Baggage Concerns: Poi on Planes

[vicissitude]

Quick question:
I'm a little concerned about the freakishness of airport security these days. Does anyone have experience putting chain poi in their baggage? I'm afraid the Department of Imperial Security is going to consider them weapons and not let me even put them in my checked baggage. Can anyone assuage (or confirm) my paranoia?

Thanks!

r i c h

[RegRad]

I don't know If you want that on your carry on baggage, but it will ride safe on your checked baggage....... They just don't let ANYTHING on that can be used as a weapon.

[phil]

See
http://www.cieux.com/onlineAirline.html
and check if your airline is listed. If so, follow the links to their security page on what _that_ airline considers safe for onboard luggage.

The sad thing is that the airline doesn't control your entry, some TSA knucklehead does, and the rules specifically give each knucklehead sole authority. This means even if poi chains were specifically allowed by an airline, the TSA screener might prevent you from passing GO and collecting your $200.

[NancyBen]

The problem is that they won't accept anything that has traces of fuel. In reality, if you wrap them in tin foil, then put them in a plastic bag, they should be fine. It seems counter-intuitive, but you're probably better off carrying them on. That way you can explain how harmless they are if questioned. I've done it twice, and never been stopped, though. Just make they don't smell like fuel at all. Unless you put them out before they were done last time or they're just really old, it shouldn't be a big deal.

But do be prepared to have to give them up if the airport inspectors are dicks about it, it's a risk you have to take if you want to bring them. You're probably 100x more likely to lose them on the playa, anyways.

[vicissitude]

Thanks for all of the help.
Based on the FAA/Dept Homeland Security sites, I'm best off putting them in my checked baggage, where I could also put, if I wanted, an axe.

I won't be bringing any fuel or fire heads so I should be fine.

~ r ~