One last vote of confidence for carry on in airlines

[banjonyc]

So , next week I leave for the carribean. I am taking my Excalibur 2 with me. I plan to carry on the electronics (coil is permanently attached) and pack all the rods/scoops in checked luggage. The electronics of an excal to the those not familiar looks like an explosive device. Do you think I will have issues with the TSA? I really don't want to have to go back to check in to have them recall my checked bag to put it in there. First time I am ever flying with a detector, so a bit nervous.

Thanks everyone

 

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[vpnavy]

Until someone pipes in - I searched

and found a zillion threads - here are a few...

• 
  [*=4]Traveling on airline with MD (Mar 12, 2013)
  [*=4]How do you get a metal detector on the plane? (Aug 06, 2012)
  [*=4]Traveling via Airplane with a metal detector......any problems? (Jan 17, 2011)
  [*=4]Transporting MD on an airplane.... Rules? (Mar 23, 2010)
  [*=4]Do they allow metal detectors on airplanes? (Nov 08, 2008)
  [*=4]Taking a metal detector on a plane? (Mar 14, 2007)

However - if it was me I would call the airlines before packing up that puppy!

 

[banjonyc]

I saw those threads, but they are pretty old...was hoping for some more updated ones...i called but can't get a straight answer....tsa won't say a word....frustrating

 

[banjonyc]

OK, I managed to actually speak to a TSA agent on the phone. There are no restrictions as far as carrying a metal detector in your carry on (as long as it fits inside). However...and this is a big one...it is up to the discretion of the TSA agent whether or not to let it on...and that goes for anything. So if the TSA agent who is screening feels that it might interfere with the flight or be cause for alarm, they may ask you to check it instead of carrying it on. This is true of any item. They truly can just say "check it" if they feel like it might be an issue regardless if it is permitted on carry on.

 

[Rodbuster209]

How many people have told you of their successful trips taking their detector with them? I haven't been to the Caribbean but have read about many on here who have, just check out the beach and shallow water hunting forum on this site. If not leave it home and wish you would have taken it. Good luck!

 

[banjonyc]

How many people have told you of their successful trips taking their detector with them? I haven't been to the Caribbean but have read about many on here who have, just check out the beach and shallow water hunting forum on this site. If not leave it home and wish you would have taken it. Good luck!

Definitely not going to leave it home...just trying to avoid a hassle with the tsa. They seem to often make decisions on how they feel that day...if they had a real policy in place it would be helpful

 

[against the wind]

I traveled from JFK to Tampa, 2 years ago for the Christmas / New Years holidays. I took my Excalibur with me. It was packed into a crush proof suitcase. TSA checked it and tagged the suitcase. They also checked it on the return flight. I didn't think to try it as a carry on. I do have a friend who traveled to England in October. His "carry on" was his DEUS. No problems both ways.
Another suggestion, providing you have enough time before your travel dates is to mail it to your destination, if possible. Then mail it back home. I have family as well as friends who live in Florida who have no problem with me mailing them my detector.

 

[banjonyc]

I traveled from JFK to Tampa, 2 years ago for the Christmas / New Years holidays. I took my Excalibur with me. It was packed into a crush proof suitcase. TSA checked it and tagged the suitcase. They also checked it on the return flight. I didn't think to try it as a carry on. I do have a friend who traveled to England in October. His "carry on" was his DEUS. No problems both ways.
Another suggestion, providing you have enough time before your travel dates is to mail it to your destination, if possible. Then mail it back home. I have family as well as friends who live in Florida who have no problem with me mailing them my detector.

Well, headed out of country for first flight..so mailing not an option. Was thinking of totally checking it too...i.e letting them know and watch them check it..than put that band around it so it doesn't have to be opened again...all options for me

 

[AngiePA]

Banjonyc! How did it go with the TSA? Did it end up being a carry on or did they make you check it? I feel like the rules are changing daily and I don't want to chance losing our Excaliber, or damaging it. We do not have a case, so we were just going to carefully disassemble it and put it in a carry on, minus the shovels for our trip to florida.

 

[Jamie1993]

Banjonyc, I went to Riviera Maya Mexico last summer with my metal detector in tow. I put my electronics in my carry on luggage and my shaft in the checked in luggage. I had a note printed out in English and Spanish saying that the equipment was for my hobby of metal detecting. No one in customs either in the USA or Mexico batted an eye when the luggage was scanned. I hope to go back again this year doing the same thing with my AT Pro.

 

[SD51]

To take the unknown scenario out of the equation, (meaning the TSA wants you to check it at the last minute), I'd recommend you check it in some type of bullet proof box and keep your fingers crossed.