Flying with Knives

J

jmckenna

Joined
Jun 17, 2009
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I'm heading to my parents house for most off December. I have several hundred dollars in knives I'd like to take with me for carry and gifts. My question is, is it safe to transport these in my checked luggage and what can I do to make it safer?
 
jmckenna said:
I'm heading to my parents house for most off December. I have several hundred dollars in knives I'd like to take with me for carry and gifts. My question is, is it safe to transport these in my checked luggage and what can I do to make it safer?
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UPS, FEDEX or USPS. :)
 
I've flown a lot of places with checked knives. But I'd say if you are talking several hundred dollars worth I'd agree with Ankerson..
 
I think we all know by now that knives can neither be carried on your person or in your carry-on baggage when flying by commercial carrier. Knives can be taken in your checked baggage. Some people are justifiably concerned about the security of expensive knives in checked baggage. There have been "disappearances" reported. The important thing to know is that, if you request it when you check in, you can be physically present and observe as your checked bag is inspected and then, once it is inspected, you may lock it with whatever type of lock you would like to use. You just need to request this when you check in. The ticket desk clerk will sometimes deny it because it means extra work for the clerk. Just insist. Ask for a supervisor. You can do this.

This is not a perfect solution. Any lock can be defeated and the entire bag can be stolen for opening at a more opportune time. But the same is true for Fed Ex, UPS, and USPS; losses have been reported from all of these carriers too.
 
i've never had a problem with checking my knives through, albeit its usually international but i just keep em in one spot in my bag and it usually is never opened (though one time they were taken out of the box i had them in and found them strewn through my bag by LAX customs).
 
+1 for ship it and insure it for the full value of the blades and then some more for your time and trouble replacing them if that happens. My experience is you will get much better service from the shippers for an insurance claim on a lost or damaged package then from an airline who lost your luggage or had it pilfered. Been there and had to do both at one point or another in life BTW.
 
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