Confiscated by TSA. Ever happen to you?

[afishhunter]

^ Agreed.

At the very least, you should be able to put your item in locker or something, to be returned when you leave the airport (return trip). They could even charge a fee for this service, and if its something that you don't care that much about, just decline the service, and they can do with it as they please. I understand that its not their problem that you broke the rules, but I still don't think that gives them the right to deprive you of your property permanently.

What lockers? After 9-11-01 all U.S. airports removed the lockers, fearing bombs or something like biologicals would be left in them.

He could have checked his one "carry-on bag". EVERYONE knows you cannot take anything that can be used as a weapon (excluding some styles of women's shoes while being worn by a woman) or any tools on a commercial aircraft, in your pockets or in your carry-on luggage. Heck, they don't allow you to bring on deodorant or more than two or three bottles of formula - IF you have a baby with you to drink the formula! (or any beverage - water, soda, etc) over 16 ounces ...)
Having the knife shipped/mailed to your destination when purchased is another good option, as is mailing it yourself before you leave.
He is lucky he was not arrested, and/or given the body cavity search.

As far as I know, the only ones allowed to bring a weapon on an aircraft are the U.S. Air Marshals. Not even the pilots and flight crew can bring a knife or firearm onboard.

 

[SALTY]

Knowing the law very well and frequently travelling with gun(s) and just about always knive(s) I was caught by surprise one time coming back from SHOT in Vegas. Every year the TSA folk dread SHOT as there are all manner of things that they see but only once a year - many of which they do not understand. I saw a guy argue his way out of (almost into) handcuffs trying to explain that an M4 sight adjustment tool IS NOT a weapon or even a weapon PART!!! They would have none of his argument and as I had to keep going and it was a few years ago, that poor fellow may still be there trying to explain to them what a sight adjustment tool is and is not.

Anyways, My check bag was heavy - overweight in fact. It was about 6 lbs IIRC overweight. No problem, I'll just grab about 5+ lbs of dirty clothes from my check bag and stuff it into my backpack carry-on. I did just that, got is close enough to weight so as to avoid the obscene overweight bag charge and went to TSA screening. I get the old, "Whose backpack is this?" and figure I forgot to drink all of my water from a bottle of some such nonsense. Which, BTW, TSA will NOT allow you to guzzle down.????

As it turns out - knowing that I would be checking my bag I left my Emerson SOCFK in the right front pocket of my pants that went from my butt to the dirty clothes plastic bac in my check bag to my carry-on backpack to the left latex gloved hand of one not-so-chipper TSA-er. :grumpy: Fortunately for me there was one of those "ship you prohibited-item-home-for-a-fee self-serve things nearby and that's what I did. It was expensive and took weeks (!!!) for my SOCFK to get from Vegas to NJ; but it lives to travel with me again!

 

[midnight flyer]

The TSA should respect the people for the law they enforce by placing any items confiscated onto the flight in belly of the plane and return said items to the passenger at the baggage pickup at arrivals.

Maybe they should set up a kiosk for those that that can't read, can't hear, have lived out in the wilds away from all communications for the several years or simply feel that rules are for the rest of the chumps. Not them.

Then they could have a "tag service" provided by us tax payers where a well trained, sophisticated law enforcement official can politely take their weapons, secure them, register them, pack them properly in a well constructed container to be shipped, make sure they are shipped home in a timely manner (insured of course so nothing happens en route) to be on time to a destination if they are a gift (don't want to miss a holiday gifting!), the provide a tracking number and of course, a customer service number in case the traveler decides other laws don't apply as well. Customer service could help the traveler decide which laws he wants to abide by, and which ones he wants to ignore. And of course, all services would have to be provided in a timely manner as to not discomfort or annoy the law breaker while he goes about his business.

I would just love to be standing in line after a long business trip to be behind the guy that thinks HE should be the exception to the rule ( "officer, it has to be legal... it's gift wrapped!" ) and raised a stink because he can't get away with breaking the LAW.

After reading this, I am reminded of why you don't relax policy/law. After 9/11 they detained, arrested and fined people that tried to take weapons on planes. But... you give an inch... and just like children folks have to see how much they can get away with. Combined with the fact that a lot of folks feel like rules and law apply to everyone in the great unwashed masses but not to them, I can see why laws don't change.

I can't imagine how pissed off I would be if someone with entitlement issues held me up long enough to enjoy a tantrum in the TSA check line that made me miss my plane.

Robert

 

[jstrange]

Salty's is the type experience I am somewhat trying to defend (I am mostly just arguing their right to permanently confiscate, but that has fallen on deaf ears). I see from his experience there is already a mechanism in play for the item to not be taken. I wonder though, if that is available at all airports, and if travelers are directed to that avenue every time or not? I am hoping that they do tell people of that option instead of taking the easy path of just confiscating the item.

 

[SALTY]

They could also have a "problem line" where folk that mess up get their options explained to them. That is where they could have the ship-to-yourself thing ar even perhaps a hotline phone for major carriers to come (for a fee, of course) and check your prohibited item. I get that the TSA has to keep us save as much as possible and help the travelling public feel save. That said, good law abiding people without any bad intentions do make mistakes and reasonable accommodations could be afforded - even if a fee were attached for the extra trouble.

 

[davek14]

Flying has just gotten ridiculous. I wouldn't mind not being allowed a thing on me and having a free checked bag which was guaranteed secure. By which I mean electronics, presents, whatever. Websites recommend not having "small easily pocketable items" in your checked baggage.

Before 9-11 flight crews were told to acquiesce to hijackers demands to save lives. That ain't happening no more. Aren't cockpits closed and secured now?

Bombs are the problem these days, and so of course would be a problem in checked baggage as well to be fair.

I just hear quite a bit about theft still being pretty common. There are quite a few people where I work who travel extensively for machine installation and repair. From what I understand airlines figure it is easier to cover stolen items (at depreciated value and not replacement value, and after much paperwork) than it is to unsure things do not come up missing.

Many airlines charge you $10 or more for a "comfort pack" if you ask for a pillow.

Anyway, I don't want to carry a knife on a plane. I would like to have one when I arrive, even an expensive one if that is what I want to pack (in my checked luggage).

 

[Screwdriver]

My experiences with TSA have convinced me that flying is for those that do not valuable their freedom ---- OR their life.

They [ TSA ] have missed the 9/11 terrorists [ YES it is the same people,with "much better training" - lol ] the underwear bomber,and ALL the other attackers that got caught by LUCK.

I witnessed a TSA putz approach a bag left in the airport [ I reported it ] and he approached it and used his RADIO to call in for assistance ---- TWENTY MINUTES LATER,another 2 were walking up to assist him when the bag owner returned .

NO questions and NO problem = W T F ??.

So far I have been lucky enough to be able to drive where I want to go,Lucky me.

And we all know that no one will hijack another plane with an edged weapon,no matter the size of it.

The passengers will rip him [ or them ] apart.

The TSA was started after 9/11

 

[eisman]

I fly a lot; about 30 times last year. I used to carry one of those little Victronox lobster type knives on my key chain; a habit of decades. It cost me about a dozen of those to break the habit. My normal way to keep a knife with me is put it in my shaving kit in my checked bag. It's never failed, and never "lost". One time last year I got rushed and decided to just carry on my bag, and they caught the knife. I just mailed it home from the airport and used the excuse to buy a new knife. I don't know a single major airport that doesn't have USPS, UPS, or FedEx in the terminal. I could have checked the bag, they give you the option.

As has been noted the rules change overseas. I've carried tactical folders in my pocket on flights all over Europe (and had to do something with them when I get back to the USA), but every country is different, despite the EU. It is the travelers responsibility to know the rules.

That being said, they post the rules in the airports. They post them right in front of where you go thru "Security". They also make you answer questions regarding what you're carrying both when you buy the ticket online and when you check in at the terminal. Even in Hawaii...

 

[jstrange]

Based on eisman's post, I guess I have been arguing for policy or options that already exist (it was never my contention that the knife should be allowed on board, or that the person who tried should be held blameless) . I was mainly concerned that property was taken without the owner being given options to take care of the problem. Forgive my ignorance of airport happenings, as I have only flown a couple of times in my life.

 

[snippy]

I understand where you are coming from, and for the most part, I agree with you. I just don't like them being able to take something without any kind of due process or checks and balances. I am a police officer by trade, and I don't get to take anything from anyone without providing a property receipt. Its just part of the job. If the item is not illegal, they have the chance to get it back at a later date.

I am not trying to defend the actions of irresponsible people, I just don't want the government to have the power to permanently deprive someone of a valuable piece of property without some type of over-site.

Also, I would say that if this process were to happen, the irresponsible party should not be allowed to inconvenience everyone else. They are removed to handle their problem and when they come back, they go to the back of the line.

I usually don't post this much, and I don't know why I feel strongly about this, but it irks me for some reason. Anyway, happy holidays all

Thanks for the thoughtful reply.

I, on the other hand, do know why I feel so strongly about this.

PM me if you care for the details.

Eric

 

[redman2006]

I have never had anything confiscated, but on the way into the atl airport years ago I suddenly realized I had a k I've and a handful of shotgun shells in my pocket. I was meeting someone there and my ride had left to go run errands while I retrieved the guests.

I hunted around a while, found a hidey hole and left the contraband there while I met my folks. This was back when you could still go to the gate to meet people.

I was sweating it a little and was sure they had me on video somewhere.

 

[Mike45ACP]

My son (a naval aviator) was flying back from a sears school in Maine when he had a nice fixed blade confiscated. They could care less about his military credentials. He admitted it was his own fault (totally forgot) but he still hated to give up the knife! He was just glad to get out of there without anything that might get on record!

Mike

 

[vanslem6]

Reread the story. It was in his carry on bag. And you still can check firearms at the airport provided it is within TSA guidelines.

Just like with everything in the world, know the rules or laws. No matter where you go or what you do it is on you to know the rules. We see it everyday on this very forum: people agree to the rules with out reading them.

It is no secret what you can and can't bring on a plane. Find out what the rules are and if you disagree don't use the service.

I did misread, you are correct. You still don't get to take something from someone, and checked bags are not always safe. Things often go missing. I have an issue with credibility when the people hired to enforce rules have a difficult time following them. I understand the whole 'vote with your wallet' position, and apply it to daily life, however, as a taxpayer I have no choice but to support it. Now before I go on ranting, I'll just leave it alone. Ha!

 

[mars5l]

Or he could have just turned around and went back and checked his bag.

I'm sorry, don't mean to be unsympathetic, but unless you've been living under a rock, it's known that you don't try to carry a knife onto a plane. He could have checked it, mailed it, or ordered it as a gift to be delivered to the address where he was gong. Lots of options there, just no common sense used.

Since 9-11 we've flown to lots of places while spending our kids inheritance, and never had a problem with a knife in checked baggage.

Thats why I mentioned how your airport works, TIA you cant do that, at least not honestly in a quick time. Unless your flying you can not take the tram to the terminal for flying. Before 9/11 you could ride the tram over with your family and say goodbye at the gate, now you pretty much say good bye at the ticket counter.

 

[Stand Straight]

I agree, rules are rules and we all have different opinions about rules/laws and should obey. My son had his brain disengaged on this for sure. Even though stated rules can be and are usually enforced, come on, give the opportunity to pay the $20 or whatever they charge to check the carry-on into the luggage compartment; not just "take it."

 

[KELAMA]

I just flew to San Francisco for Thanksgiving....At LAX and SFO there are signs everywhere telling travelers what is banned in carry on. Making excuses and blaming the TSA is freakin funny. The TSA did their job correctly. The knife was not stolen, it was confiscated because of the ignorance of the passenger.

^
I've read through this entire thread, & I like this comment the best.

As far as I'm concerned, this border's on stupidity, over ignorance! This is 2015, & any human being on planet Earth, who doesn't have the adequate brain cell's to know it is against the law to carry a knife, ONBOARD AN AIRPLANE, deserves to have it confiscated...& I despise "Big Government", as much as anyone!!!

People who attempt to carry knives onto airplanes, have the same mentality as those who purchase knives via Paypal Gift, & then have the audacity, to complain about it, after they get burned.

Merry Christmas!

 

[Stand Straight]

^
I've read through this entire thread, & I like this comment the best.

As far as I'm concerned, this border's on stupidity, over ignorance! This is 2015, & any human being on planet Earth, who doesn't have the adequate brain cell's to know it is against the law to carry a knife, ONBOARD AN AIRPLANE, deserves to have it confiscated...& I despise "Big Government", as much as anyone!!!

People who attempt to carry knives onto airplanes, have the same mentality as those who purchase knives via Paypal Gift, & then have the audacity, to complain about it, after they get burned.

Merry Christmas!

Ouch! But I thoroughly agree.
My son & daughter-in-law will be coming over shortly so I'm having him read this entire thread (lol). Education. I will also now be able to ask him those question that so many of you have brought up. Last night I heard the abridged rendition at a noisy restaurant with family.

How great is it that so many forum members can have so many different view points and opinions but still not resort to name calling and bad behavior, which we all have witnessed from time to time in the forums. It's a joy when we can communicate without low blows.
Merry Christmas!

 

[jfk1110]

""As far as I know, the only ones allowed to bring a weapon on an aircraft are the U.S. Air Marshals. Not even the pilots and flight crew can bring a knife or firearm onboard.[/QUOTE]""



Pilots have been allowed to carry pistols for quite a few years now for what it's worth

 

[JParanee]

A pocket knife is not a weapon, and there's no way to access something from a checked bag while in flight. Remember when people used to check firearms at the airport?

At some places now, they will break into your car, search it and take anything they deem necessary while you are away. They'll even leave you a little note saying they've done so… I honestly think the TSA was designed to piss people off and annoy to the point where people just throw in the towel and accept having zero rights.

You still can check guns and knives

This is unfortunate but it was clearly avoidable

What did he think gift wrapping it would make it okay

 

[MSgt]

Airport security in Israel is even more painful than the TSA in the United States. When they found out someone else was in the room when I packed, they searched my entire person and my bag. They thought there were bombs in my sandals... what the hell?

After almost an hour of painstaking searching, they (surprise!) found out I was in fact, not a terrorist. Who would have known?

Whenever I buy or make a knife in Israel I don't even bother bringing it to the airport - they'll confiscate it no matter what, so I just ship it home.

Think what you want but the Israeli do not have their planes hijacked or blown up - best security ever!