Basic travel questions from novice traveler

[Thomas Gabriele]

I packed my backpack in a large duffle bag. Checked it. When I got to my
destination, (the beginning of my pilgrimage) I removed my backpack and
mailed the duffle bag ahead to the Post at Santiago for use on my return
trip. The duffle bag was large enough to handle the additional items that I
gathered along the way (little gifts etc. that I purchased fro my
grandchildren et.al.)
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: athena
  To: GOCAMINOapete.uri.edu
  Sent: Monday, August 30, 2004 10:37 AM
  Subject: Re: Basic travel questions from novice traveler


  Those inspectors are a bit unpredictable. In Paris about two years ago an
inspector took away my carbiner clips, small aluminum clips to hold things
on my pack. In Mexico an inspector took all my batteries (I always suspected
that he wanted them himself !)  On the other hand, I made it all the way
into Texas from northern Canada with a walking stick, taller than I am, in
my hand!. Each inspector said, "The next person may not let you take that."
So I just wrap my bag securely, check it, and pray!  I feel almost sure that
my telescoping walking sticks would not pass now and they are essential to
me. The knife is replaceable. The sticks are my friends!

  I was searched re-entering the States last time because my pack smelled
like fruit to the cute little produce-sniffing dog!

  Deanna

  "Jilek, Glenn" <Glenn.JilekaFHWA.DOT.GOV> wrote:
    That's an interesting idea. I too was worried about all the dangly
things hanging from my backpack that might get caught in some conveyer belt
or other machine, but thought I had to check it because of some sharp or
suspicious things in it. I was concerned with stuff that wouldn't pass
security (I recently had my fingernail clippers taken away at O Hare in
Chicago).  I guess any thing that might not pass security (cork screw,
knife, scissors, etc.), you could package along with your trekking poles and
check them.

    I have never flown into London, but have traveled to Amsterdam, Paris,
and often into Frankfurt....customs checks were very light to almost none
existent at those airports.  There was not even anyone there to check
customs this spring in Frankfurt Rhein/Main after the Pass Control.
Entering the US is quite another story however...A couple of years ago we
flew back into Cincinnati.  My partner and I were asked if we bought any
chocolate--simultaneously I said no and she said yes.  That discrepancy was
enough to have us sent into another line for a complete check of our
baggage.  Yes we did have chocolate, which I had forgotten that we bought.
They didn't confiscate it, but the search caused stress and delay.