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!
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.
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".
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?
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.
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'
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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...
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.
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).
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 :) )
We flew to CA for faire last April, from Indiana. We decided to take enough garb so that we didn't look like tourist mundanes, but not so much that we had security/check in issues. No weapons or flasks, but most of our other finery. In no way whatsoever did that decision affect our ability to have a great time! Flying can be such a pain now, make it easy on yourself.
I really don't think that they have any idea what they're looking for. Several years ago, post 9/11, we flew to DFW to go to Scarby...four of us. Three matronly-looking gray-haired women, and one Taliban-looking wizard. Who do you think got searched? Two of the women got extra search down and back, the other fem on only one leg of the trip. They never gave me a second look.
I flew into Denver this morning and had no problems getting thru with my crochet hook. ;)
I agree with Merlin, they have no clue what they are doing.
I flew to Toronto in November.
When I got home back to Florida a week later I realized that in my purse I had 2 drill bits and 2 jig saw blades (its my travel bag that I use when we have a job on site at a marina).
This was after taking 4 airplanes and going through security and customs.
Quote from: Auryn on January 24, 2011, 02:44:30 PM
I agree with Merlin, they have no clue what they are doing.
I flew to Toronto in November.
When I got home back to Florida a week later I realized that in my purse I had 2 drill bits and 2 jig saw blades (its my travel bag that I use when we have a job on site at a marina).
This was after taking 4 airplanes and going through security and customs.
Wow. How big were the saw blades?
I have always flown with my crochet hooks and my scissors (about a 2" blade). When I flew home for Xmas, I also had a project with pins in it. No one has ever said anything.
On the other hand, last year they confiscated my nail polish remover, even though it was in a 2oz bottle.
Cracking up @ Merlin the Elder. If TSA will search a nun, why not a wizard? I think that's outright discrimination. But where to file, oh, where, to file the complaint? ;D
This fall, I flew into Las Vegas with two sofa-sized suitcases and had no problem. But it was all peasant and gypsy garb. We didn't pack any weapons, and I left my most treasured flask at home, just in case.
I'm flying to Arizona in a couple weeks (yay! see you there!) and will again pack inexpensive/squishable garb only. I think the others have the right rule of thumb: if it would break your heart to lose it, don't fly with it.
As of my last post I've flown many times to faires and personally if it's of value to you it will be of value to someone else; make sure you put locks on everything; i nearly lost a bag full of garb and a brand new wooden mug i had waited 4 years for...it was a small duffel to carry on - it had to be gate checked due to overhead bins being full & the FA saying it would not fit under my seat - long story short - the bag tags came off and it was a nightmare trying to find a black duffel - it had no locks on it and my only saving grace was that i had put my address on the inside of the duffel - i travel with simple garb and make sure that the corset or bodice is on top - most of the time I've just kept it out - I've gotten flagged about 4 times for the issue with boning and explaining what it is...happy flying...
I don't think you can lock checked luggage (the stuff you check at the counter). I think it has to be available to be 'random' inspected, and most likely if it has a lock, that is the one they would pick.
I buy TSA locks, available at most luggage shops. They can be opened by agents but are theft proof to anyone else. My luggage gets tagged most every time what with steel hoops and corsets and. so forth. I'm sure they think they've got a terrorist for sure until out pops bloomers and other lacy geejaws. I do usually pack the suspect stuff on top with a brief note of explanation.
Note: I don't pack anything that is a real treasure. I carry on my beautiful feather fan from Scarby and my Blonde Swan hat and anything else with special memories.
I have traveled several times with my garb, and the best investment ever was a good solid rifle case for my sharp and pointy things. My sword and various daggers fit in one case without problem, and it has never been an issue checking it through the counter. I do a get a few looks from people as I come in with a gun case, but other than that it is fine. I do also use the TSA locks just to make sure it is secure.
As far as my garb and other accessories, I normally check those as well in a different suitcase. I am almost always travelling for business or some other reason and going to faire is a bonus. 8) The only item that I won't check is my custom boots. I will take those with me no matter what, the only problem is I can't wear them and go on a plane. Takes so long to lace them on...
The other thing that I love about my rifle case is that it is a perfect storage and carrying device for when I am home as well. Fits perfectly in the back of my SUV, and keeps everything nice and ready... no hassle of trying to remember where I put them blades.
Quote from: Nailin on April 15, 2011, 07:24:29 AM
As of my last post I've flown many times to faires and personally if it's of value to you it will be of value to someone else; make sure you put locks on everything; i nearly lost a bag full of garb and a brand new wooden mug i had waited 4 years for...it was a small duffel to carry on - it had to be gate checked due to overhead bins being full & the FA saying it would not fit under my seat - long story short - the bag tags came off and it was a nightmare trying to find a black duffel - it had no locks on it and my only saving grace was that i had put my address on the inside of the duffel - i travel with simple garb and make sure that the corset or bodice is on top - most of the time I've just kept it out - I've gotten flagged about 4 times for the issue with boning and explaining what it is...happy flying...
A trick my family has always done for luggage (especially the black and navy blue luggage bags) is use metallic or bright colored tape and make random designs. It makes it easier if the tags do come off. We used to cruise all the time, and if anyone has been on a cruise, you know that at the end, everyone's luggage is thrown on the ground for you to go hunting for. Usually close together, but we've had a few times where the bright colored designs helped us find our stuff.
Over Spring Break last month, we went on a trip to Turkey with a group from cowgrrl's school. I made the mistake of buying an authentic Turkish "dagger" (actually a short simtar) in Istanbul the first day we were out. (BTW, I bought it right across the street from the Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia!) I actually carried into the Blue Mosque, although it was wrapped heavily in bubble wrap. When we flew to Antalya, I put it in our checked bag, not knowing that ALL bags going into the airports have to go through a scanner. It immediately caught the attention of their security, but luckily, we had 2 Turks in our group who could assure them that it was for "decorative" purposes only ::) ;D
After that, we made sure at least one of the Turks was with me when I went through security, and we didn't have any problems. If anything, the TSA was much more lax here than their version.
Although there's not a picture of the simtar yet, here's a link to my collection of photos from that trip:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/al-nimer/collections/72157626229038873/
I flew to 3 faires last year and my luggage was searched every time. No weapons, no hoops. By my trouble was with my hats! (I pack one and have to wear one on the plane-yes, I got looks.) ::) I make large, rather grandiose hats that I pack very carefully to avoid damaging them. They searched my bags and "repacked" them and my hats were damaged. Grrr. But for me, the hats make my outfits so I will keep packing them, keep repairing them, keep annoying TSA. *shrug*
Headed to CORF for RenDezvous this summer...perhaps I'll put a note in my luggage greeting TSA folks. lol
Marietta,
could your second hat fit in your carry on luggage??
I flew home from LA with a big beach hat and an arm full of peacock feathers, I think I would have gotten less looks and comments if I had the actual peacock with me.
I can only imagine the looks you get- id love to travel with you hehe
when I flew with my leather cavailier I tucked all my cloths around it and it make it ok. Granted that was before I started to add accesories to it like crazy though. Some times I think the tsa goes through peoples stuff for giggles
TSA doesn't usually bother my stuff.
They may rumple a few things but it's 'hey, thanks, guys. I like the 'just got a tumble and out of bed' look.' ;)
Oh, the advantages of wenchwear!
Oh, I do love that look! ;) ;D
I put the lion's share of my ren clothes in one suitcase, regular clothes in another. Hat(s), belts, boots, whatever might attract the TSA's attention. So far they've left it all alone.
My daughter is sitting in the Seattle airport waiting for a plane.
A woman walked by her wearing shorts, a purple seater and a leather pirate hat complete with feathers.
Too bad she didn't take a picture. Its probably somene we know.
As much as I love upper class garb and my more elaborate ensembles, I'm keeping it simple this time, sticking to peasant/gypsy garb. It's down to one bodice, two skirts, two shifts, belt, pouch, mug. No items of value or anything that I would be sad to lose. Not as much fun as going all out when dressing up, but the packing process is faster and the suitcase lighter. No carry on either - just a large handbag with a book, magazine, ipod and some essentials. The less I carry, and the lighter it is, then all the better!
Quote from: Athena on May 10, 2011, 02:17:15 AM
As much as I love upper class garb and my more elaborate ensembles, I'm keeping it simple this time, sticking to peasant/gypsy garb. It's down to one bodice, two skirts, two shifts, belt, pouch, mug. No items of value or anything that I would be sad to lose. Not as much fun as going all out when dressing up, but the packing process is faster and the suitcase lighter. No carry on either - just a large handbag with a book, magazine, ipod and some essentials. The less I carry, and the lighter it is, then all the better!
I love your double bodice look, lacy chemise, and fringed scarf over your hair with curls poking out! What more do you need? ;)
The new wife and I flew from Arizona to DC to Scarby-and yep the garb bag was opened and checked.
However there were no real issues.
Crazy
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on May 10, 2011, 08:21:52 AM
I love your double bodice look, lacy chemise, and fringed scarf over your hair with curls poking out! What more do you need? ;)
Thanks, Lady! :) What I need is no baggage fees! (that's why I love Southwest, bags fly free) I don't carry on my luggage because of the garb. I have to pack the larger suitcase which fills up quickly, and becomes pretty cumbersome. The accessories are really what add weight, so I've pared down a lot. Just belt, pouch, mug. As much as I love my hats, they stay home. Flying comes with so any headaches lately, that simplicity is best, IMO.
My luggage has also been checked by the TSA. I don't like it, but I've learned to live with it. That's why I never pack anything of value, you never know who's getting into that unlocked suitcase.
could you imagine what the baggage inspectors see in the luggage I bet they have some weird stories.
Quote from: Adriana Rose on May 10, 2011, 06:52:57 PM
could you imagine what the baggage inspectors see in the luggage I bet they have some weird stories.
Wasn't there a tv show about that a couple of years ago? It was about customs agents or something like that, and they would have segements where they worked at airports. Gosh, I'm trying to remember what the name of that show was!
I spent some time discussing this issue with Miguel since he has to check his helmet and all the weapons that they use in their act. After packing he says that he places a lot of photos of them wearing and using the stuff. It sometimes gets a bit tousled, but nothing has gone missing and they have not been hassled over it.
Quote from: DonaCatalina on June 03, 2011, 03:54:29 PM
I spent some time discussing this issue with Miguel since he has to check his helmet and all the weapons that they use in their act. After packing he says that he places a lot of photos of them wearing and using the stuff. It sometimes gets a bit tousled, but nothing has gone missing and they have not been hassled over it.
That's a brilliant idea! Maybe even a photo of the open suitcase so they know you know what it's all supposed to look like. However, I stand by my previous statement... I am not flying anymore until they do away with the paranoid (and thieving) TSA.
Recently I heard an interesting tip. Put a firearm in each of your checked bags. Regulations REQUIRE that the locks on luggage containing firearms can only be opened by you. None of the tsa approved lock nonsense. You are never separated from your bags. They have a separate line so you can open your bag for inspection. Those lines also tend to have the more senior guys who actually know what they're doing and aren't there for the power trip. Just make sure that the airline doesn't try to put the firearm sticker on the outside of the luggage. That's illegal for them to do. The firearm tag goes inside the bag. Its illegal for them to mark the outside of the bag as having a firearm.
All that said if you can drive instead of flying and vote for someone like Ron Paul so we can get rid of these nazis.