[Kenwood] H/T Security Problems?

[Scott Manthe]

I think what happened to Bill is an extrordinary situation. I've flown with
my TH-F6A a couple of times since 9/11 (also last year) and have had no
trouble whatsoever. I've gone through Lambert in St. Louis multiple times
carrying it in a coat pocket and wasn't even questioned. I took the rig out
of my pocket, put in the container with the rest of my carry-on items, they
ran it through and it put it back in my pocket. No one even looked at me.

I'm sure that telling them, "I have a ham license and can take it anywhere,"
probably wasn't the best approach to use. The fact you have an amateur
license doesn't mean you can take a rig anywhere- it just explains why you
have it and that you can use it legally. What it doesn't do is explain
exactly what it is to people who have no idea what amateur radio is. I agree
with the idea of taking a copy of your license with you, just in case, but
the most critical thing may be to not act odd about having the rig with you
and to treat people with respect if they ask you what it is and why you have
it. Above all, be honest about what it is and don't have an "attitude" about
why you're being asked! Just tell them it's an amateur radio. I personally
know airport security people who are amateurs and they'd suspicious if
someone complained about not receiving music well with their HT.

Be honest and be respectful. This will usually go along way in getting you
through any situation involving law enforcement. And, if you do have a
problem and are detained, you'll not have to explain why you lied.

73,
Scott, N9AI

----- Original Message -----
From: "William J. Diamond" <wjdiamond@sbcglobal.net>
To: <kenwood@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2003 10:14 AM
Subject: RE: [Kenwood] H/T Security Problems?


> Hi Folks,
>
>
> I took one into an airport last year, it was taken away from me and I was
> questioned by the security people. I was held almost 4 hours and then I
was
> questioned by 2 men in dark suits as to why I had it and why did I take it
> into the airport.
>
> It took me almost 2 months to get it back...  The Old : I have a ham
license
> and I can take it anywhere" sure did not impress those people. I was
advised
> not to "try it again"
>
> I am not so sure I did not wind up with a "watch" notice put on me as the
> last time I traveled by air, I was almost strip searched......
>
>
>       William J. Diamond
>      Rogers, Arkansas USA
>     wjdiamond@sbcglobal.net
>     Ham Radio Operator WR�T
>