Flying with a metal detector

[abcoin]

Hi everyone. In two weeks, I'll be taking a trip to Northern California (domestic flight within the US), and was wondering if anyone here has flown with their detector recently. I'm mostly concerned about TSA rules, since I'd like to take mine in my carry-on luggage (don't want it getting lost/stolen out of checked bags). Any advice on how to pack the detector and avoid problems at security would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[MNCoinhunter]

I'm thinking that as long as you can pack it into a carry-on bag, there are no issues. I'd rather lose my luggage than my detector. I would remove the batteries for sure though..

 

[hershey1]

I fly regularly with mine. Just got back from Florida 2 weeks ago. I put my manual in just in case someone new questions what you have. Put your batteries in your checked luggage. The only problem I ever had was with a Pistol Probe other than that no problems. HH

 

[nw1886]

There is one exception....lithium ion batteries. If you have a machine that uses them....research how to best get them to where your going. (Fire hazard.)

 

[abcoin]

Thanks for your responses. I placed an inquiry with TSA and got a response today. Didn't tell me anything at all. They just said that detectors aren't on the list of prohibited items, though the screener at the checkpoint has the ability to determine if an item is prohibited on a case by case basis. Don't see what reason they could sight for denying a detector, though. Has anyone actually ever run into problems at security with their detector (i.e. was told that they couldn't take a detector onto the plane)?

 

[nw1886]

I've flown all over and have always just carried it on. (If you are concerned, just go in a bit early and request a pre-screen if possible....as that "case by case" clause would give me the jitters.....not like having to leave behind a pocket knife or lighter!) To make in flight storage simpler, put battery pack and coil/rod assembly in your checked baggage or carry on.

 

[Howard Snell]

Personally I went to a golf store and picked up a hard travel case for my excal. I taped a peice of paper tothe front of it and listed the origin destination and contents and my cell. If you go that route put that TSA message with your detector. Otherwise there shouldent b a problem

 

[TNreb]

I flew with mine last year for the first time. I was nervous at first but now no problems. Here are a few tips. Call the airline you are flying on and check their baggage space for carry ons. Some smaller planes are too small but just about all larger ones should be ok. I bought the hard case from White's and it works great. Already has the foam padding and already cut out for your machine and extras. (Well worth the money). Each airport is going to be different. I had no problems flying out. They didn't even open it up. The airport I flew back out of opened it up and called some extra people over but there was no problem. The only thing you need to be careful on are your finds. I found several silver and indian head pennies I had in a baggie. They all enjoyed my story. But also was an old pearl handle pocket knife with the blades rusted shut. They said it could not go on the plane. I either had to leave it or check it. Well I wanted that knife so I put it in another carry on and checked it for free. But my machine always goes with me. I don't trust the luggage handlers. Funny thing was the rusted pocket knife could not go on but my digger was ok. Go figure.