by Editor | Mar 1, 2007 | Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Security
The U.S. State Department began issuing passports embedded with radio-frequency identity tags (RF-ID) in August 2006. These are also becoming the norm in a growing number of countries. While the new RF-ID passports are expected to enhance border security, enough concerns have been raised by computer security experts about the privacy risks they pose to the passport holder that I felt compelled to secure mine. The RF-ID Blocking Passport Wallet, made of fine leather with a protective shield inner lining to ensure the RF data cannot be accessed unless the wallet is open, provided an inconspicuous way to protect my new passport from potential data-stealing hackers.
by Editor | Jan 1, 2005 | Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Security
We wore our Deluxe Waist Stash while en route to and during an extended African photo safari and plan to take it with us again in the future. Thanks to the light and moisture wicking fabric it felt comfortable against our garments and skin. The plastic clasps ensured it never triggered a security alarm. The two pockets allowed us to separate the contents by category such as documents and emergency credit cards and cash. Though we fortunately never had to resort to our emergency documents or money, it was good to know they were within easy reach if we ever needed them.
by Editor | Jun 1, 2004 | Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Security
The Magellan’s Security Bag (Large) is a travel bag used to protect film from airport x-ray security devices. The Security Bag is made of a flexible lead fabric and weighs 16 oz empty. We used the Security Bag for a total of 4 weeks and tested 2 rolls of film with it. One roll was 200 speed film and the other 400 speed film. Carry-on luggage is scanned by security scanners at a lower power level than check-in baggage security scanners. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) does not recommend putting film into check-in baggage so we chose to place our film in our carry-on luggage inside the Magellan Security Bag. As of this review date (Sept-14-2004) the TSA states the following about placing film through security screening equipment,
by Editor | Mar 1, 2004 | Products, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Security
The leather Vertical Security Purse was perfect for my last trip to New York City. With steel cables sewn into the shoulder straps it felt safe around crowded areas like the airport and tourist attractions. The back pocket design was practical allowing me easy access to my airline tickets and identification. The flap in the front folded readily so I could retrieve items from a small zippered pocket without opening the main compartment.
