Souvenir confiscated

Returning on April 7, 2013, from a tour of India, we had already gone through one security check and found our way to the gate for the United Airlines flight from Delhi to Newark, New Jersey.

We arrived at the gate before the security system was set up, so two of us decided to do some last-minute shopping and left our carry-on items with the third person traveling with us, Jill. While we ran errands, the security check was set up and Jill was required to submit my attaché case to be scanned.

Upon our returning to the gate, after passing through the security check, I was informed by Jill that a 5-inch-tall, bronze Tibetan bell that I had purchased in Shimla from a street vendor had been confiscated from my case. No explanation had been given.

I first thought the bell was gone forever, but then I decided to inquire why it had been confiscated.

After being referred to several airport agents, I politely inquired about the bell and asked the reason it was confiscated. I explained that, for me, it was an important reminder of my having visited the Tibetan Buddhist communities in the Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj areas of northwest India. I also expressed my disappointment in having the bell taken away, saying it left me with a bad last impression of what had been a very good trip.

Pulling the bell out of a desk, an agent explained that the end of the bell’s handle had been seen as a sharp and dangerous point. 

I stated that when purchasing it, I had had no intention of using it as a weapon. 

The agent handed it over to me, and I offered her my profuse thanks.

So if you have something confiscated and think you have a chance of getting it back, you might pursue the matter with other airport officials. I found that it’s worth a try.

DAVID PATTEN

Saint Petersburg, FL