.
Even better, next time fill it with a white powdery substance, and watch hilarity ensue when they squeeze it. |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Jason Joseph, Photographer
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Dublin | OH | USA | Posted: 2:22 PM on 06.06.10 |
->> Doug - If you do that, the life long question of whether or not rubber duckies are boy ducks or girl ducks will be answered.
And, I'm, pretty sure that adding white powder to the equation isn't going to end with the owner of said blower laughing in hilarity. I'm just saying.... |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 4:22 PM on 06.06.10 |
| ->> In all honesty after viewing the photo of it I can see why you they grabbed it. just take a second and imagine what that looked like in the xray machine.....just saying.....in all honesty you were probably lucky they didn't pull you off the flight and throw you in a back room. when we came back fron the 'stan in december through new delhi they flagged our baggage and completely unpacked all out bags TWICE at two different security check points....and we had nothing suspicious except they did not like our visa stamps from afghanistan and the fact we were carrying body armor. |
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Jason Orth, Photographer
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Lincoln | NE | USA | Posted: 5:49 PM on 06.06.10 |
| ->> Try a medical grade "snot sucker" bulb. Or...what they use for cleaning ears. The nice thing is, those actually are better sometimes because the rubber doesn't flake. |
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Andrew Fielding, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 9:36 PM on 06.06.10 |
->> I have the Ziekos model air blower and have never had any issues with it.
http://www.amazon.com/Zeikos-ZE-BLR-Dust-Blower-Black/dp/B001J5N80E
It doesn't look like anything other than a big eye dropper so even if they were trying to find a reason to confiscate it I'm wondering if they'd be able to find a reason to do so. |
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Andrew Nelles, Photographer
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Chicago | IL | usa | Posted: 12:54 AM on 06.07.10 |
->> I think I found the answer
Orange, and cut the fins off.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/541904-REG/Giottos_AA1903_Rocket_Air_...
The thing never showed up on the xray. XRay security went fine, I then was pulled aside for random explosives swabbing, they actually swabbed it there and sent me on my way. 30sec later I was pulled for additional random screening, where I had to take every item out of both bags, that's when the guy said it was an issue. It's a silly issue, but I understand where he's coming from. I'm glad my body armor was checked on this return flight. |
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Yamil Sued, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Peoria | AZ | USA | Posted: 2:42 AM on 06.07.10 |
->> Sounds stupid, but that is why I carry 8 oz. Enema Syringes, blows more air and are cheaper, buy like $20!! And when I tell TSA what they are, they don't even want to touch them!! ;)
Y |
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Chris Russick, Photographer, Assistant
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St. Petersburg | FL | USA | Posted: 9:45 AM on 06.07.10 |
| ->> You can't really break the thing and if it gets stolen, you're no worse off than if they took it from you out of your carry on. Any reason not to put it in your checked baggage going forward? Obviously if you're not checking baggage, you can't but then again, I don't know many traveling transatlantic with only a carry on. |
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Yamil Sued, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Peoria | AZ | USA | Posted: 7:20 PM on 06.07.10 |
->> You can also buy the Enema Syringe at any Pharmacy, for about $6!!
I get them at my local Walgreens, a mile from my house!! |
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Doug Holleman, Photographer
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Temple | TX | USA | Posted: 1:13 AM on 06.09.10 |
| ->> I think I'd rather be caught with a rubber grenade than an enema syringe. |
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