Hand inspection of film at Kansai Airport (Japan)

[joeswe]

Yesterday, when I went through security for my return flight from Kansai Airport (Japan), I put about 30 rolls of exposed film in a clear zip lock bag on one of the trays that go through the scanner, which immediately caught the attention of the security guy in front of the scanner, who took the tray off the belt and asked me if I would like to have the film hand inspected. Well, I have never in my film life dared to ask for a hand inspection of film at an airport (and never had problems caused by airport scanners), but of course I didn't mind the extra service, and his colleague was so kind to inspect the thirty rolls, taking all the cartridges out of their canisters. I apologized for the inconveniences and said he could just throw everything back in the zip lock bag as it was, but he insisted on packing every single cartridge neatly back into its canister. A very fine example of the omnipresent service mentality in Japan, which can at other times be quite cumbersome and irritating. A big thank you to Kansai Airport for excellent customer service!

 

[robert blu]

It's nice to read a positive situation, sometimes.
robert

 

[Gumby]

Yes, a refreshing story. I get that kind of good service from TSA at LAX (Los Angeles International) most of the time too.

Denver, not so much, and Dulles sometimes. National often. Heathrow frequently.

It is appreciated when and where it happens!

 

[siracusa]

I've never asked for film to be hand checked but after reading this I will definitely request it next time I travel. Thanks for sharing this.

 

[Vics]

I had the same treatment at SFO last spring. I ask every time, but this time they beat me to it.