Flying out of Mumbai recently, my carry-on contained laptops, a power-bank and assorted electronica. When asked what THIS was (Etrex 30x), I replied “Just a GPS”.
Wrong answer! This response triggered their security to follow the procedure listed under ‘Satellite Phones” which requires government approval to bring into the country. Apparently they would compromise with me placing the GPS sans batteries into my checked luggage. Unfortunately I had already checked in my baggage (obviously, I was being security—checked after the check-in desk) and it couldn’t be retrieved. I had to go back to the check in desk but my GPS had to be in a bag. After purchasing an overpriced bumbag-sized padded bag, the check-in staff next complained that the bag was too small (they never specified a minimum bag size) but eventually gave way and checked it in as a free second bag (I was only allowed 1 checked bag on my ticket).
After that, time was so tight that I basically strode to the front of any queues to show my boarding time and kept moving. I virtually didn’t break stride until I was on the airplane itself.
At the other end, my second bag negotiated the transfer at Singapore and amusingly appeared at the Oversize Baggage counter in Oz. More stressful than I really wanted but it all eventually worked out.
What is the right answer to the security bloke’s question? Next time I will stick with ‘bike computer’ or just pack my Etrex (sans batteries) into my checked luggage at Mumbai. All very silly.