Oct 20, 2009
Issue 717
Katie Lumb asks whether TSA will open her package of Aurene glass at the airport.
Keith Trippi answers of Grand Island New York answers.
The X-ray machine at the airport will absolutely NOT hurt your bowl in any way whatsoever.
However, your bowl is made of lead glass, and when it goes through the X-ray machine at the airport, the lead content of the glass will prevent X-rays from passing through it. This will make the bowl appear to be a highly suspicious object to the TSA screener at the airport, who will immediately pull you off to the side and send you and your package to another agent for secondary screening. It will be assumed that you are carrying a lead shielded container to conceal something. Be aware that you will NOT be allowed to touch or handle the package or assist TSA in any way in the secondary screening. So please be sure to quickly tell them it is an antique lead glass bowl that is very delicate and must be handled carefully.
I strongly suggest packing your bowl with the understanding that airport TSA agents WILL inspect the package. Pack it so the bowl can quickly and easily be viewed, then quickly and safely re-packed. My favorite container to use on a plane to transport glassware is a round plastic snap-lid bulk food ingredient container. Go to the bakery department at any supermarket, and ask them if they have any empty jelly-donut or frosting containers. The typical size is five gallons, but they also come is smaller three gallon sizes. They all come with a metal or plastic strap handle that makes carry them as easy as carrying a pail or bucket. Drill or punch a hole in the lid of the container to allow air to enter and escape. This will make the container easier to open and it will not pop open or collapse the container during airplane pressurization. These plastic container are virtually indestructible, and if anyone throws heavy overhead bags on it, the delicate glass will not be get damaged. Use bubble wrap and/or foam to cushion the bowl and reduce overall weight.
Safe travels!
Keith Tripi
Marshall Ketchum states
The X-ray machine can’t hurt the glass. It should be packed so that it can be easily opened.
Next, Helainne Feldman of Scarsdale, New York, antique columnist and television co-host offers
Just pack the bowl in bubble wrap and pebbles all pf which you will recycle and if there is a problem be as sweet as you are able with govt persons who do not understand what you have and keep smiling and ask for special assistance and bring extra bubble wrap and tape with you. Been there and done that.
Finally, from Ruth deLorraine of Campbell, New York
I brought a blue Aurene basket home from Cincinnati a few years back. The Xray clearly saw the lead in the glass, and the spotter could easily tell what the piece was. The shape of your bowl may not be as obvious as the basket was, so be prepared to unpack it.