So, I recently went on a trip to Costa Rica, and on the way back decided to get crafty.

Rather than trust my benevolent TSA friends, I decided I'd try to sneak some film past 'em. I'm a big guy, and a 25 sheet box of 4x5 conviently drops right into a pocket on my jeans.

In Costa Rica, I walk through the detector and lit it up. Back through again, and the guy gets out his wand, asks me about any metal on me, and when I pointed to my belt and shoes, jsut waved me through. I'm alright with that.

In the States (Atlanta, to be specific), I tried to do the same thing. Now, I walk up, throw my wallet and keys into dish and step through. It lights up, the guy makes me drop my belt and shoes, and through again. It goes off again, and he asks if I have anything else...

So, I went for honesty, "WEll, actually, sir, I do have this box of film."

I took it out, and he said that would do it, I asked if it was possible that the metal detector could pick up about 16 sheets of 4x5, and of course the TSA employee beamed and said nuttin could get past them.

I held out my left hand with film box through the detector, and it chirped. I was defeated.

It was only afterwards, when I got home that I thought further about this.. and realized this is the first trip I've taken since I got married, and on my left hand is the only piece of jewelery I ever wear: A stainless steel wedding band.

So, was it the ring that lit up the detector, or was it actually the film? Am I the only one who's committed to smuggling film through the TSA lines in my pocket?

gfen, who lost a quality Zippo to the benevolent and caring TSA employees in Philly.