Flying with your metal detector????

[Robert2300]

Has anyone here traveled with their detector on an air plane?
I'm wondering what the best kind of packing would be and if they
had any problems, especially with TSA and later customs when
traveling overseas. There was a brief news report of some 400
TSA people arrested for stealing.
Robt2300

 

[planchkr]

Hello Robert2300,

Took my metal detector to Maui, Sept. this year, no problems with the airline or TSA. I have converted a hard shell Samsonite suitcase to use for air travel.
Stripped out the guts and used 2" soft foam on both sides of case. Because one clasp does not work I have a 2" nylon web belt with quick release buckle that goes around the outside of the suitcase. I take all batteries out of the metal detector and pack the manufactures instruction guide where TSA can see it
if they open the case. Three years ago my landlord took the same setup to the Bahamas, no problems. Planchkr

 

[Robert2300]

Sounds like a plan!
Thanks for the info.
Robt2300

 

[Robert2300]

Ok. I just found out you can't lock your suite cases.
I have not been on a plane since 1989. After 911 things
have apparently gotten rough on passengers. So how can
you feel comfortable having your detector put in the guts
of the pane not knowing if it's still going to be there when you
get to your destination? If it were broken down far enough
would the airlines let tou bring it as a carry on?
Robt2300

 

[scubadetector]

But if your taking it on as carry on, you will have it with you the whole way.

 

[Robert2300]

You can actually take it as a carry on?

 

[scubadetector]

with WHATEVER kind of lock you want. Whoever told you they can't be locked is mistaken. IF they need to get into your luggage YOU have to be there to open and close and relock it.

 

[ksabubba]

Robert,

Don't know what kind of detector you have, but a fellow posted on the forums a while back about using a double tennis racket soft case for his Excal. It broke down and fit nicely and he took it as carry on with no problems.

May try the search function and see if you can find the post.

HH
Ksabubba

 

[Robert2300]

Ok. Thats alot.
I went on line and googled the question.
You've all been very helpful.
Robt2300

 

[ksabubba]

Found the post by claytargethntr

http://www.findmall.com/read.php?18,1687572,1692477#msg-1692477

Ksabubba

 

[tvr]

Have traveled with the detector both as carry on in a case and in a checked bag; but just within the continental US. Five round trip flights by air so far with with a packed detector or two. Two round trips as carry on, three with it all checked. With the carry on, sometimes they recognized it as a detector when it was scanned and let it go, sometimes they opened the case and asked "what's this?". The scoop goes in the checked bag, always. If they consider a baseball bat a potential weapon, I figure they will consider a big sand scoop a potential weapon. I try to get direct flights but that is not always possible. Have not had any issues so far. I take a picture of the contents sitting in the suitcase before heading to the airport so that if a suitcase goes missing, I've got pictures to go with the descriptions of what was lost. So far, it has been problem free.
Cheers,
tvr

 

[arclyt]

i do the same as planchkr-samsonite-the hard case from the OJ airport days and pack it good . No problems you can get the cases at a goodwill store for 5 bucks--they are old they look old and no one messes with them