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Arvind

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Sep 30, 1999
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I realize that this is non-topic, but I had to ask this. I will be leaving for California on the 19th of December till Christmas for vacation. I just started studying Inayan Eskrima. I would like to take my Eskrima sticks with me so I am able to continue practicing the techniques that we are taught. I was thinking of taking these in my "Check In Luggage". Would I get hassled because of this due to the security at the airports today? I am not looking to take any knives or even my Leatherman Wave which I normally carry everywhere with me. Uncle Bill, if this is definitely off topic, please delete this. My only reason for posting is that Blues or anyone with law enforcement may be able to guide me in a correct direction. As most know, I do not believe in terrorism and do not profess it either. However, in these times, belief does not mean very much when you look very much like someone who could be a terrorist.

Arvind
 
How about sending your stuff to your families house in Califonia. Before you leave.
Terry
 
Terry,

That is something I would've done except that I just ordered these sticks from Kris Cutlery Online. These sticks are to replace the sticks I currently have which are pretty beat up and I was looking to take these out there. My thinking was that because the whole issue was involving knives primarily, that my sticks being wood would not make a big deal in being inside my check-in baggage. However, I wanted to be absolutely sure before I travel since I do not want to subject my wife or my daughter to undue harrasment as a result of something that I did.

Arvind
 
Arvind I don't *think* anyopne is getting hassled because of what's in there check in luggage.
I carried several khukuris on the plane when we went to Reno for the 1st convention, but that was way pre 9-11 of course.
I still wouldn't hesitate to carry all the khukuris I wanted in my checked luggage.
And I would at least carry my super tool along in the checked luggage so as to have it to carry when I arrived where I was going.

I doubt a couple of esrima sticks would set off any alarms. My walking stick or cane, if I decided to carry it, would probably set off more alarms as it's something I absolutely must have with me in order to get around.
The cane especially since it's a Combat Cane with the sharp ridges and the like, but if it's all a man's got, it's all he's got.:)

You might wanna call your airlines and see what they say.
 
As simple as it sounds, you'll probably wish to call the airline's luggage-check station and inquire. Just make sure your not talking to an nonknowledgable airhead. Call airport security too and inquire with them. Be explicit in your explanation and intentions.
 
I think you'll be fine, Arvind, so long as the sticks are in your checked baggage. The list of items that're posted as being prohibited in CHECKED bags is pretty brief and common sense--fireworks, MACE and other pressurized toxics, etc. In contrast, knives and clubs, if they're down in the checked baggage hold where you can't reach them, are supposed to be fine, and I don't leave home without them. But do not under any circumstances pack your sticks in carry on luggage; that's an excellent way to miss your flight.

I must hasten to add that I don't have any legal expertise, but neither will the person who inspects your baggage. What I'm saying is that you can call the airlines for opinions as many times as you want, but what they tell you and what happens on the frazzled front lines at the inspection stations may be two very different things. You have to count on common sense to prevail; this is not a situation where it's productive to go quoting case law.

I've flown a lot both inside and outside the country since Sept. 11. Very, very few people inside the U.S. are having their to-be-checked bags inspected in their presence. At some airports they may be X-rayed after you've checked them. If so, be glad of it.
 
Arvind, you are asking for trouble!

Granted, if thoses sticks travel with "checked luggages" it should be the end of it...except I work as a consultant for 3 different airlines and I can tell you it aint so. Since Sept. 11, the criteria for security vary greatly from one airport to the other not to mention from one security company to the other, add to this the generally incompetent screeners that DO NOT HAVE A CLUE to date and you get the picture.

As an example, two weeks ago,I flew to Chicago for business. Waited in line 1h20 just to get my electronic ticket (supposed to go faster but really a scam so that airlines can by-pass the travel agents for commissions and employ less people at the counter). During the wait noticed two large(VERY large) unattended suitcases in the line. Name tags showed chinese name and of course no one asian in line, no one at all claiming ownership. I am not paranoid but asked an employee to contact security/police to investigate. This resulted in a 10 mn argument until I mentinned to the employee that I would personnaly report this incident to my contacts at the airlines (took his name and gave him the name and number of the airline security director) Police came and disposed of the luggages, thanking me (I used to be in Law enforcement).

The next thing I know I had to wait in line 45mn to pass the metal detector where I was asked to remove : my belt, my shoes and open the front of my pants (in front of everyone). I first enquired why and was told to proceed or else. I declined and requested to either be subjected to a search in a separate room or to go through. Now bear in mind , I dont make a point to be difficult but Ihave absolutely not tolerance for stupidity.Since Sept. 11 , screeners have been grossly abusing their job. Comes a supervisor who tell me that I have to take all these things off because I might conceal a metallic weapon. To which I asked if they requested for all women wearing wire bras to remove them on the spot too. In the mean time, while I am on the side, ready to start WWIII with these morons , I witness the guys behind me who just went through the metal detector being handed back his keys ring to which is attached a SPYDERCO!!!

No need to tell you that by that time, I am no longer a friend of the screeners (as if I ever was). Got the guy fired on the spot, filed a complaint with the FAA, the police and the airline.

Proceeded to my gate where there is a welcoming committe waiting to search me again . Went (galantly) through the 3rd check and then asked for explanations from a supervisor . After I identified myself , my relationship to the airline and this time got the Security director on the phone, I am told that the first idiot, thought to get even by reporting me as " highly suspiscious". As a way to apologize, they offered to upgrade me. If I did not know the ndustry, I WOULD PROBABLY BE STILL BEING SEARCHED!

Last friday, got a call from a representative of the airline at the airport asking me if I would be interested to provide proper security training to their personnel.....

HAve a safe trip!
 
I am greatly appreciative of all the replies and advice regarding this issue. I have thought about it a great deal and think the best way to approach this is not to take my sticks on the trip. In doing so, I dont think I'm backing down or basically giving up any rights in doing so. However because pretty much it may depend on what type of profile is established about you when travelling, in my case, right off the bat, they may profile me as being high risk. Given that, having the sticks may cause me more problems than say for someone who does not fit their profile of being a terrorist, for example either Caucasian, Asian American, African American or Native American. After I find out how things go on this trip, that will determine whether at some future point I decide to take my sticks anywhere else.

Thanks,

Arvind
 
This is a democracy, where EVERYBODY has an opportunity to be hassled at the airport. I know a number of matronly, innocent-looking middle-aged white women who've been singled out for more intensive searches for no conceivable reason. Every flight now is an adventure.

I have a friend who bought a set of fighting sticks while in Thailand and then brought them into Singapore, where airport security is notoriously tight. The inspector pulled them out of her bag, whereupon she explained that these were crutches for her young nephew. He nodded, put them back, and moved on. That was a few years ago. I don't think you could get away with that yarn today.
 
Great story, Pierre.

Our last flight coming from the Catoosa convention we had a small incident at Tulsa on our return trip due to incompetency of security. Yandu doesn't drive so has no driver's license. The security gal asked for her drivers' license. Yangdu said "I don't have one but I have my US Passport." The security gal said the passport was not valid ID!!! I said "it is everywhere in the world except Tulsa, I guess" -- and called for the supervisor who just shook her head and waved Yangdu thru.

I presented my driver's license which has no signature or photo. It was accepted by the incompetent gal as valid ID.

So, you're right, Pierre. Maybe Arvind would be carted off to jail or perhaps given some sort of martial arts medal. You never know.
 
If you're only going to be gone for a couple of weeks, you could go to the hardware store and buy a mop handle and cut it to size. If you tape it up it'll probably last for a couple of weeks of moderate practice, depending on how heavy the contact is going to be.

I'm happy to say I might be overqualified for airport security work. :) Maybe...
 
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