GMTIIC - a travel nightmare !

[watchboy]

I am sure it is for security measures. Maybe they just wanted to be "double sure".

This is really nothing compared to Australian customs. Sorry I did not meant to be rude or criticize any country's customs. What I am stating was a factual incident.....I went to Australia (Melbourne) once and upon checking out, they asked me to EMPTY my luggages. I mean really taking every single thing out!!! They then opened my SHAMPOO (100ml only) and smelled! I had my underwear packed in a zip lock bag and everything had to be OUT!

Ok I was thinking maybe it is their standard or normal routine checks. (Btw there was not much people). But as I was packing back my stuff, I saw some guys with big surf boards and big luggages coming towards the custom. As they approach the custom, the custom just waved to them signaling them to proceed to the exit.I was like WTF ?!?! Well I do not know really what to say, maybe it was my skin color, maybe this maybe that. But what they did WAS NOT RIGHT AT ALL! BOO!

[crudetrader]

I wore my GMTIIC going from New York to Chicago and Vice Verse. I had it on my wrist at both security and metal detector check points and did not have any problem.

[Jason888]

Some international and domestic airports, you even have to take off your jacket/coat to go through the metal detectors.

Half the time I will be patted down and especially while traveling domestically in the US with the explosive fragment detecting "air booth". About a third of the time security will require me to take off my shoes at the security checkpoints while traveling in Australia.

Yes it is quite tedious at times but they have a job to do as well. I got nothing to hide by putting my Rolex and whatever else in the carry on luggage. Because the last thing i need is a headache or a sense of frustration getting through customs or a security check point before I hop onto a plane.

[PanAm]

Maybe you put it through the xray and they replace it with a fake on the other side :D lol

[BondandBigM]

Probably depends on the airport, I'm not happy about putting my watch in the tray and through the x-ray, thieves go on holiday as well and over the years it's surprising the number of people I have seen "lose" stuff. A month or so ago leaving Tenerife I was asked to remove my GMT II C and stick it in the tray, I refused and after a bit of hassle went through the security gate but had to hand it to the security guy who had a look at it and gave it back to me as I stepped through the detector. But I had no problem when I left the UK keeping it on and it never set the beeper off.

There is a general unjustified paranoia at airports these day.

B.

[SLS]

I have never had a problem going through security, I remove my shoes and belt but leave my wacth on (GMT IIc) and I have not been botherd.
~Scott

[bradg]

Guys...I was recently coming back from Ft. Lauderdale and went through security with my ss sub and I have a ss belt buckle on. It is completely SS. Never set an alarm off...nothing. Walked right through. Normally I take it off and send through scanner but I had my 6 year old and was pre occupied with getting her through and forgot. didnt realize until later that I went through with it. That is scary.... I do a fair amount of work at the airport and to be honest with you...it is basically a joke, a big show. If I can get through ,unintentional, with a heavy belt buckle and a ss sub...that should be enough said. They were more interested in seeing my wife's camcorder. Pulled her aside and went through everyhting in her bag. Here's dad already through with several metal pieces and nothing. I had to laugh. I'm not putting the system down but it sure makes you wonder. Do it right or dont do it at all. I'm more disappointed than anything. I want it to be safe but it isnt. Sorry for rambling on!

[Lubrifar]

I have learned a wealth of information on this forum and will pass along some advices regarding how to pass airport security. I have had issues in the past with my DD, worn on person or placed inside a laptop briefcase, which were always a nightmare. I started a post called "Airport Woes" a while back, and that was how I gathered information to successfully form my own "tips & tricks" guideline.

I always wear my watch on person and refuse to place it inside my carry-on bag or inside a jacket pocket. The best way to get pass through the metal "tunnel" is try to align your watch wrist in the center of the machine. I always hold my boarding pass in my watch hand, holding it up in the air so the security personnel can visually confirm my action, then approach the tunnel with my hand first straight through the center. Works every time; people are very visual in general. The most important thing to remember now is remove all other metal objects from your body and place them in your bag/jacket prior to avoid any interruption.

If the TSA/security personnel sees that you are making an attempt to ease/smooth the operation, and that you know what you are doing, usually they will not make a fuzz and just be cooperative.

Good luck fellow travelers!

[maxsar]

I always stick my SS GMT 2c in my jacket pocket and just keep an eye on it. Haven't had a problem.

The comment about Frankfurt's security is not imagined. That is where the Pan Am flight that went down over Scotland.