TSA: Tools and radar detector?

My bro & I are flying to NOLA tomorrow for a fly & drive (see here)

I’d planned on bringing a SMALL unopened tool kit, and my radar detector in its fancy case. 

Okay for carry-on, or should I just skip any potential drama and check it. I think I know the answer, but I hate checkin E36 M3.

No direct knowledge, but I would imagine the radar detector is fine.  Tool kit I'd probably check.

Check it. Tools are sure to raise questions/extra screening. I'm a retired TSA Supervisor.

Aren't most of them calling off sick because of the shutdown? 

Best bet is carry on the radar detector and get a cheap tool set at harbor freight when you land.

Although, well, nevermind, surely by now they've fixed the massive blind spots on the whole body scanners. Maybe. 

RevRico said:

Aren't most of them calling off sick because of the shutdown? 

If they send you home for the shutdown, you get paid when it's over, call in sick and you burn up sick leave you have been building for years.  Si, I wouldn't.

Don49 said:

Check it. Tools are sure to raise questions/extra screening. I'm a retired TSA Supervisor.

I think this is my answer. Thanks. As long as I’m checking anyway, am I cool to check my (small but pricey) knife? I feel naked without it. Nice to have in a pinch (for cutting hoses & such if necessary.)

They wouldn't let me on with screwdrivers in a carry-on before the TSA came along.

Toolkit will almost certainly be a problem. I think that tools are limited to 6 inches. 

Dirty joke.  

I was just able to carry my pocket knife back in the 90s because the blade wasn't longer than my palm is wide.  Good thing I have big hands.

I lose fingernail clippers now, if I forget they are in my pocket.  No way you get tools on board in carry-on.

What if it's a highly extensible tool, is it OK if it stays collapsed to under 6"?

Radar detector is fine, tools are highly questionable, even a tiny knife is asking for it.

If you need a knife, consider getting a Gerber EAB. It is a folding utility knife and can also be used as a money clip. Take the blade out before you fly, run it through as a money clip and then pickup some blades somewhere after you arrive.

poopshovel again said:

Don49 said:

Check it. Tools are sure to raise questions/extra screening. I'm a retired TSA Supervisor.

I think this is my answer. Thanks. As long as I’m checking anyway, am I cool to check my (small but pricey) knife? I feel naked without it. Nice to have in a pinch (for cutting hoses & such if necessary.)

It's fine to check your knife.  My problem is that at least twice a year if forget to do that in one direction or another and end up surrendering it to the TSA.

In reply to APEowner :

Yeah. BTDT. $200 mistake, and being “Last-minute-Mike,” it was too late to go back and check it :/

I have never once had issues with checking tools. I used to travel with a full kit full of blades and sharp pointy objects in and out of JFK. Never said a word once. I would not try it on a carry on.

Remember the weight limit though, on bigger jobs it was worth it to UPS the stuff ahead of time to where you wre going as the tonnage fees were astronomical for normal flights when I would bring stuff in the 70-100lb range.

mtn said:

 I think that tools are limited to 6 inches. 

 

 

If that were true, I'd be taking the train everywhere!

Radar detector should be cool for carry-on though, yeah? It’s not a “cheap” one so I’d rather not check if possible.

Got any stops in Virginia?  The authorities here have deemed them "illegal."  Dunno if they're seizing them at airports.

Do you really need a radar detector with only 4 gears?

In reply to poopshovel again :

I took mine in my carry on when going to pick up the s10 in Florida and they didn't look twice at it.  They even dug through my bag to check out the shifter I brought down for stampie.  Shouldn't be an issue.

Patrick said:

Do you really need a radar detector with only 4 gears?

Should be able to hit 130+ in 4th.  Cruising down the highway at 3500 rpm may provoke one to do a few WOT pulls for the hell of it.

In reply to poopshovel again :

Good luck, señor Poop!

1988RedT2 said:

mtn said:

 I think that tools are limited to 6 inches. 

 

 

If that were true, I'd be taking the train everywhere!

Ha!  Lucky me, I’ve got three inches to spare!

I forgot that I had my really nice leatherman in my bag and got busted at the security line. 

I went to check it but it was too late.  So I stashed it in the airport so that I could get it when I came back.  I knew I should have gone outside to find a good spot but thought the top of the phone booths would be safe.   A week later it was gone.  But it was kind of fun since I was gonna lose it  anyway

Patrick said:

Do you really need a radar detector with only 4 gears?

CHALLENGE_ACCEPTED!

poopshovel again said:

Patrick said:

Do you really need a radar detector with only 4 gears?

CHALLENGE_ACCEPTED!

Can't wait......