Flying with knives in checked luggage - do you worry about theft?

[LMT66]

Do you all lock your bags? (I would have thought most people do this) If not...

Try locking your zipper pulls together with a TSA approved combo lock. You can lock any two zippers together with a combo lock but it's probably better to use zippers made for this purpose. Many companies make luggage where you can lock the zippers (like Eagle Creek duffels for example).


Locking a zipper is not super secure but I can't think of a reason NOT to do it. You can also lock your baggage while out of your hotel room or when the bags are with the reception.

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[elkins45]

One flight around 2009, Tel-Aviv to New York to Detroit, both the CS and Buck went missing. I complained to American Airlines, told them the value of the knives, and they told me they'd look into it and I should file a claim with my travel insurance. Since I didn't have travel insurance (fool me), I was screwed, but they did offer $100 discount off my next flight.

I didn't realize the airlines could just blow you off like that since the bags were in their possession. I've never read the fine print but since they charge you $25 to ship them it seems wrong if they aren't held responsible for theft by their own employees. Wonder if being an international flight makes a difference?

I don't check any knives that I'm not willing to lose. I have a special travel knife that I modified to be legal in all the places where I travel. It started as a Spyderco Paramilitary (1) that I bought on the cheap when they discontinued the fully serrated version. I think I only gave $60 bucks for it on eBay and I really don't like the design, so if it gets stolen I really won't care beyond the loss of the $60. I do think I would make a big stink with the airline though, because letting them get away with it just encourages more theft.

 

[cj65]

I have TSA search and tag my gear quite regularly, especially if I have multiple legs of a journey. I carry repair electronic parts (for irrigation controllers) and the transformer step down 110 VAC to 24 VAC always gets looked at and inspected. I usually leave the TSA tape on it, unless I needed it for a repair job. I usually bring my Leatherman Ti charge, a 90 to 150 dollar knife modern folder Griptilian to sprint run paramilitary d2 and a slipjoint as well. I fly Southwest primarily unless I am going far, and like I said 30 plus flights in 5 yrs. and no problems. I hope it continues, the airlines have not stolen anything of mine.

 

[jackrl98]

i flew with a vintage schrade oldtimer, a double edged knockoff dagger (united cutlery), and a kershaw scallion with no problems.

 

[JAYRODDC]

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MOTHER OF GOD
NEVER FLYING, EVER

I don't see how baggage handlers can get away with taking stuff from bags. When i worked at fedex, they had cameras EVERYWHERE. I even got written up because a camera operator saw me drop my own item (which happened to be something similar to something that fell out of a box the day before, but not from that box) on the belt, pick it up and put it in my own pocket. Tried to fight the accusation, but lost. So how do they get off scott free with this crap?

 

[kjmccarx]

I'm a college student, about to head home for Christmas. I will be driving back to school ~1500 miles across Nevada and Arizona deserts after the break. I would like to bring my FOX Carbon Titan, but I really worry about it in my checked bag. Would you trust the TSA with this knife?

 

[mugsie]

You asked "is airline security really that corrupt?", the answer, without question or reservation is YES, IT IS!, hell, these Cretans took a woman's 1" toy guy from her doll the other day, seeing a nice knife, well.....

 

[cj65]

Mugsie,

Have you had a knife stolen while flying, or know personally anyone who has?

 

[drop of a hat]

Mugsie,

Have you had a knife stolen while flying, or know personally anyone who has?

I've had whole bags with gear disappear and never be recovered. Insurance paid out next to nothing. I was pissed and still am 5 years later when I think about it.

 

[Ritt]

I've never had an issues traveling with smallish (3" blade) folders in my checked bag. I always put them in with my shaving kit. I figure with the other metal stuff in there they're not likely to attract attention.

 

[sbuster]

I have seen TSA agents confiscast knives and slip them in their pockets. They know all of the camera angles. They will steal the paint off of the bathroom walls.

 

[Wasty]

This thread has been untouched for 3245years. And you just opened it up again.

Good Luck...

 

[topfuel6]

Might have commented in this very thread years ago… we (parents + brother) flew back from Italy with a small Italian switchblade in my loafer. It was 1969. Still have the knife.