Detectors on Airlines

[Doug Mauck]

Anyone have a strategy for taking a metal detector on an airplane? I'm thinking of disassembling my detector and sending the pole and coil by checked luggage and taking the instrument head in carry-on. Sending the whole thing by checked luggage might get it stolen. On the other hand, the control head might be suspicious to security, the rest of the machine can't be taken on carry-on because it could be used as a weapon.
I'm particularly interested in taking my detector to Europe, where treasure hunting hasn't become as popular as it is in the States.

 

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[Hoser John]

I just sent mine to hawaii as airlines can really freak at a control box,wound coil,and batteries!! I don't have time to play games and with tons a security(idiots)to screw ya up,especially in europe!!Just my take,it'll be there waiting for me.Tons a au 2 u 2-John

 

[keylargo]

I take my detector with me all the time. I fly about 7 times a month from California to Hawaii. The TSA can be a pain but if you have the instruction manual and check the long parts like the shaft and your scoop you should have no problems. They will let you take the control box battery and coil on the airplane but might check it for explosives and ask you questions about it. I have never been stopped from taking my detector through security.

 

[Diggin Deep]

Hi, I had the very same question and was told by my friend who works out of the Manchester, NH airport for the TSA. He said that is would be OK to carry it on as long as it can be disassembled. He also said they may want to inspect it, but not to worry because of the batteries and wires as they look it over real carefully. I did not want to put mine in with the checked luggage either for fear it would be ruined. He said carry on in a case is OK as long as you expect a little delay for it to be inspected ? This is what I am going to do as I will be in Michigan next week.

 

[DWT]

Doug : I've took a detector to Central America several times , I always carry it as carry on lugage , ( The complete Detector ) , I always take it apart with the batteries out plus I always carry a MFG. brochure of the detector , Hope this help's , David

 

[Ocean7]

get a Pelican case with pluck/pull foam big enough to house your detector broken down. Remove batteries. No tools - they must be checked in.

Screw drivers, coin probes, pliers, digging trowel - checked in (not carry on).

Carry on detector in case. No problem.

 

[run2car]

I've taken mine both domestic and international flights and had no problems. I always call the airline i'm traveling with and get a confirmation from them that the detector will not present a problem as some airlines have their own policies. I've always packed mine in the checked luggage and have never had a problem.

Scott

 

[Diane L.]

I have an idea that may save a lot of time with metal detectors on airlines that would be a A+for both...An see through carrying case that is aloud on jets with a before check permission written by the airport where you get your ticket....This way it is certified before loading.This will be easy so they can or look,Pieces would be separated so it would be easy to check.I believe that if someone is going to bring such a device on the plane that it should be checked because you never know and no-one truly wants something that would look dangerous on a flight with them anyway.It is for your safety and for theirs..what do you think of such an idea...The reason I thought of this is ...We had a truck with a 4 wheeler on the back, go by and had a gun holder on it..No-one knew if it was a gun...Metal detector or what ever! Later on that day my neighbor calls and tells me someone went and shot two deer and left them on the side of the road...It was not near deer hunting with guns....Though she was in a tree as it was bow hunting only....She saw them shoot the deer and leave....But the funny thing was they aimed the gun her way in the tree and they new she was there... she believed...I don't know if they saw her...I guess the story is she could have been shot also....I saw the truck with the for wheeler and the gun case propped? on the 4-wheeler, but did not see numbers on their licence because I did not feel a threat in this case, because they just passed our house going to the dead end road...HA! but she did when the same truck driver pointed it her way in the tree ,but shot two deer...Very strange in deed... If it was me I would have got the heck down and find out who that was and reported it.....I guess she did, but she did not get the #s on the truck....If that ever happens again,...Down our dead end road by our neighbors I will assist her in a full out search with the police in the front!Because what they did was not funny and truly was irresponsible...My Daughter or I could have been walking that road and we do quite frequently....I also know what the truck looks like that was pulling this 4-wheeler and if they are reading this ..Next time they hunt in our neighborhood..I will stop and tell them that story..maybe they will get the picture and maybe they will decide not to hunt there anymore!This is true and thats why it is advisable not to be mad when the airport people want to check your detector, because what could be an easy miss could be a tragedy in the headlines! And no-one wants to see this happen!? I am all for safety no-matter what the odds are and no-matter how a waste of time it may seem to be!....from Central Wisconsin...Also a metal detector person.10-4 Oh yes! one other interesting note on this article is that this happened right after the incident in Lyn WI or Lindsey, WI ?When the man was found in the woods dead....I do not think this had any correlation to that picture..But it was strange that it happened to be at that time which really spooked my neighbor as well as my family.So to this note: It is always good to be aware of strangers. I know how that feels when I am out looking for rocks or metal detecting....Let people know that you are just metal detecting and that you mean no harm.Give them your name and also ask for permission if your going to search near their land etc.You wouldn't like to pay a fine or have your name in the paper as a tresspasser or anything in that case right?thats a BIG 10-4 with me.I am for our Local Police 100% and? they value our respect for the law also! Thank you for reading this!