Metal Dies through airport

[Dani]

security.... are they allowed in carry on bags?

[tristanznina]

Dani, I've carried them onboard and across international borders and have not had any problems. I have had the 2x2 in binders, some border dies, and loose 4x4 dies. I've even taken my revolution packed in my carry on.

[1whoscraps]

I would think it's not a problem. They aren't sharp or potentially dangerous.

[Deleted]

Tristanznina is right, but my friend did have to explain what hers were for, when a TSA agent didn't know what they were.

[Nikki]

Just don't take the Squeeze!! They took it from me because it could be used to beat someone over the head. It was still in the sealed box, too, lol.

[peterpan]

I have carried quite a few on board multiple times with no problem. If you are taking a bunch you might want to put them in a small bag you can pull out easily and don't pack them with a bunch of electronics like your cell phone and camera. I have found TSA gets cranky when there is a lot of stuff they cannot see through packed together (especially at smaller airports). Having an SLR camera, netbook (which is supposed to be okay to leave in your bag) and two cell phones in a backpack always seemed to cause consternation at one particular regional airport.

If you can pack all the dies in one small bag and pull it out to run through separately like you would a laptop you should breeze right through--though you might get a question and a strange look!

[Basketlady]

I wonder if you can contact the airlines directly and ask them about it? It seems perfectly fine--how would they be a weapon? But they can be sticky about things sometimes.

We go through security with empty water bottles and fill them up at a water fountain once we are through security. We got stuck on the runway in Chicago once and they ran out of drinking water on the airplane and I never want to be in that place again. But DH still had a dribble of water in his bottle and they wouldn't let him just drink it. He had to toss the bottle--for about a tablespoon of water. You just never know who's having a bad day or who is on a power trip.

[Dani]

Thanks ladies.

I guess it will be alright. If not maybe I should take a Big SHot with me so the screeners can at least use the dies lol

[vicki7]

Dani

Vicki

[Susan]

Jan 20, 2012 9:38:28 GMT -5 Dani said:

Thanks ladies.

I guess it will be alright. If not maybe I should take a Big SHot with me so the screeners can at least use the dies lol

oh don't laugh - TSA has done it to me. The years I traveled for QK I always hand carried my Rev in its case, with two red library binders inside the case. The magnets in the Rev were nightmares on the xray machines and always got me stopped for a "closer inspection".

In Buffalo, NY - I will never forget it - I slowly and sweetly explained to the TSA highly trainer professional, that inside the case was a die-cutting machine, and it had magnets in its base. The other metal showing up were the dies. He looked at me like I was trying to take out the entire Eastern seaboard. He called over his highly trained superiors, and THE DOG!! Yep - before they would even open the case.

Finally, it was opened, and out came my cute little Rev. I stood at the end of the glassed in exam room and gave four men, and a dog, a demonstration. I used the bottom half of my boarding pass as paper!! I die-cut the AB plate from Abigail font - I'll never forget it!

LOL!!!!

For that reason, I no longer travel with machines - just dies. Stick to the dies Dani!! HAHAHAH!!

[1whoscraps]

Oh Susan that is too funny.

I can't even get through security on my own let alone bringing scrappy tools..I bet that was a sight to see 1 grown women demonstrating how to use a die cut machine to 4 men and a dog

[peterpan]

Oh, Susan! That's definitely a keeper!

Luckily I got off a bit easier at the Midland, TX airport with my Crop-A-Dile punch/eyelet setter. I was taken aside for a "bag check". Mr. TSA was actually quite pleasant when asking what this pink-handled thing was and how it worked. He kept turning the thing over and over in his hands and giving me this skeptical "you've left you marbles at home, haven't you?" look as I tried to explain the tool's purpose.

Once he found the rest of my scrappy tools he started to believe my story. He either decided it probably could not be used as an effective weapon or that I was harmless. After he ran all my stuff back through the x-ray machine--all spread out in a platic bin--he started trying to repack my bag.

That is when it really got funny. I am known as the packer of my family and generally end up hauling way more scrappy stuff than truly necessary with me when I travel. Let's just say I had to take pity on the poor guy and repack my own bag. The look of relief on his face when I asked if he would like me to take over was priceless.

So no dogs or supervisors for me but I did feel awfully lucky to make it back to Houston with my punch thingy.

Interesting thing was, security at Hobby never even blinked when I flew out to Midland in the first place. Like Michelle said, you never know when someone is hav ing a bad day or on a power trip or, I suppose, even truly concerned about something they do not understand.

Have a great trip Dani and be sure to share any security stories with us! Safe travels!!

[Basketlady]

Don't you wish you had some pictures of all these events? Susan, can you imagine other scrapbookers walking by you? Wanting to stop and watch, but not daring to involve themselves in your situation!

[Cat]

Me Thinks Susan & Christy have the Luck of the Irish on their side!


Cat

[cheerfulmom]

Before my Dad passed away I went to Florida to be help him out but unfortunately he ended up going into the hospital and he passed while I was there which meant I ended up emptying his apartment. I sold a lot of stuff down there to the folks in his high-rise senior apartment building, gave things to Good Will and brought some things home. One of the items was a Waterford crystal vase which I had in a carry on bag. Boy, was that confusing the agents at the x-rays. They were all asking "what is that in there?" If it wasn't after such a loss I may have been laughing. Now when I look back it was rather funny. They dug all through my bag just to see what it was.

Phyllis

[qkmary]

I go to retreats that require flights. My book of dies did not cause as much commotion as my new pair of "fit flops". They opened the book of dies asked what they were, made a note, since I fly out of PDX a lot with them. (like they will remember next day but they noted anyway) and then took my shoes away. They were xrayed sniffed and then check for god knows what for 15 minutes. Thank god I am always about 1 hour early for flights. They have never have questioned my empty water bottle. I just go to Starbucks get my coffee, fill the bottle. Now DFW thinks barbecue rub is subversive commodity on the other hand.