Travel with your detector

[ELECTRA]

Apologies if this topic has been "beaten to death" but I cannot find info on this anywhere.

How do you pack your detector when traveling by plane?? Carry on? or Checked?
If checked I assume you disassemble it and make sure it is padded with clothes etc. Do you put a note in the suitcase saying that there is a detector inside?? Do you bring your bill of sale? (to prove ownership etc)

Any advice on how to pack your detector and what to bring with you is appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Agony and Death on a Gold Rush Steamer: The Disastrous Sinking of the Side-Wheeler Yankee Blade - Grab it through Amazon!

[stefen]

A few years ago just after 911, I went through the same mental gymnastics. All of the what-ifs?

Since my MD readily breaks down into small units, I use a canvas gym bag as a carry-on, and place it in the overhead storage. Additionally, I have a break-down scoop and shovel that I tote in the same bag.

My name is engraved on all pieces so ID (ownership) is not an issue.

Never had a problem except once when departing from John Wayne Airport, I was asked to turn the unit on. I suppose that if the batteries were dead, they may have torn the unit apart or have banned it alltogether.

Due to how baggage is handled, I didn't want to let the unit or the other contents out of my sight. If you don't want to use a carry-on, at least use a hard case with some sort of wrapping protection.

No reason to bring attention to the bag either by placing external signs on the bag...security will look inside anyways.

And what ever you do, don't use the word 'Bomb', even in a casual conversation or jokingly with the security personnel...they get somewhat touchy.

Have a good trip.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

stefan, good advice, but I don't think you should even use the 'b' word on the internet or telephone.

At the airport, don't yell 'Hi'! to your friend 'Jack'.

 

[ELECTRA]

So then you prefer the "carry on" method over packing it in the suit case?

I have dismantled my Ace 250 and really, the 2 biggest parts are the "Brain" (which is the size of a hamburger) and the coil. I plan on bubble wrapping the brain and protecting the coil with clothes. The batteries will be removed and placed in my carry-on. I will carry the bill of sale with me as well as the owners manual. I plan on placing a note INSIDE my suitcase that says "metal detector wrapped in clothes, please handle with care."

Any other opinions?? Ideas??

Thanks in advance.

 

[stefen]

Yes.

Generally I use a carry-on filled with books, and being a diabetic, my meds. Its simply a matter of a using a larger carry-on for anything as large as an MD.

This way I am assured that I will arrive without the baggage being lost, stolen or placed on the wrong plane which does happen, or damaged in-transit.

As to stowed luggage, I wouldn't advertise what contained within...that an invitation for theft.

Although, another option would be to UPS or FEDEX your MD ahead to your destination and have it insured.

Frequently on trips I will purchase a suitcase from a thrift store for 4 or 5 bucks and ship my purchases on the same flight...that way I don't have to overpack an already buldging suitcase or add to the carry-ons.

The only flight that will not permit carry-ons is El Al.

 

[rvbvetter]

If it's going in a luggage compartment. I put it in a hard case, and if the foam inside is not a snug fit. I'll add a little padding.
My first wife never did understand why my detector got seatbelted in the front seat and she got the back seat to find the seat belt on her own.
Now days I feel bad when I think about that. Cause I sure miss that detector. HH

 

[Born2Dtect]

Remember some items we dig with are not allowed in carry on luggage. (knives, some diggers, probes, sharper items) You could UPS it to a hotel or to a friends house. Also the TSA has switched to keying on bombings. They may check your luggage checked or not. If you have been detecting in a fertilized field your equipment may test positive. Be sure to clean everything including the bag before you go the airport both ways. A couple of TH'ing magazines in the case should help point the TSA in the right direction if you know what I mean.

Ed

 

[BADDOG]

I actually travel with my detector about every other week if the weather is good where I'm going.
When I take my detector I pack it in a large suitcase with clothes all around it and have only had a problem once. I got home and my lugage had been searched and they didn't repack it as delicately as I had. Since then I have added a 81/2" x 11" piece of paper on top that says " Metal detector carefully packed within clothing please be careful Thank you". It has since been searched without any problems.

Here's a couple threads on the subject:

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,27004.0.html

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,17867.0.html

Good Luck and HH

Baddog

 

[nfunk]

I emailed TSA (Transportation Security Administration) asking them if there would be any problems carrying on my ACE 250.
I even attached pictures of my ACE250 and the Garrett canvas carry-on bag. This was back in November 2005, before they allowed small knives on the jet.

Next day I got a response back from TSA (surprised!) and they said that metal detectors are not on the prohibited items list (http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1012.xml)

But the did say that it was at the discretion of the local TSA inspectors. So to be safe I packed them in my suitcase.

Nick

 

[stefen]

Associated Press (AP) printed an article today pertaining to the quantity of suitcases lost annually by the flight industry.

30 Million bags were missplaced in 2005, and 200,000 for good!

When it comes down to property management, the airline personnel responsible are not the brightest bulbs on the tree.

Its a personal preference, but I elect to travel with a carry-on just for that reason. UPS is my second choice.