Airlines and Backpacking

“its been a few years since ive flown ('02, i believe)

anything i should know about flying with backpacking gear? anything allowed, not allowed or any specifics about packing i should know? will they look at my trekking poles like they look at box cutters in this post 9-11 world? should i get my denatuted alcohol at my destination? what about knives? etc...”

“Damn, and I been doing it all wrong.......I didn't know I could FLY with my gear.......and all the money I wasted on hiking shoes...........”

“make sure youdont look like a hippy, they will search you and your gear everytime :(”

“Nasty experience with the latex gloves huh Spirit?”

“:|

Somethinglike that.....everytime >:(”

“i think theyre supposed to search everyones gear every time”

“well duh....but i dont think they are suppsoed to take you to the little room everytime >:|”

“TSA rules in word format:
http://www.tsa.gov/public/interweb/assetlibrary/Permitted_Prohibited_Facts.doc”

“what should i open that with? i tried with notepad and wordpad. no joy both times”

“Crash Bang, generally you need MS reader, MS Word, or some app like OpenOffice.org Writer, but until then here's a cut and paste:

Prohibited items are weapons, explosives, incendiaries, and include items that are seemingly harmless but may be used as weapons – the so-called “dual use” items. You may not bring these items to or through security checkpoints without authorization.

If you bring a prohibited item to the checkpoint, you may be criminally and/or civilly prosecuted or, at the least, asked to rid yourself of the item. A transportation security officer (TSO – formerly a screener) and/or law enforcement officer will make this determination, depending on what the item is and the circumstances. Bringing a prohibited item to a security checkpoint – even accidentally – is illegal.

Your prohibited item may be detained for use in an investigation and, if necessary, as evidence in your criminal and/or civil prosecution. If permitted by the TSO or law enforcement officer, you may be allowed to: consult with the airlines for possible assistance in placing the prohibited item in checked baggage; withdraw with the item from the screening checkpoint at that time; make other arrangements for the item, such as taking it to your car or mailing it to yourself; or, voluntarily abandon the item. Items that are voluntarily abandoned or confiscated by a law enforcement officer cannot be recovered and will not be returned to you. Property claims for these items will also be denied by TSA.

The following chart outlines items that are permitted and items that are prohibited in your carry-on or checked baggage. You should note that some items are allowed in your checked baggage, but not your carry-on. Also pay careful attention to the “Notes” included at the bottom of each section – they contain important information about restrictions and exceptions.

The prohibited and permitted items chart is not intended to be all-inclusive and is updated as necessary. To ensure everyone’s security, the TSO may determine that an item not on the prohibited items chart is prohibited. In addition, the TSO may also determine that an item on the permitted chart is dangerous and therefore may not be brought through the security checkpoint.

The chart applies to flights originating within the United States. Please check with your airline or travel agent for restrictions at destinations outside of the United States.

For updates and for more information, call our Consumer Response Center toll-free at 1-866-289-9673 or E-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.










Can I take it?
Carry-on
Checked
Personal Items


Cigar Cutters
Yes
Yes
Corkscrews
Yes
Yes
Cuticle Cutters
Yes
Yes
Eyeglass Repair Tools (including screwdrivers)
Yes
Yes
Eyelash Curlers
Yes
Yes
Knitting and Crochet Needles
Yes
Yes
Knives - prohibited as carry-on except for plastic or round bladed butter knives.
No
Yes
Nail Clippers
Yes
Yes
Nail Files
Yes
Yes
Personal care or toiletries with aerosols, in limited quantities (such as hairsprays, deodorants)
Yes
Yes
Safety Razors (including disposable razors)
Yes
Yes
Scissors - plastic or metal with blunt tips
Yes
Yes
Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades longer than four inches in length
No
Yes
Toy Transformer Robots
Yes
Yes
Toy Weapons (if not realistic replicas)
Yes
Yes
Tweezers
Yes
Yes
Umbrellas (allowed in carry-on baggage once they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed)
Yes
Yes
Walking Canes (allowed in carry-on baggage once they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed)
Yes
Yes

Note Some personal care items containing aerosol are regulated as hazardous materials. The FAA regulates hazardous materials. This information is summarized at www.faa.gov, click on Passengers, then Preparing to Fly.

Medication and Special Needs Devices


Braille Note-Taker, Slate and Stylus, Augmentation Devices

Yes
Yes
Diabetes-Related Supplies/Equipment, (once inspected to ensure prohibited items are not concealed) including: insulin and insulin loaded dispensing products; vials or box of individual vials; jet injectors; pens; infusers; and preloaded syringes; and an unlimited number of unused syringes, when accompanied by insulin; lancets; blood glucose meters; blood glucose meter test strips; insulin pumps; and insulin pump supplies. Insulin in any form or dispenser must be properly marked with a professionally printed label identifying the medication or manufacturer’s name or pharmaceutical label.

Yes
Yes
Nitroglycerine pills or spray for medical use (if properly marked with a professionally printed label identifying the medication or manufacturer’s name or pharmaceutical label)

Yes
Yes
Ostomy Scissors All scissors with blades four inches or less
Yes
Yes
Prosthetic Device Tools and Appliances, including drill, allen wrenches, pullsleeves used to put on or remove prosthetic devices, if carried by the individual with the prosthetic device or his or her companion

Yes
Yes
Can I take it?
Carry-on
Checked
Electronic Devices


Camcorders
Yes
Yes
Camera Equipment
The checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film in camera equipment. We recommend that you either put undeveloped film and cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on baggage or take undeveloped film with you to the checkpoint and ask the screener to conduct a hand-inspection.

Yes
Yes
Laptop Computers
Yes
Yes
Mobile Phones
Yes
Yes
Pagers
Yes
Yes
Personal Data Assistants (PDA’s)
Yes
Yes

Note Check with your airline or travel agent for restrictions on the use of these and other electronic items during your flight.
Sharp Objects


Box Cutters
No
Yes
Ice Axes/Ice Picks
No
Yes
Knives - prohibited as carry-on except for plastic or round bladed butter knives.

No
Yes
Meat Cleavers
No
Yes
Razor-Type Blades, such as box cutters, utility knives, razor blades not in a cartridge, but excluding safety razors

No
Yes
Sabers
No
Yes
Scissors – metal with pointed tips and blades longer than four inches

No
Yes
Swords
No
Yes

Note Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
Sporting Goods


Baseball Bats
No
Yes
Bows and Arrows
No
Yes
Cricket Bats
No
Yes
Golf Clubs
No
Yes
Hockey Sticks
No
Yes
Lacrosse Sticks
No
Yes
Pool Cues
No
Yes
Ski Poles
No
Yes
Spear Guns
No
Yes
Can I take it?
Carry-on
Checked
Guns and Firearms


Ammunition - Check with your airline or travel agent to see if ammunition is permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. If ammunition is permitted, it must be declared to the airline at check-in. Small arms ammunitions for personal use must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply.
No
Yes
BB guns
No
Yes
Compressed Air Guns
No
Yes
Firearms
No
Yes
Flare Guns
No
No
Gun Lighters
No
No
Gun Powder
No
No
Parts of Guns and Firearms
No
Yes
Pellet Guns
No
Yes
Realistic Replicas of Firearms
No
Yes
Starter Pistols
No
Yes

Note Check with your airline or travel agent to see if firearms are permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply. All of the firearms listed above, as well the frame or receiver of such firearms, carried as checked baggage, MUST be unloaded, packed in locked hard-sided gun case, and declared to your airline at check-in."

Tools


Axes and Hatchets
No
Yes
Cattle Prods
No
Yes
Crowbars
No
Yes
Hammers
No
Yes
Drills (including cordless portable power drills)
No
Yes
Saws (including cordless portable power saws)
No
Yes
Tools (greater than seven inches in length)
No
Yes
Tools (seven inches or less in length)
Yes
Yes
Screwdrivers (seven inches or less in length)
Yes
Yes
Wrenches and Pliers (seven inches or less in length)
Yes
Yes

Note Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners.

Martial Arts/Self Defense Items


Billy Clubs
No
Yes
Black Jacks
No
Yes
Brass Knuckles
No
Yes
Kubatons
No
Yes
Mace/Pepper Spray
One 118 ml or 4 Fl. oz. container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. For more information visit www.faa.gov, click on Passengers, then Preparing to Fly.
No
Yes
Martial Arts Weapons
No
Yes
Night Sticks
No
Yes
Nunchakus
No
Yes

Can I take it?
Carry-on
Checked
Martial Arts/Self Defense Items


Stun Guns/Shocking Devices
No
Yes
Throwing Stars
No
Yes

Note Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury
to baggage handlers and security screeners.

Explosive Materials


Blasting Caps
No
No
Dynamite
No
No
Fireworks
No
No
Flares (in any form)
No
No
Hand Grenades
No
No
Plastic Explosives
No
No
Realistic Replicas of Explosives
No
No



Flammable Items
Aerosol (any except for personal care or toiletries in limited quantities)
No
No
Fuels (including cooking fuels and any flammable liquid fuel)
No
No
Gasoline
No
No
Gas Torches
No
No
Lighter Fluid
No
No
Lighters *
No *
No *
Strike-anywhere Matches **
No **
No **
Turpentine and Paint Thinner
No
No
Realistic Replicas of Incendiaries
No
No

*All lighters are prohibited as carry-on items. Lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to the DOT exemption, which allows up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case. If you are uncertain as to whether your lighter is prohibited, please refrain from bringing it to the airport.

** Up to 4 books of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches are permitted as carry-on items, but all matches are prohibited in checked baggage

Note There are other hazardous materials that are regulated by the FAA. This information is summarized at www.faa.gov, click on Passengers, then Preparing to Fly.

Disabling Chemicals and Other Dangerous Items
Chlorine for Pools and Spas
No
No
Compressed Gas Cylinders (including fire extinguishers)
No
No
Liquid Bleach
No
No
Spillable Batteries (except those in wheelchairs)
No
No
Spray Paint
No
No
Tear Gas
No
No

Note There are other hazardous materials that are regulated by the FAA. This information is summarized at www.faa.gov, click on Passengers, then Preparing to Fly.

From: http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1012.xml”

“Hey Crash.... here's a thought. Get a large army style duffel bag and place your backpack inside it, then check it at front desk rather than carry it on. These are lockable, and most people would mess with a pack a lot quicker than they would a duffelbag.”

“I've travelled this way a couple times. Bought a canvas duck duffle at the army surplus store. Shove everything in it an check it. No fuel, just buy this at your destination. Used my sleeping pad as cushion to protect the sensitive stuff. No problem either time. Steve”

“TSA asks you not to lock your duffel with any lock save for the ones which they approve. TSA agents can open those locks without breaking them.

They cut my small Master lock attached to my Army duffel.

They reserve the right to break your lock.

Here's the approved locks:
http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_multi_image_with_table_0234.xml
last edited: 1/28/06 8:23:34 PM”

“Buy your fuel at the destination! You may have trouble even carrying a fuel bottle, but at least try it with the bottle open, lid in a separate zip lock and clean of any fumes.”

“I wouldn't even bother getting a lock. If they want to steal something they will. Just check it as well.”

“We traveled to Vancouver from Los Angeles with our gear and bought our fuel canisters and lighters (or matches) in Canada.

Yes, put your gear into duffel bags. That protects them and you can claim damage if something gets broken. If you check your backpack unprotected, then it is considered luggage, which is expected to take some abuse. There is some technicality with sports gear not being protected from damage like regular luggage, but I am not sure of the details.

We had to declare food for international travel, so we declared our backpacking food. No problemo.

I quit locking my luggage a few years ago. Seems to be less hassle.”

“if your luggage is locked, its subject to being broken if they decide they want to search it.

better to just not lock it.”

“lighters and fuel ill get at my destination. i assume trekking poles are ok checked. ill put everything in a duffel bag but i wont lock it. anything else?”

“http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=178

Hey CB, I hadn't checked this TSA site for a while but it is the easiest to understand and lists many items you have a question about.

I can say for a fact:
rinse and air dry any fuel bottles, pack W/O lid...since you use a coke bottle for your alchohol I think you will buy a new fuel bottle when you arrive.;-P

Pack your pepsi can stove in a way that if they should want to check it out that they do not have to unpack your gear. I suggest wrapping it in some bubble wrap and making it easy for them to get to. If you bury it deep they will unpack everything then just stuffit all back in with no regard to fragile items.

I have taken trekking poles on every trip and never been questioned even before they became the must have piece of gear they are now.

Use cable ties as a lock. Cheap and they can cut them off if they need to. Pack extries for the trip home.”

“I didn't want the airlines to have a chance at losing my gear so, I shipped it FedEx ahead of time. It wasn't expensive and it's kind of nice not to have to go to baggage claims when you reach your destination.”

“are airlines allowed to unpack and check my bag without my presence?”

“Yes. They will wrap a piece of tape around it stating it had been opened for inspection. Though I have not had it happen a friend of mine was asked to open it at the X-ray at check-in for a fuel bottle but after that you are at their mercy.”

“thats a bunch of crap. makes me almost wish i was driving”

“key word”

“shaddup”

“It's not that much of a problem CB. You check it in and forget about it.”

“One of my buddies going on our Yukon trip talked to the airline we'll be on. For stoves, they do an in-person sniff test. Basically, you have the stove out and the sniff it to detect any residual fuel. If you pass, you can check it. I think it's the same with the fuel bottles.

Keep in mind that most airlines have their own policies which may be more stringent than the TSA rules. Call to find out, and get enough info that you can successfully argue at the gate if you get someone who doesn't know the rules.”

“i use a pepsi can stove with either heet or denatured alcohol. those things pretty much burn off all the fuel. i assume ill pass the sniff test? (theres one for out of context quotes)”

“*Take no lighters / matches to the airport

*Use a duffel bag but use approved locks, or

*Use no lock at all

*Absolutely - take no fuel

*Consider purchasing MSR fuel bottles after your flight.”

“Crash, The Backcountry Office at Grand Canyon usually has fuel for free, left by people who can't fly home with it. You might want to call them about what they have.(928-638-7875 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m M-F)”

“Some of these "war stories" crack me up. CB, I usually fly somewhere, maybe two or more somewheres, every week for biz. While people love to tell their horror stories, they are usually just that... stories that happened with a "once in a million" probability of recurring.

Some facts:
Airlines don't lose luggage. It's a LOT less hassle to put your pack in a duffle bag or large suitcase & check it than any other option.

There's absolutely no reason to lock it. You're worrying about something that simply isn't going to happen.. no-one who will handle your luggage has the time or the opportunity to rifle thru it looking for something of value.

My suggestion: Check your baggage, then get on the plane WITHOUT all the hassle of dragging your luggage with you through security & then trying to find a storage space for it in overhead bins or jamming it under your seat so you wan't have any leg-room, then kick back and have a brew (or two!) & don't worry about your gear, it'll get there when you do.

And, no, I don't work for the airline industry, I'm just a frequent business-traveler realist who likes to keep things simple!”

“thats what i figured, wandy. its been 3 years since ive flown, so i thought id better ask”

“I agree with wanderer. I take a daypack with a few odds and ends and check everything else.

BTW don't forget about the maximum pounds allowed for check on per piece. I seem to remember it is 50. It's not that you can't check it. They charge you extra $$.”

“i'm hoping mne will be around 35 with food.”

“I had a big duffel bag that my pack barely fits in. Had the pack filled, and some stuff along side of it. Had my trekking poles compressed and, barely fitting, they too were in the duffel. It's a 36" duffel, by however wide and tall. I think it's a pretty standard size.

Then, check it!

I use Heet for my stove, so would get that upon arrival. (Sometimes a trick when going to a southern location at a warm time of year, lol)

One time I got the "hands-on" pat down, flying out of Atlanta. woo hoo, you can dream of that Crash Bang. LOL!

Flying out of Denver once, I had a small carry-on pack, as did another hippy-looking guy. His got searched; mine did not.
:-)

I basically always have a small, carry-on pack. Come to think of it, recently it has pretty much always been gone through. (A pain, with all the stuff I squish in there, and then to have to repack after the airport screening! phhht!)
last edited: 1/29/06 11:54:49 AM”

“ill be around 40 with severed heads....i mean food...”

“I didn't have any problems last yr flying to Calif. I even had a bic lighter in my pack. I carried on water proof matches with no problem. I have a big nylon bag made by Kelty just for packing all you gear in.”

“Maybe you might not want to tell them your tt name. Stick with your real name :)

The TSA had my name on a watch list on one flight I had to make a in '04. I had to wait for the clearance and the next flight.

Nowadays there's a frequent flyer biometric card you can recieve - some of your personal info is listed on the card and, I'm pretty sure, your fingerprint is on the card too.”

“How in the world did you end up on a "watch" list?

The biometric cards aren't national yet.”

“Check it and use common sense. I don't pack fuel, lighters, or matches. These are generally easy to get where I am going.

I have never had my pack lost by an airline but logistics on some of these trips can be tight. As recently as my last trip I had my bag delayed getting into the airport resulting in a big delay before I had my gear. So far it has always worked out, but I can easily imagine a scenario where I am on a group hike and my pack is the one that doesn't arrive until 6 hours after we were supposed to start the hike.”

“I fly with my GG Vapor Trail backpack with sleeping bag and clothing items in it as carry on.
I check a rolling suitcase with my trekking poles, dry stove, dry fuel bottles, bear can, knife, tent stakes, poles, ect.
On landing, a trip to Wally World, gets my yellow bottle Heet (stove fuel), and lighter, and any other banned things.”

“Last June I flew to Florida for my honeymoon, and had my hiking first-aid kit in my carry-on. The screener dude took me aside and asked for any sharp devices in my bag. After rifling through the bag he found those little tiny folding scissors in the kit. I chucked them and was on my way.”

“When I flew home from Drunkferst-n-BQb last July, Delta lost my gear for two days. I didn't have a lot of backpacking gear with me since we were dayhiking. I'm glad they lost it on the return trip and not on the way to Philly. I stuff my pack into a unlocked green army duffel bag. I use a Ridgerest expanded out inside the duffel as armor. It expands the canvas out then I just fill up the void. Works real well.”

“Scott. Every year 2-3 times a year, I and a couple of my friends travel all over the states with our gear. That includes treking poles, stoves, fuel bottles, knives and non-folding hiking stiks. As has been previously stated and suggested...put it all your pack, put the pack in some sort of bag...or not. If you don't, ask for a large "trash bag" at check in and the check in clerk will hand you one...FREE. I use an Eagle Creek carrier. I just slide my entire packed pack into it and wheel it along and carry on a day pack with odds and ends...snacks, books, water...etc...no camping equip. I also carry on my hiking stick. In the check in gear is ALL my gear. Stove, open fuel bottle (which should air out a couple of days, food stuffs, knife(ves), etc. DO NOT put a lock on it, they'll bust it if they want to. Duffle bags are a PITA. If you don't have a eagle Creek, or REI carrier, just wear the pack and hand it to them for the plastic bag thingy.

NEVER in all my trips, post and pre 911 have I had any difficulties...all the stories are myths...can something happen...yes, so what, its our safety, so, if you don't try to smuggle something illeagle...like fuel, you won't have any problems...leave yourself TIME to relax and enjoy the process.

Have fun...you can email me if you'd like. Like I said...and i'm not boasting, I pack travel 4-5 times a year, and know the ins and outs of taking gear on airlines.

Marc”

“cool diggetys”

“Crash, if I were you, I would call the airline you are taking. I think they all may vary just a little bit on what is allowed. Certainly, no knives are allowed on board, but they are also concerned about what's packed in your luggage that will go into their cargo like bear spray.

I went back to NY this past July. It was my mom's birthday, so I brought her gift with me, a mini cuisinart. The people that check your carry on stuff took it from me. I didn't want to pack it in my other luggage that went into cargo, because I thought I may break it. He took it and said nothing and brought it back and said nothing. Later on I thought about it, and that the mini cuisinart has a blade in it, but they let me take it as carry on anyway.”

“When I fly I carry on the stuff I really, really need. I take this in the daypack I carry on. I pack my backpack with stuff I can rent or bum. I put pack in a huge army duffle that I've had for 15 years.

When I went to Zion last Sept, I never got my checked duffle. It had a rope, harness, hardware, sleeping bag, hiking poles, pad etc. Lucky (for airline) my friends had extra gear. It got kinda cold and uncomfortable sleeping on the van floor with only a $5 Wall Mart Blanket and a $10 large Sponge Bob towel. I got my bag the day after I got home. I did get $350 in vouchers from US Scare, not a bad deal.”

“what about windproof waterproof matches?”

“Don't take them in your pocket or carry-on if they're strike-anywhere type”

“sounds like sound advice”