Recent experiences with cutters in carry on?

[ontdiver]

While air tags have levelled the playing field in terms of sorting out lost luggage, your experience at the airport ultimately boils down to the human factor. As such, I tend to rely on a detailed check list to ensure that carry on and checked items get sorted in the first instance. So far so good. But I have been surprised at the number of times that my tiny tube of travel toothpaste has been caught by a diligent screener. That and my cable/plug organizer bag.

 

[NephronRacing]

If they find it, it's confiscated. Not worth the risk.

They don't always find everything...

Last fall, my 18yo nephew came up to MN to deer hunt for the first time. I was actually a bit excited to let him use my first hunting knife (a buck 6" fixed blade) and my grandfather's .243 that has been almost every family members rifle used on their first hunt. Well, he forgot to take the knife out of his backpack. TSA didn't see it and he found it when he unpacked when he got back to FL. His mom brought it back up this Spring in check baggage when she came for a visit.

 

[TostitoBandito]

Please don't do this. Not only do you have a high risk of having them confiscated, but if so you're also inconveniencing everyone behind you at the security checkpoint. Be considerate and follow the rules. It's not just about you folks.

 

[thomschoon]

I also carry a line cutter on my computer straps, it was taken by TSA in Orlando. As to EMT shears, I wouldn’t try as my wife lost her little cuticle scissors in Chicago and they talked to her for 15-20 minutes to “teach” her what was permitted.

 

[lowwall]

I also carry a line cutter on my computer straps, it was taken by TSA in Orlando. As to EMT shears, I wouldn’t try as my wife lost her little cuticle scissors in Chicago and they talked to her for 15-20 minutes to “teach” her what was permitted.

Not sure when that was. But they have amended the rules to specifically allow scissors with blades "less than 4 inches from the pivot point".

 

[Sascha314]

Even if it would be ok by rules, if someone for some reason does (not ) like it, you will loose it.

I was once not allowed to take a luggage scale through security because of a small metal hook. Well I removed just the hook. He was not pleased (probably because he wanted to have it...), but I could proceed.
5m after security there was.a shop where you can buy exactly the same luggage scale with this hook ...

Well it was not TSA to be fair.

 

[Lorenzoid]

As just one example of my stunning luck with airlines, they lost my touring bike for a month. This, despite it being in a BRIGHT yellow case with my name and phone number on multiple pieces of paper just inside each (unlocked) zipper opening, and a still intact luggage tag on the outside.

Perfect! What are the odds of something like that ever happening again? You're Teflon-coated now! Seriously, though, my wife and I have each checked a bag on every one of the dozens of dive trips we've taken, plus many many more non-dive trips all over the world, and we've never had a bag lost for more than a day or two, and that 2-day delay happened only once, and the dive op gladly lent my wife some gear for a day. Your experience really was improbable. We, on the other hand, are overdue for a bad experience. (probability mathematicians please note facetious wink emoji)

 

[thomschoon]

Not sure when that was. But they have amended the rules to specifically allow scissors with blades "less than 4 inches from the pivot point".

It just happened in February, the rules may change but it doesn’t mean the agent is current on his reading list. Arguing the point didn’t help her case either.

 

[lowwall]

It just happened in February, the rules may change but it doesn’t mean the agent is current on his reading list. Arguing the point didn’t help her case either.

Don't argue. Ask to speak to an STSO (Supervisory Transportation Security Officer). Politely state that you believe the item is allowed based on the information on TSA website. If possible, it would be useful to have it printed out or the page open on your phone.

If they disagree, ask them to explain why the published rule doesn't apply to your item.

If you believe the answer is not satisfactory, ask for a complaint card and get the agent's and supervisor's names. And then please go through with filling out the form. You probably won't ever hear anything back, but someone will have to review your complaint. If you are correct about the rule, it should result in at least a mention at a later team meeting.

You can also file a complaint electronically.

Complaint | Transportation Security Administration

www.tsa.gov

 

[hammet]

Unintentionally left my trilobite attached to my harness which I had in my carryon at PBI last week. Didn't realize it until I unpacked at home.