tkerby
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2004
- Posts
- 79
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- 0
I built a mint in a Penguin Cinnamon tin a few months ago for my partner for her to take with her while travelling. It gives serious improvements to the sound on her iPod. The only problem is that she keeps getting stopped by UK airport security.
It started a few months ago with a simple question as to what it was, and a reply of 'a headphone amplifier' seemed to suffice. More recently they have taken an extra xray and asked to see it turned on. Now they want it connected to the ipod, turned on with headphones and to hear the music. They have also started taking chemical swabs both inside and out.
Its now causing at least 15 minutes airport delay and she very nearly got told she wouldnt be allowed on the plane with such a device. Now she is scared to fly with it in case she either has it confiscated or is sent home from the airport (or worse, arrested).
Strangely, I can carry numerous cables circuit boards etc through the airport security as part of my job, but its always the Mint amp that has caused problems and nothing else. Perhaps the staff just think its cool and want to listen to some high quality tunes for a few minutes but I think its a shame that they can bully someone not to take a piece of personal hi-fi on board.
If it is ever confiscated, I'll be producing a receipt for the device with a hefty price tag for the airport to pay (I'd happily make another for £300) as I will not let them bully electronic hobbyists, their partners and friends.
Has anyone else ever had similar problems?
It started a few months ago with a simple question as to what it was, and a reply of 'a headphone amplifier' seemed to suffice. More recently they have taken an extra xray and asked to see it turned on. Now they want it connected to the ipod, turned on with headphones and to hear the music. They have also started taking chemical swabs both inside and out.
Its now causing at least 15 minutes airport delay and she very nearly got told she wouldnt be allowed on the plane with such a device. Now she is scared to fly with it in case she either has it confiscated or is sent home from the airport (or worse, arrested).
Strangely, I can carry numerous cables circuit boards etc through the airport security as part of my job, but its always the Mint amp that has caused problems and nothing else. Perhaps the staff just think its cool and want to listen to some high quality tunes for a few minutes but I think its a shame that they can bully someone not to take a piece of personal hi-fi on board.
If it is ever confiscated, I'll be producing a receipt for the device with a hefty price tag for the airport to pay (I'd happily make another for £300) as I will not let them bully electronic hobbyists, their partners and friends.
Has anyone else ever had similar problems?