flying with garb

[Lady Toadflinger]

I don't know if this has been covered lately, but I need some advice.  We are flying to Las Vegas on US Air tomorrow, and I am wondering how to pack our accessories like daggers, fake firearms, and metal tankards.  I realize that we can't bring weapons in the cabin, but should we just leave them home, or will they be okay in the checked baggage?  Has anyone had any problem with stolen items like fancy flasks?  My husband's flask is a nice one, and I wouldn't want him to lose it.  Should we put our metal items at the top of the suitcase, so security can see them right away if they decide to search it? Any advice would be welcome!  Gramercy!

[Noble Dreg]

I check mine all the time...no problems.  Watch the size of your case should you choose to bring a sword, you could get nailed for over-sized bags, big bucks there!  Next time consider shipping ahead to your hotel, heavily insured.  Contact the hotel ahead of time and it will be in your room waiting.

[Angus]

I put everything in my checked baggage, and check in all weapons in a locked case, similar to a rifle case.

My Rapier is disassembled when traveling in this manner, and I've not had a problem.

...but I do let them know what it is, and that it is for "Theatrical Venue".

[LadyDracolich]

Any ideas about my hoop skirt??  I'm pretty sure I can shrink it down... I'll be flying in Nov. to Maine for rennie wedding.  I probably won't take my tankard or anything, just my garb and the hoop.  But the hoops are metal.  Should I say something when I check my baggage? Or should I mail ahead?

[Anna Iram]

Lady Toadflinger, I'd carry the flask on board if it is something of value. Empty of course. Same with anything like your jewelry that might catch someones eye. You never know.


Lady Dracolitch, I don't know what your hoops are like but mine can be folded in upon themselves a bit like a car sunshade. I always tie mine up in a plastic shopping bag so they can see what it is but it doesn't explode when they open the luggage to check it out. Inevitably they do.

[Nailin]

I know this is late but as an airline employee please take anything of value on board - if you take carry on all liquid and gels must be under 3oz and be in a clear ziploc bag - just put all weapons in your checked bags / if your TSA (thousands standing around) are visible wait till your bag goes through - if you do a rifle case it will go directly to baggage service - $15 for your first checked bag for under 50lbs - the checked bagged fees jumped due to gas prices - have never flown with hoops but unless you can get them to a carry on size i wouldn't do it - they will (sometimes) throw heavy bags on top of light ones - a side note there are security cameras everywhere especially the bag room and ramp - we have had people unlock bags for TSA and re lock them for the bag room - Nailin'

[DonaCatalina]

I think the rules for flying with garb type items has changed dramatically since this thread was started.
My advice on flying with garb...Don't.

[LadyStitch]

When we flew in 2009 we didn't take weapons, but we were able to do it.  The only time we had our bags searched was because we had a pewter mug that set the metal detector off.  We just put any metal object that might set off scans near the top so that the security could easily find them.  The fact you are cognesant of the issues is better than most.  Just use common sense.

[Merlin the Elder]

My advice: if you fly, anything that you value that you think someone else might like, you should ship ahead. The last time I flew (2007), I had some things stolen out of my luggage. That was the last time I will fly. I have determined that driving, even very long distances, is cheaper in the long-run.

[analise]

I flew to Texas over Thanksgiving with the intention of going to TRF that weekend. I really really wanted to take one of my very nice daggers since TRF allows peace-tied weapons. However, I thought better of it since they're one of a kind and essentially irreplaceable and I wouldn't have been able to put them in my carry-on and keep track of them. The only garb stuff I brought was my actual clothing and a pouch. Everything else, I left at home.

[Dinobabe]

I'm flying out on Monday.  I would like to take my knifty knitter with me.  It has a plastic crochet hook with a metal end (about 2").  The TSA website says I can take knitting needles on board.  I was just wondering if any of you have done this recently.  Thanks!

[Merlin the Elder]

I seem to remember Nim taking knitting needles on the trip 3 years ago without trouble. But "TSA" and "trust" are two words that don't jibe for me anymore. `Splain this to me, Lucy...why can I take a knitting needle on board, but not a tube of toothpaste? Sorry, just ranting...

[Lady Toadflinger]

We're heading to Arizona for their faire in a few weeks. Thank goodness this time we are driving! I just wouldn't want the hassle of trying to guess what will set off alarms at the airports anymore. My husband is a coin collector, he travels with coins, and just alerts security each time, before they get upset. (the coins look suspicious in the x-ray machines) Once he even got pulled out of line for having avocados in his carry-on!!! (traveling from San Diego)OY! I'm with you, Merlin.

[Dinobabe]

Ya, I never understood why 3.6 oz of shampoo is dangerous but 3.4 oz isn't!
I can BARELY wash my hair for three days with that (I have long hair).

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

We tip at faire with the dollar coins and buy new ones at the bank that come rolled.  They always cause an issue with security.  Also I carry all the electronic stuff, so I always get checked.  (I also have long hair, so I usually get the personal scan - nope can't be profiling )