Wireless Mics & Airport Security? at DVinfo.net

Zack Wilson · November 21st, 2008, 11:38 AM

Quick question :

Has anyone ever had any problems with wireless microphones getting through US/International airport security in a carry-on? We're shooting a short doc and my producer is concerned about this - but I don't want to throw the wireless kit in the checked luggage (or any equipment...ever). What about filming in an airport with the wireless? We wouldn't have permits, but we're hoping its a small enough and "home-video" like enough production not to have problems - but could there be?

- Zack

Don Bloom · November 21st, 2008, 02:22 PM

I've never had a problem getting gear thru security but shooting in the airport could be problematic especially once you clear thru security. Why not talk to the airport manager, explain what you're doing and get permission in writing. Thatway when the day to day security people (cops) stop you and ask what you think you're doing you're butt is covered, in writing. Airports today are not a place to try covert operations.
Of course this is just my opinion but then I'm a law abiding guy ;-)

Don

Don Bloom · November 21st, 2008, 02:24 PM

I've never had a problem getting gear thru security but shooting in the airport could be problematic especially once you clear thru security. Why not talk to the airport manager, explain what you're doing and get permission in writing. Thatway when the day to day security people (cops) stop you and ask what you think you're doing you're butt is covered, in writing. Airports today are not a place to try covert operations.
Of course this is just my opinion but then I'm a law abiding guy ;-)

Don

Steve House · November 21st, 2008, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Bloom

...
Airports today are not a place to try covert operations.
Of course this is just my opinion but then I'm a law abiding guy ;-)

Don

And an eminently sensible one. TSA security types have no sense of humour at all.

Seth Bloombaum · November 21st, 2008, 04:46 PM

Agreeing with the above:
I've walked wireless through the carryon security checks many times with no questions raised whatsoever.

Filming inside an airport with anything other than the most basic consumer setup would guarantee an interview, I'd think. Wireless mics are not part of a consumer setup...

Zack Wilson · November 21st, 2008, 05:40 PM

Thanks for the help! I'll try to talk to a manager there, and if they aren't too keen on the idea, I'll just keep the camera away.

Cheers!

Marco Leavitt · November 21st, 2008, 07:42 PM

Dude, don't even try filming without permission. I really doubt you'll ever get official permission either.

November 21st, 2008, 11:38 AM	#1
Zack Wilson New Boot Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: New York, NY Posts: 23	Wireless Mics & Airport Security? Quick question : Has anyone ever had any problems with wireless microphones getting through US/International airport security in a carry-on? We're shooting a short doc and my producer is concerned about this - but I don't want to throw the wireless kit in the checked luggage (or any equipment...ever). What about filming in an airport with the wireless? We wouldn't have permits, but we're hoping its a small enough and "home-video" like enough production not to have problems - but could there be? - Zack

November 21st, 2008, 02:22 PM	#2
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	I've never had a problem getting gear thru security but shooting in the airport could be problematic especially once you clear thru security. Why not talk to the airport manager, explain what you're doing and get permission in writing. Thatway when the day to day security people (cops) stop you and ask what you think you're doing you're butt is covered, in writing. Airports today are not a place to try covert operations. Of course this is just my opinion but then I'm a law abiding guy ;-) Don

November 21st, 2008, 02:24 PM	#3
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	I've never had a problem getting gear thru security but shooting in the airport could be problematic especially once you clear thru security. Why not talk to the airport manager, explain what you're doing and get permission in writing. Thatway when the day to day security people (cops) stop you and ask what you think you're doing you're butt is covered, in writing. Airports today are not a place to try covert operations. Of course this is just my opinion but then I'm a law abiding guy ;-) Don

November 21st, 2008, 04:46 PM	#5
Seth Bloombaum Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,420	Agreeing with the above: I've walked wireless through the carryon security checks many times with no questions raised whatsoever. Filming inside an airport with anything other than the most basic consumer setup would guarantee an interview, I'd think. Wireless mics are not part of a consumer setup...

November 21st, 2008, 05:40 PM	#6
Zack Wilson New Boot Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: New York, NY Posts: 23	Thanks for the help! I'll try to talk to a manager there, and if they aren't too keen on the idea, I'll just keep the camera away. Cheers!

November 21st, 2008, 07:42 PM	#7
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	Dude, don't even try filming without permission. I really doubt you'll ever get official permission either.