Airport security (check your bags)

[anaphylaxis]

I'm just about to leave PHX, going to LAS. About 90 minutes ago, I got a rather rude awakening. Forgetting an UNloaded magazine in your carry on is a good way to get lots of special attention... They pulled my bag to the side, searched it and found a G26 10 rd mag -- fortunately, it was empty.

TSA seemed to be all right. Not going to hold my breath though.

Phoenix PD came up and asked what the deal was -- he seemed to be understanding, and actually offered to mail it to me (said he doesn't like when people have to give the Fed Govt their property).

So, anyway. Check your carry on. Always. I got in a hurry, and fucked up.

[tmleadr03]

Offered to mail it to you? Nice. I had mine confiscated when i did that.

[trlcavscout]

Wow i bet that was nerve racking and butt puckering for a while? Did you get probed? [ROFL1]

[J]

I know the feeling. I went out to SLC, UT in November via car. Carried there, and threw a couple of extra 10/11rd G26 mags that were loaded in my suitcase. A couple of months later, I was stumped wondering why I only had 4 mags when I used to have 7.

I was about to leave for the airport, when I decided to throw something in the suitcase (that I was to carry-on) at the last minute. Opened up the small outside pocket, and there were 3 G26 mags with 32 Ranger-T +p+ rounds in them. Very glad that I was the one that found my lost mags and not the TSA.

[GilpinGuy]

I didn't know empty mags were off limits. Kinda like not allowing a knife sheath with no knife in it. Silly.

[tmjohnson]

You got lucky!!!!!!!!
They have taken my combs, shaving cream, Anti persporant from my bag
I am all for security, but it sure would be nice if they had manners

[anaphylaxis]

I didn't know empty mags were off limits. Kinda like not allowing a knife sheath with no knife in it. Silly.

They are considered "firearms parts." Because your buddies could have stuck a barrel, receiver and ammo up their asses and you can get together and take over the aircraft. </sarcasm>

Yeah, not a fun experience folks. Bad enough to be dealing with TSA, and the pucker factor went to 11 of 10 when the uniformed officer came up for a chat.

[speedysst]

They are considered "firearms parts." Because your buddies could have stuck a barrel, receiver and ammo up their asses and you can get together and take over the aircraft. </sarcasm>

Yeah, not a fun experience folks. Bad enough to be dealing with TSA, and the pucker factor went to 11 of 10 when the uniformed officer came up for a chat.

Wow, after today I needed that laugh!

[anaphylaxis]

Wow, after today I needed that laugh!

I could use a laugh as well. or maybe get completely wasted, whatever occurs first. ugh.

[jerrymrc]

A PSA. After a long wait one time I keep my bags separate. I travel for the DOD and once took a bag that had gone to the range a few times. Never again.

No mags or parts or ammo but just the fact that it had contained used brass and ammo brought it to the attention of the TSA's puffer machine.

The TSA gang is not getting any better. Years ago they did not like one of my pieces of equipment (because they had no clue WTF it was) and I was detained. Even showing the factory manual of what it was and showing ID/orders they threw a fit. [Coffee]

[Sharpienads]

The TSA gang is not getting any better. Years ago they did not like one of my pieces of equipment (because they had no clue WTF it was) and I was detained. Even showing the factory manual of what it was and showing ID/orders they threw a fit. [Coffee]

I hear ya. Try going through with a laser target designator and explaining to them what it is.

The TSA is a freaking nightmare.

[bogie]

I hear ya. Try going through with a laser target designator and explaining to them what it is.

The TSA is a freaking nightmare.

That would make a good skit for late night TV.

[cstone]

I'm just about to leave PHX, going to LAS. About 90 minutes ago, I got a rather rude awakening. Forgetting an UNloaded magazine in your carry on is a good way to get lots of special attention... They pulled my bag to the side, searched it and found a G26 10 rd mag -- fortunately, it was empty.

TSA seemed to be all right. Not going to hold my breath though.

Phoenix PD came up and asked what the deal was -- he seemed to be understanding, and actually offered to mail it to me (said he doesn't like when people have to give the Fed Govt their property).

So, anyway. Check your carry on. Always. I got in a hurry, and fucked up.

No gun parts in carry-on bags. This is the federal government, don't try to bring logic into the conversation. It's like watching a dog chase it's tail. Funny for a few minutes, but really counter productive after a while.

I'm happy to hear the cop said that "he doesn't like when people have to give the Fed Govt their property." He is absolutely right. There is no need to give anything you don't have to, to the Fed Gov't.

Anaphylaxis, thank you for taking responsibility for this incident. I was happy when the ticket agents stopped asking the "did you pack your own bag questions." I'm glad it worked out for you and you were able to travel safely.

Be safe.

[stevelkinevil]

No gun parts in carry-on bags. This is the federal government, don't try to bring logic into the conversation. It's like watching a dog chase it's tail. Funny for a few minutes, but really counter productive after a while.

I'm happy to hear the cop said that "he doesn't like when people have to give the Fed Govt their property." He is absolutely right. There is no need to give anything you don't have to, to the Fed Gov't.

Anaphylaxis, thank you for taking responsibility for this incident. I was happy when the ticket agents stopped asking the "did you pack your own bag questions." I'm glad it worked out for you and you were able to travel safely.

Be safe.

Love that, may have to rip that off, good stuff.
OP, you ran into one of the cops that made me like being a cop, not a lot of them around these days. Good for you and good on him. [Beer]

[anaphylaxis]

A PSA. After a long wait one time I keep my bags separate. I travel for the DOD and once took a bag that had gone to the range a few times. Never again.

No mags or parts or ammo but just the fact that it had contained used brass and ammo brought it to the attention of the TSA's puffer machine.

The TSA gang is not getting any better. Years ago they did not like one of my pieces of equipment (because they had no clue WTF it was) and I was detained. Even showing the factory manual of what it was and showing ID/orders they threw a fit. [Coffee]

This.

After yesterday's episode, I'm going to get a very small case that will fit only my netbook, headphones and the couple of other things that I usually carry on. Minimize the hiding spaces.

Anyway, all this TSA talk makes me remember this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu6KXj-vtl8&feature=related

[TheBelly]

I got stopped once, and then had a horseshoe confiscated. It was a horse shoe that I got off of one of the horses running in the Kentucky Derby.

[lead_magnet]

Big thumbs up for the Pheonix PD officer! I would write his supervisor a letter of apreciation for that.

[copfish]

Big thumbs up for the Pheonix PD officer! I would write his supervisor a letter of apreciation for that.
I'd send him a thank you note and a Starbucks gift card. His stupervisor might be an ass and ding him for being a nice guy.

[rondog]

Waaaaay back in 1987, working on the road, I was in Texas working out of my van. I carried this little Rohm .22 short revolver to pop at jackrabbits with. Job changed, I drove from TX to NY, then later I flew from NY back home to OK, and my carry-on was my giant camera bag full of Nikon cameras and lenses, which I took everywhere. I forgot this little bastard was in the bag also.

The bag went through two x-rays and one hand inspection, and they didn't find it. I found it at home in OK when I was looking in the camera bag for something. And it was loaded, of course. Luckiest day of my life!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/guns/my%20handguns/DSCN2804.jpg

[DD977GM2]

Offered to mail it to you? Nice. I had mine confiscated when i did that.

That has happened to me with a Snap On ratcheting screwdriver and a
1911 mag, thankfully the 1911 mag was a 8 rounder and think either
Kimber or SA and wasnt worth much. The screwdriver pissed me off though.

[Chad4000]

I used to use my normal backpack as both my carry on and my range back. I would do a pretty good job of moving everything out.. but once after a trip, I came home and unpacked everything and found like 5 casings and a live round in the bottom of the bag... lol

never got questioned or stopped.. but it worried me. havent used the same back for both things in a long time lol

[Inconel710]

It's pretty sad that we have to worry, really worry, about crap like this. I flew twice with a little Buck knife/bottle opener on my key chain. Nobody noticed either time, but I decided to take it off and replace it with a Gerber Shard instead. It's not worth the potential hassle.

[anaphylaxis]

Well, finally got my letter from TSA -- apparently they figured out I wasn't a terrorist after all.

[Gritty]

Well, finally got my letter from TSA -- apparently they figured out I wasn't a terrorist after all.

Glad it worked out for you! Its a good way to almost lose a good mag.

[KevDen2005]

Offered to mail it to you? Nice. I had mine confiscated when i did that.

Some cops like gun people

[Ah Pook]

Way cool of the LE to make the offer to ship.

I'm always paranoid when traveling with my day/computer bag. There are usually a couple of knives, various firearm parts, firearms, empty brass, etc. I go through it at least three times before leaving the house.

[OneGuy67]

I'm in Orlando right now and the local news had a piece on an Orlando firefighter who got through security with a loaded handgun in hee bag. She discovered it on the flight and turned herself in, in New Jersey when she landed. No mention if she is in trouble, but the story was all about the TSA person being in trouble and some federal politician stating TSA is a waste of time and money.

I don't know if it was reported out there.

[Eggysrun]

My first tour I was going to Germany for my mid-tour leave so we were travelling seperately in Kuwait. I had done a pretty thorough job looking for loose rounds and stuff in my backpack, what I didn't notice was a fully loaded 30 round magazine tucked behind the back slip in pocket that usually has foam or plastic to reinforce the back.

Anyways, I went through Kuwait International and they caught it on the first scanner. Security was totally cool about it, said they get mags all the time from guys going on leave...fully loaded ones not too common but said it happens. Guy opened a desk drawer with about 100+ mags in there. I went through 3 more security check points after that, I am glad they caught it cause if I was caught in Europe with that I'd be a world of suck.

[anaphylaxis]

I'm in Orlando right now and the local news had a piece on an Orlando firefighter who got through security with a loaded handgun in hee bag. She discovered it on the flight and turned herself in, in New Jersey when she landed. No mention if she is in trouble, but the story was all about the TSA person being in trouble and some federal politician stating TSA is a waste of time and money.

I don't know if it was reported out there.

Yeah, heard about that. Unfortunate thing is that had she just kept her mouth shut, no one would have known and it would have been a lesson learned for the future. As it is, after she gets brought up on charges, she probably loses her CCW and possibly her job.

[Skullworks]

Yeah, heard about that. Unfortunate thing is that had she just kept her mouth shut, no one would have known and it would have been a lesson learned for the future. As it is, after she gets brought up on charges, she probably loses her CCW and possibly her job.

Marooned in NJ with an unregistered handgun may have been just as bad. If she had family or friends she might have been able to dig a hole and put into long term storage until a future roadtrip could be arranged. Another option is to find some deep water and test her pitching arm.

Price of a handgun is nothing compared to a lawyers retainer and the lost wages from court dates.

[dwalker460]

Actually she could have just checked it in her baggage on the return trip...

[cstone]

Actually she could have just checked it in her baggage on the return trip...

Not in NJ or NY. If you check a bag in NY or NJ, with a declared firearm expect to have the Port Authority Police called. This happens fairly regularly and is often resolved through a plea bargained fine.

I have no direct experience with Boston or Chicago, and the airports for Washington DC are Virginia, which is relatively gun friendly compared to most other states on the East Coast.

Don't take it unless you know the laws for the places where you will be during your trip.

National reciprocity would make this nightmare much easier, but as we all know, there are many citizens who do not want to make carrying easier for anyone.

Be safe.