TSA 1544.211(e)(4) and my recent travels

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(First off, I have with me a binder with my letter from the FAA that
explains photography of commercial aircraft is not prohibited by the FAA.
This along with my business card mentions a telephone number an 'authority'
might wish to call if they have their doubts).

Also in the binder, I have three copies of TSA regulation 1544.211 Use of
X-ray System.  This proved beneficial on my trip that took me from
BWI-FLL-RDU-FLL-BWI.  What was the most valuable was having 1544.211(e)(4)
at a glance in the outside clear insert pocket of the binder.  As I removed
my film from my carry on, I requested either to the metal detector
"assistant" or the x-ray person that I "need" a hand inspection of this.  Of
course I got the usual, if it's below a certain speed it can go through
reply.  Without hesitation I held up the binder in a presentation manner and
read while pointing to the words.."TSA Regulation one-five-four-four two
eleven paragraph e subparagraph four If requested by individuals, their
photographic equipment and film packages must be inspected without exposure
to an X-ray system".

At BWI, I had to read it about 5 times, telling the screener, I have TSA
regulation...<blah, blah, blah> which gives me the right to have my film
hand inspected and film speed does not matter.  He gave me the schpiel that
it can be up to speed of 1200..I said, I want it hand inspected, and speed
does not matter..it is in the regs right here that I can request a hand
search.  Sure enough, two supervisors came over and said if it is in the
regs we have to hand inspect it.  No problems whatsoever after that.

At FLL, I requested a hand inspection and got the same deal.  This time it
was if it is less than speed 800.  I held up the reg again in a presentation
manner and read it twice.  A young clean-cut gentleman came over and
laughingly said, "don't have a fit, we're gonna take care of you"..he
whispers to me the screener is new.  I was led over to the table with the
explosive sniffer on it; they checked my film and I was on my way in less
than two minutes.

At RDU, I gave the same initial I want this hand inspected.  A lady
said..this is a new machine it can go through.  I said TSA Regulation
1544.211 <blah blah blah>..she gave me a blank stare and called a
supervisor.  A Southwest Airlines security supervisor stepped over, and I
showed him the regs and he told the others there, it's in the regs, we have
to do it.  No problems after that...even chatting with the National Guard
troop and the supervisor about commercial aviation photography.

That is the basic jist of my experiences and carrying the regulation TSA
1544.211 was invaluable.  In fact, I called the TSA hotline and gave the
receptionist an update after each airport visit.  She also told me, the
people there recommend that concerned passengers carry the a copy of the TSA
regulations....it worked.
Remember, we are now paying a fee for this service.  The screeners are
expected to know the applicable regulations or be familiar with them similar
to that when you fly, the flightcrew needs to know the regulations.  The
receptionist told me, it will take time of course.  I also advised her that
there are no signs at the security checkpoints notifying that passengers may
remove film for hand inspection as required in 1544.211(e).  (of course this
is true since none of the screeners knew the regulation).

Overall it was a good experience, and even when I presented the regulations
and read them, I was always treated with respect and in FLL the lady
checking my film told me I traveled with too much stuff..:).

Finally, I even did this as I handed over my film in the lead coated x-ray
bags...lol.  Afterall, it was the principal of the whole thing.  Is the new
security following the regulations that we are paying for in ticket fees.
Yes they are.

(Note:This is only applicable for U.S. airports)

Walter
DCA

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