They used to do a similar check when you check a firearm in baggage. They would check the weapon, make sure it was unloaded, then lock the case and tie a "Firearm" tag to it, then close and lock the suitcase. I don't know but I would suspect that the "Firearm" tag has something in or on it that gets picked up on the scanner because it is a federal offense to check a firearm without declaring it.
This was pre-911, though. Mike -- This is an experience that I witnessed: I was seeing off someone who had her luggage locked before check in at Newark Airport (travelling international). The check in staff referred the luggage to a security person nearby, who made her open the lock, then he proceeded to hand inspect the luggage (he was wearing white gloves), and asked the lock to be put back on. Then he put tape around it with the airport security logo and then he checked the luggage in. There was a delay in check in due to this because there were others ahead of us going through the same thing. I have heard from other people travelling internationally about instances where there is a note inside that the "locked" luggage was opened was inspected. Whether anyone opens a lock, inspects luggage and leaves no note in it stating so, is anybody's guess. I travel with my monopod/tripod inside the checked luggage and have never had any problems so far. I carry all lenses, camera body, film etc. as hand baggage. - Harman * **** ******* *********************************************************** * For list instructions, including unsubscribe, see: * http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/eos_list.htm ***********************************************************
