Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!samsung!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!usc!wuarchive!mit-eddie!mit-amt!snorkelwacker!spdcc!merk!xylogics!cloud9!jjmhome!m2c!umvlsi!umaecs!amh!ksbolduan
From: KSBOLDUAN@amherst.bitnet
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac
Subject: Re: new twist to airport security and hard drives
Message-ID: <8718@amherst.bitnet>
Date: 15 Dec 89 12:26:49 GMT
References: <7597@portia.Stanford.EDU>
Lines: 32

In article <7597@portia.Stanford.EDU>, carter@portia.Stanford.EDU
 (Thomas J. Carter) writes:
> OK, over the past few years I've heard the discussion of taking a
> Mac or a hard drive through airport security, and the basic rule
> of thumb is to be able to show them that it works (i.e. plug it
> in and make it do SOMETHING).  
> 

Well, I haven't had to deal with an internal, but I've had to take my external
through airports for three years now. I've always received a rather puzzled
look, but I've always just sent it THROUGH THE X-RAY MACHINE. I've not had any
problems with this.

I've been told that the  x-rays can't do any damage to the drive, but that the
only thing to look out for is that the conveyor belt is operated with magnets,
and that they might cause some problems. I've always just had my hard drive in
a pack surrounded by towels for protetion and sent it right on through. The
magnets must not be powerful enough to really make a difference.

Have I just been playing Russian Roulette with my drive? If anyone knows of
some ACTUAL dangers from the practice let me know. Otherwise I'll just send it
on through.

They can't make you show it "works" if you send it through the x-ray machine.
Only if you want them to hand check it. I find it easier not to make a fuss.
Usually they're busy enough that, once they see it under x-ray they'll either
just let it go, or ask what it is and then let it go.

Just my experience.

Kevin Bolduan '91 Amherst College
KSBOLDUAN@AMHERST Bitnet Address