I flew with mine to and from Hawaii. I told the person before i
checked my bags what was in them. I packed my tools in a tool box
and then wrapped them with close in a military duffel bag. On the
flight out they looked through the bag right in front of me so i was
able to put a lock on it. On the flight back they didn’t check it
until later so when i picked up my bag the lock had been cut and put
inside. Aside from that i had no problems and the tools all arrived
in one piece.
What I do is pack all my tools in a clear plastic box. I tape a list
of the tools (either the list for a workshop or my own list)to the
inside of the box. The list is clearly visible to the TSA folks. I
write a note (in red ink) on the list telling TSA that I’m going to a
workshop and this is my tool list. I’ve even included my cell # so
they can call me! The tool list is an obvious copy. I keep another
copy in my purse in case there are any questions. Either tape the
case shut or use a big rubber band.
Knock on wood, I’ve never had anything stolen (not even silver
sheet)! The last workshop, however, the TSA folks must have dropped
the box b/c it was a bit split on a corner. Easier to replace the box
than the tools!
After a long flight home, I was stopped by airport security on my
way leaving the airport. Apparently the guy sitting one person over
from me insisted that they check my bag because it had been buzzing
for the past two hours! So the police ask me what’s in my bag… I
couldn’t remember evrything but it was basically two days worth of
clothes, deodorant, etc. One of the cops heard the buzzing, the other
didn’t. Neither did I. When we got to the bottom of it, it turned out
to be my electric toothbrush. lol
Personal opinion only… The best way to fly with tools is to stop
at Fed-ex or UPS on the way to the airport and ship them for 9am
delivery at your destination. Anything else is painful, in your hand
luggage they may think you are going to take apart the aircraft. If
you put it in checked luggage… well the theft rate is quite a
problem, plus some solvents are not liked by the sniffer machines…
Check out the thread below. I asked the same question a couple of
years ago and received some really helpful I chose to
ship mine via UPS. It was well worth the cost for the peace of mind.
Well, I 'm off to Revere Academy!! A big thanks to all who advised
on tool-packing and your associated stories. I enjoyed them all.
I’ve put everything in a soft-sided tool bag, inside a hard-sided
suitcase, with inventory checklist and explanatory note with contact
info. Will report on anything negative using this strategy, but hope
I will have nothing to say about it!! Oh and I will try and get to
the Velevet Davinci if I have enough energy after 9-6 in the studio.
I have flown several times with tools. I use rubbermaid containers
9x12 or 8x11 inches and put my tools in them. I include a list of
tools enclosed taped to the lid. I haven’t had any problems yet. I
check this bag through. I carry all metals and stones in my carry on.
I did have a few 6 in squares of silver removed from my bag in
Austin. I had a lot of tools in the bag and it was totally inspected
at the gate ( watched that one). They examined every tool very slowly
and carefully.
Later out of my sight the bag was opened again and the silver
removed – It was a non stop flight so it pretty much had to be done
in Austin. I noticed a chalk mark on the bag which I hadn’t seen
anyone put on it. There was no opened for inspection note in the
bag-- Tools were all there. Generally even prior to 9/11 that the
smaller airports were a much greater problem than the large ones. I
UPS (usually more) stuff home mow but outgoing is hard to do that
way.
The last workshop, however, the TSA folks must have dropped the
box b/c it was a bit split on a corner.
It probably wasn’t TSA, but rather the baggage handlers. When I flew
to teach in Miami recently, a plastic can of TSP (for anodizing) was
smashed and got all over my other stuff. It was taped shut! Also, my
anodizer was busted-- it was wrapped in my clothes in my luggage.
I once sat on a plane watching luggage being loaded. The guy could
have slid the bags from the trolley straight onto the conveyer that
carried them up into the plane, but instead, he literally threw each
one 2-3 feet in the air, to come smacking down onto the conveyer.
Just a few thoughts on the topic “Flying with tools.” One of my
hobbies is Amateur radio, I am a ham radio operator. I do help during
severe weather in the local area. I have not yet had opportunity to
travel outside of the country with radios or travel to any specific
radio event. The only time I did travel with a radio, it was in my
carry-on bag and went through the x-ray machine without problem.
Some other hams do travel to other countries for different reasons.
Some of the reasons include work or recreation (read vacation).
Another favorite travel reason (excuse) is what ham operators call
"DXpeditions." This is a trip, usually at least partially sponsored,
to some very distant island or country for the purpose of operating a
radio from that location for a few days. Many times the ham operator
provided his/her own radio equipment on these trips.
One operator told how he packed the equipment taken on one such
trip. After he carefully put the radio and any other “stuff” (wire
for antennas, rope for guy lines, tools for repairs, etc.) he wanted
to take and use in the suitcase, he typed a letter to the airport
screeners and the TSA. The letter told why he was traveling with the
radio and included an inventory of everything in that bag or
suitcase. He also included copies of his US Amateur Radio license,
the foreign country license (if any), and his passport. All of this
was placed on top of the radio equipment in the suitcase so the
letter would be the first thing seen when the suitcase was opened. He
would allow TSA, or the local airport security, to open and inspect
the suitcase in his presence and said that there was never any
problem.
Again, this is just thoughts on this reflector based on similar
topics on other reflectors.
Later out of my sight the bag was opened again and the silver
removed -- It was a non stop flight so it pretty much had to be
done in Austin. I noticed a chalk mark on the bag which I hadn't
seen anyone put on it.
hoping you submitted a claim to the airline to replace your stolen
articles…it was all filmed at the inspection point!
Oh and I will try and get to Velevet Davinci if I have enough
energy after 9-6 in the studio.
When I went to Revere to take fusing with Marne Ryan, she took the
class on a field trip to Velvet Da Vinci. Well worth seeing-- but
then she took the whole class to some boutiques to shoe shop, which
I was less happy to do on (expensive) class time…
I purchased a heavy duty Pelican suitcase that is meant for
protecting photography equipment. I pack all tools for workshops
inside. Some things are in cardboard boxes, some in plastic. It does
not seem to matter, really, but I do try to make it easy for the TSA
to take a look and put everything back in.
I put a big note on top explaining that I am going to a workshop. If
possible, I put in a copy of the flyer for the workshop, and/or
postcards of my work, etc., to give the TSA a sense of what the tools
are for.
I like Tricia Tschetter’s idea of including her cell phone #, in
case they want to ask a question!
I fly to teach workshops at least 4 times per year. No significant
problems so far. Of course, there is usually a note from them that
they’ve looked inside. Like Andy Cooperman, I prefer to fly with my
tools, so that I can use them until I leave.
I try to check in two hours ahead of the flight, so that the TSA has
time to look at the tools, and still get them on the plane, so that
they arrive with my luggage.
I purchased a heavy duty Pelican suitcase that is meant for
protecting photography equipment. I pack all tools for workshops
inside. Some things are in cardboard boxes, some in plastic. It
does
And this works for you? I have wondered if expensive looking
suitcases are a detriment. A friend lost a very expensive piece of
machinery to the TSA. I think it was because it was packed in an
expensive gun case.
I suggest that next time he go to the thrift store and buy the
ugliest thing he can find.
I used to travel with my competition firearms and learned that TSA
will be happy to inspect your shipping container before the flight,
lock it with your own lock (TSA approved locks are available that
are quite unique), and apply a sticker indicating it has been
inspected and approved for transportation. At that point, they take
the container from you and pass it on for handling. Never had a
problem.
The TSA locks contain an electronic code that enables only them (and
you) to unlock the locks, so handlers and anyone else do not have
access to your goodies.
I used to travel with my competition firearms and learned that TSA
will be happy to inspect your shipping container before the
flight, lock it with your own lock (TSA approved locks are
available that are quite unique), and apply a sticker indicating it
has been inspected and approved for transportation. At that point,
they take the container from you and pass it on for handling. Never
had a problem.
This must vary with different airports, and has changed over time.
In the couple of years post 9/11 when they were sorting out how to do
these inspections, they would open the bags with you present. Not any
more. I even called to request an inspection while I was present, and
the woman on the phone said they would do this, but when I got to the
airport there was no such option. You send your suitcase down the
conveyor belt and take your chances. Of course they opened it (I
guess anything other than clothing and obvious toiletries gets
inspected) and didn’t repack it well and the boxes the tools were in
got broken and the tools jumbled around. I’m flying again this year
and shipping the tools - I don’t need the heartburn.
I suggest that next time he go to the thrift store and buy the
ugliest thing he can find.
Correct. No problems. Been using this case for several years----over
a dozen trips. The case is not exotic-looking----just plain black,
thick STRONG plastic that is rated almost bullet-proof. It is
important to me that the heavy and/or sharp tools that I travel with
cannot break out of the suitcase.