checked baggage question for you frequent flyers

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Oct 24, 1998
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I have read posts on the forum about what sizes and types of knives are acceptable by the airlines(various),but what about knives in checked baggage.I would like to take my Ares to Florida but would not be able to afford it being confiscated.any information or opinions would be appreciated.
 
Knives are OK for checked baggage I think. Carry on they can regulate, but checked baggage you can put a knife in it if you want. That is what most people would do. It would be sort of stupid to fear a knife jumping out of its sheath or opening up by itself and then flying its way to the cockpit and slashing the pilot repeatedly and taking over the plane.
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Chang and the Rebels of the East!
Southern Taiwan Will Rise Again!
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Never had a problem with a checked bag being searched, except on international flights. As for others not doing something "that would be stupid," I wouldn't always count on it. =)
 
I'm glad someone asked this question! I have
always packed my favorite multi-tool in ck'd
luggage as well as a switchblade I brought back from Florida and didn't have a problem.
My problem is that I always find something loose in the plane and there I sit without my tool!Has anyone gotten past security with a tool?
 
There are NO restrictions on knives, tools, or other such implements in Checked baggage. Your only risk is loss via theft.

Carrying knives that you do not want to risk losing through security is a dumb idea. The FAA rules (code of federal regulations) say that Anything that can be used as a weapon is a no no. FAA security folks say anything longer than a 4 inch folder is not allowed. But this does Not mean that you will be able to get past security with a large folder in your pocket.

Fixed blades of any kind are not allowed. Any length of knife with serrations is not allowed. It's up to the security guard to make a decision. If he(she) thinks it looks scary, it's not allowed. Remember, you want to get on the flight, the guard as all day. He can have your knife carried by the pilot, detain you, have you searched, arrested, etc. If in doubt, check it.

Paracelsus
 
Be carefull about trying to get something past security. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's not. Depends on the quality of the security screeners. But keep this in mind. If the GSC (ground security coordinator), the person (final decision maker) who is nearby when you are going through the screening process, decides he or she doesn't like your tool, you may have no other option than to leave it behind. It is not really possible to have it put into you luggage once your bags are checked. And once left behind, there is no guarentee you will ever get it back! If you have time, you may be able to mail it, or if your lucky, you can make arrangements with the airline to mail it to you, but I've seen the "lost and found" box at the airport where I work. As far as checking it in you luggage, you can check a gun in your luggage successfully if you claim it. I don't see a reason you would have to claim a knive though.

Note: I do not work for an airline, but have been certified as a GSC once for the private company I work for - we handle private airline charters. If the screener belives you may be a risk, he or she can take toothpicks and ball point pens away from you. I've seen screeners let hand grenades through (when suprised tested by the FAA). A friend of mine was extremely good as screening and full of common sense. He was rare.

Just my .02's on this subject.
lear.
 
Thanks to everyone for the information you have provided.My ares will have to go into checked baggage.
 
I have always packed my favorite multi-tool in ck'd luggage [. . . .] My problem is that I always find something loose in the plane and there I sit without my tool!Has anyone gotten past security with a tool?

Yes, I've gotten through with multi-tools. I believe your chances of a multi-tool passing muster are better if it doesn't have a serrated blade (Leatherman PST should be OK). I also believe whatever multi-tool you have will be less likely to raise eyebrows if it's deep inside a carry-on bag, i.e., a hassle to make you unload it for inspection rather than on your belt; also, the x-ray monitor may not notice it among a jumble of shaving cream cans, Sony Walkman, etc., while the walk-through metal detector most certainly will pick it up.

Leatherman tools and their clones are common enough these days that, if you don't put it right under the nose of the guards, they probably won't make you open it up to check for serrations.

But who knows? In any event, don't travel with it if you can't afford to lose it, and carry a padded mailing envelope with priority mail postage and just send it home to yourself if you have any problems.

David Rock

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AKTI Member # A000846
Stop when you get to bone.

[This message has been edited by David Rock (edited 07-28-2000).]
 
I frequently fly domestically and internationally and most of the time I come home with a few additional knives. These knives always travel in my checked luggage.

If you are traveling internationally make sure that you declare your new acquisitions at custom, and have your receipts handy in case they ask.

And act responsibly. I have had some folks walk up to me at shows and complain that some airline had mishandled their bags and one of their knives had cut through the bag material. Well what do you think a bare knife blade pertruding from a bag can do to a baggage handler or airline equipment?!!

I always make sure that the knives are securely packaged for travel. Newsprint and tape are available virtually anywhere for practically nothing and provide excellent security.

On some reecnt flights I have noticed that some airlines routes are starting to ban knives on checked luggage. If we want the airlines to work with us we will have to make sure that our hobby does not become a source of on the job accidents.


Wrap those blade up securely
 
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