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Post Info TOPIC: What advise for going through US Airport Security
Rusty Stumps


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What advise for going through US Airport Security
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I use, key word is "use", to travel quite a bit, about 95,000 miles a year in my job. But it's been a while since I've done any airport travel. Fact is it's before 9/11.

So, the questions arise. What can and can you not carry through security. I'm not talking about the obvious, kives, guns, etc. Mary wants to have something to do on the plane and she isn't a reader. So, she'd like to take some counter cross stitch work. This would entail a small sewing needle. Is that going to cause issues?

Before 9/11 we had a number of things questioned or taken away. Mary had a very small box slitter, I mean small at no more than 3/4" long. That was taken away from her and that was before 9/11. I was questioned over a keychain item I have that is a Swiss fold up plyers/screwdriver item that opened isn't more than an inch long and folded about a half inch long.

I was thinking of taking the camera in my carry on and also I was looking at packing, in our checked luggage, a large package of AA batteries so I didn't have to mess with a converter. Are these going to be issues?

Walt

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Rusty Stumps
Michele Erdvig


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Walt, 

Take a look at theTSA site. On the right hand side is a blue box "What to Know Before You Go". It should answer most of your questions. I don't think the needle will be a problem. But the Swiss Army knife will be. Note the restrictions on liquids.

Michele



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Rusty Stumps


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MIchele,

It's not a "Swiss Army Knife" but a Swiss Wrench of sorts. Just a pair of plyers with the handles that make a regular and a philips screw driver each. They fold and lock the head of the plyers to the key chain. Come in handy a number of times.

OK, I'll read over the TSA piece and see if I understand it all.

Walt

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Rusty Stumps
Maggie117


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Hi Rusty, Overall length needs to be under seven inches. And as long as the plyers don't have any cutting blades on them.

Maggie

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Maggie Cosgrove
Maggie117


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Hi Walt, (My husband works for TSA and here are his answers to your questions.)

So, she'd like to take some counter cross stitch work. This would entail a small sewing needle. Is that going to cause issues?

A: This won't be an issue.

I was thinking of taking the camera in my carry on and also I was looking at packing, in our checked luggage, a large package of AA batteries so I didn't have to mess with a converter. Are these going to be issues?

A: These items won't be an issue.

Maggie

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Maggie Cosgrove
divinemissmandy


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So it's ok to bring batteries for cameras, but can you get the same ones in Ireland? I have a CRV3 battery for my Kodak camera. Am I going to have trouble finding a new one over there?

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yesiree


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divinemissmandy -

Your camera batteries won't get a second look whether they are in carry-on or checked bags, so no worries. Now, if you were bringing a car battery, well that would cause a serious problem :)

It's likely you'll be able to find your battery in Ireland, but since your camera doesn't use the standard AA, 9V, AAA, D or C battery, I'd probably bring a spare.

You wouldn't want to be stuck in a remote section of Ireland with a dead battery and/or have to waste a part of your day looking for a camera store.

FYI - If you're camera uses standard batteries, Tesco stores have cheap store-brand batteries.

-- Edited by yesiree on Friday 27th of August 2010 08:50:55 AM

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Rusty Stumps


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Hi, Maggie,

Thanks for the TSA comments! biggrin

Hi, Corey,

No, my camera does use AA batteries, 4 of them. It's a Canon A20 and has serviced me well. So I bought a sealed box of 20 alkaline type as the TSA website says lithium batteries are not allowed as they burn and can't be put out with normal fire extinushers on airplanes.

I just didn't want to bother with buying a converter as the 20 batteries were only $6. They are still sealed in the original container. Also, TSA said not to pack them in your suitcase so I have them in my carry on. The GPS has it's own built in battery and 12v plug in connector for the car. I'll "assume" that the cars in Ireland have the standard cigarette lighters or "always on" 12v receptical.

At least I won't be carrying a "gased up chain saw", "swords", "Deer head complete with full rack of antelers", or any of the other items that people have tried to carry on lately. Sometimes you wonder about people. [smirk]

Walt

-- Edited by Rusty Stumps on Saturday 28th of August 2010 11:17:27 AM

-- Edited by Rusty Stumps on Saturday 28th of August 2010 11:18:23 AM

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Rusty Stumps
stewh


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Walt
My GPS charger fit very loosely into the 12v outlet in the car I had in May. I was worried that it wasn't making sufficient contact but was pleasantly surprised to find it worked perfectly.

have a great trip

Stewart

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Rusty Stumps


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Stewart,

Thanks for that info. What kind of car did you have? I guess one could pry the ground contact out a bit if necessary. I'd just as soon not have to carry any converters basically as I'm not sure I would need them in the future.

Walt

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Rusty Stumps
wckc


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Both our GPS charger and our cell phone charger worked just fine in the lighters in our cars when we went over.

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stewh


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Walt, There was no problem with the outlet, everything worked fine, just a loose fit. I would not have been upset without a GPS; I really found it more of an entertaining gadget but then I travel in Ireland without a cell phone. Less stuff = less to take care of.
Stewart

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Rusty Stumps


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Stewart,

I don't look for the GPS to be a absolute guide in Ireland. What I like is zooming it out a bit so I can see where I am in relationship to the surrounding country side. I have segment maps printed with turn by turn printed directions. I created these from a test version of MS Autotrip.

Microsoft allows you to download Autotrip and install it on your computer for 60 days with out cost. So I've been able to use it to scout our route. Even the printed maps are just a general direction aid. We'll be traveling a loose route but between the GPS and the maps I'll at least be going in the general direction I want to that day's final resting place.

My only reason for a cell phone is I don't want to get stuck way out in the middle of nowwhere with a flat tire or something and no way to get help. For the most part I probably won't make more than five calls with it. But, it is an insurance policy of sorts.

Slan bio,

Walt

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Rusty Stumps
stewh


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Good plan Walt. The GPS was also very helpful getting us 'home' from recklessly getting lost (many times). On previous trips without the GPS I paid a little more attention to where I was going. Having a mobile phone with you is, of course, a wise and safe thing to do.

You are almost there!! Have a great time.

Stewart

-- Edited by stewh on Monday 30th of August 2010 07:24:32 PM

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Rusty Stumps


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Thanks Stewart,

We are sitting waiting for the limo. Yep, a stretch limo to boot. It's a share ride to the airport and cheaper than a taxi or long term car parking.

Went to the drugstore this morning and bought some "ear plugs" and also "ear buds".

The ear plugs are incase of noisy children and the ear buds are, of course, actally ear phones so we can plug into the music on the plane and tune out. One of our sons is a seasoned traveler to Europe as he works for Philips and they have him flying over to the Netherlands all the time. He's the one who suggested both these items.

We have avoided a lot of "first time" mistakes by asking question here and of others who have traveled. This forum is well worth it to take the time and read most all posts as there are lots of things hidden in replies.

Slan bio,
Walt

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Rusty Stumps
CowboyCraic


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Walt,

Safe travels and may ye have a round trip. Have a lovely time in Ireland!

Slan Beo,

Bit



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Itallian Chauffeur


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Enjoy. 

May the WORST day of your vacation be better than your BEST day at work. biggrin biggrin

Bob



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Help Us to Help You.  The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!
Michele Erdvig


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Walt,

Bon Voyage! Have a grand time. I know you will.

Michele

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