What gets confiscated at the airport...?

[lisssa]

I'll be flying from New Jersey to Montana to do the great divide MBT
and would like input of what will be confiscated in the airport. Knife is
one I'm assuming? Any other gear I should worry about?
thanks
lisa

[TheDaltonBoys]

lissa - to oversimplify...if you are suspiscious put it in checked baggage. Obviously, if you are taking a stove, there is no type of fuel allowed on commercial aircraft. The rest is common sense "sanity check" stuff. Enjoy your voyage!!  Mark of the Dalton Boys

[DaveB]

If you use a CO2 tire inflater, the CO2 cartridges are not allowed on aircraft either in carry-on OR checked baggage. If TSA sees them they will be confiscated.  Buy replacements at any K-Mart or Wal-Mart in MT.

Certainly a knife, but I'd put all tools in checked baggage or pack them with your bike.  Many multi-tools include a knife or other sharp items. Even seeming innocuous items may be considered "weapons" by TSA and you don't want to have to buy replacements at the last minute.

This message was edited by DaveB on 5-26-05 @ 12:05 PM

[Peaks]

The other big no-no is flamables, including stoves and fuel.

[damselfli]

I've read this in other on-line web sites... that sometimes the TSA won't allow a stove (empty, cleaned out) on board. Anyone have a simple solution (beyond buying a new stove at each and every destination?).... I'm hoping to do lots of trips flying with my bike.

[JunkMan]

Could you mail it to the town you are going to, care of General Delivery?  It would have to be clean, and no fuel, but I would think you could mail it.

Jeff

[alh]

Posters that you see at airports specifically state "no stoves". In the past I have burned out the fuel and packed the stove deep in my pack; I haven't had the nerve to try that with current airport security.

I generally ship my stove ahead. My experience is that if you have a reservation to stay the first night at a hotel, campground, hostel, or bike shop, they will accept and store your package until you arrive. Confirm this by phone, and mark the package clearly.

I usually send ahead most of my camping gear. It does not cost much more, and I trust UPS/FedEX/Post Office more than the airlines.

[alh]

Posters that you see at airports specifically state "no stoves". In the past I have burned out the fuel and packed the stove deep in my pack; I haven't had the nerve to try that with current airport security.

I generally ship my stove ahead. My experience is that if you have a reservation to stay the first night at a hotel, campground, hostel, or bike shop, they will accept and store your package until you arrive. Confirm this by phone, and mark the package clearly.

I usually send ahead most of my camping gear. It does not cost much more, and I trust UPS/FedEX/Post Office more than the airlines.

[jaberringer]

I had a small folding set of hex-head wrenches taken at LAX. TSA said NO TOOLS were allowed. TSA at Phoenix said they have the same policy.

[sid]

On a recent trip, I found that the TSA did check my checked luggage,
and removed safety matches from my stove bag as well as the spare
matches in my first aid kit.  They were wooden matches, but safety
matches (not strike anywhere) but apparently the inspector thought
they were not permitted.  Imagine my surprise at my first campsite
looking for my matches.

No problem with the stove or fuel bottle, but I did wash the fuel bottle
with soap and water before packing it.

--------------

Here is what the TSA says on their web site...

Lighters  ALL lighters are banned from your carry-on luggage.
Lighters that do not contain fuel are permitted in checked baggage,
but lighters with fuel are not.

Matches  Matches are not permitted in your checked baggage, but you
may carry up to four books of safety matches in your carry-on baggage
or on your person. Strike anywhere matches are prohibited at all times
from carry-on and checked baggage.

Camp Stoves  You may pack your camp stove as carry-on or in
checked luggage ONLY if it is empty of all fuel and cleaned so that
there is NO smell of fuel. Simply emptying the fuel container is not
sufficient.
-----------
A PDF of prohibited items is at http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/
editorial/editorial_1012.xml

[driftlessregion]

I had no trouble with stove or empty bottles with lids off or matches or knives in the checked bag and it was inspected (and they ruined the duffel zipper!).

[jeek]

I, like others here, was anxious about my stove  and fuel bottle before I flew to Canada (and out of Wyoming later). But there was no question at all about the stove either time (I had broken down and thoroughly cleaned my stove and fuel bottle the night before and was prepared to answer "I have broken down and thoroughly cleaned my stove and fuel bottle" in a defensive tone if I were to be interogated) and it was at long last a non-issue.

But beware the following: The NTSA inspector opened my bike box(cardboard type, taped shut) for the inspection, he peaked and poked for 10 seconds, and then taped the box closed with one piece of tape. When I retrieved it later, the tape had popped open, and fortunately the tent, thermorest, tool kit, stove, helmet and other items had not fallen out. Lesson: make sure they do an adequate job taping!