I flew A/A in Oct 2003 to Antigua. The only problem I had at EVERY security
check point from Chicago on was with my Bencher Paddles in my carry-on. They
brought much scrutiny. So much on the return flight customs stop in San Juan,
they were photographed, swapped and checked for explosives, plus I was given a
very thorough search... shoes off, wand, etc. That was security. The custom
folks on V2 were real interested in the paddles too.
Moral of the story: If at all possible, check the HAM gear! And keep in the
weight/dimensions/ # of pcs and you'll do just fine. I'm going back twice via
this March.
Good luck and 73,
Zig KM9M (V26CW)
> > I can't get a real straight answer out of Customs, the TSA or the
> airline.
>
> >What have been your experiences lately flying American Airlines to the
> >Caribbean?
>
> Mark,
>
> As you know, TSA reserves the right to inspect any checked bag. If it's
> locked and they don't have a master key etc, they will break the lock and/or
> bag. It might be a bit much to ask TSA to carefully unpack your equipment.
> Though they might call you in the back room if there are problems... even
> before 9/11, I once got stopped when they couldnt figure out what all the
> aluminum tubes were for. Maybe they thought it was centrifuge materials?
> Ha!
>
> As for bags, the 6Y and HC8 teams and many others use Pelican 1650 cases
> when ever possible. I have some background info on my DXholiday.com website
> at:
> http://www.dxholiday.com/dxresources.htm#equipmenttips
>
> AA is OK with bags, but most airlines have reduced the weight of the
> allowable baggage. For overweight and excess bags, you pay at lower weights
> and more $$ than before. If you are using 2 different airlines to get to
> your destination, most airlines now have costsharing agreements where the
> first airline will charge you excess weight for BOTH airlines. Of course
> they will both hit you up on your return. If you use one airline for the
> trip, you only get charged once, regardless of the number of legs to your
> destination.
>
> Real-life TSA Experience: On the inside lid of my suitcase, I always put a
> copy of my license, and a note to the TSA letting them know I;ve got ham
> radio equipment inside. On the return trip from 6Y in Nov, here's what was
> written on a TSA slip inside my bag: "Dear Kenny, Thanks for the warning.
> We are still going to go through your bag and mess everything up. Signed,
> A. Lead".
>
> Kenny K2KW
>
>
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