[CQ-Contest] Re: contest expedition crates

[KM9M-ZIG at comcast.net]

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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