Intentionally or unintentionally packing prohibited gear can lead to major consequences, including steep fines. A paddler flying with three books of safety matches in his luggage was fined $2,500 per book of matches. Most air travelers are now familiar with the TSA inspections of carry-on luggage but are less aware of what happens to their checked bags once they have checked in. TSA officers use x-ray and manual inspections on each piece of checked luggage. If they open your bag, they’ll place a Notice of Inspection flyer in it. If they find something prohibited, they’ll remove it and leave you a note about what they have removed.
The TSA website (see Resource list) has a customer service section that includes a Claims Center with extensive information about what to do if something is missing from your baggage and you believe it was taken by a TSA officer. The website also has information about brands of baggage locks that the TSA can open for inspecting checked baggage and then resecure. That website lists information about the types of civil sanctions, including fines, that may be imposed if you try to transport prohibited items. The listing of civil sanctions states that fines can be increased for things such as attempting to “artfully conceal” a prohibited item in baggage, or for “attitude of violator.”
Some travelers may not be aware that something has been confiscated from their luggage until after they reach their destination and open their bags. One group of paddlers didn’t realize until they were at their launch site that their whole repair kit had been removed from their luggage by airport inspectors. In that case, the likely problem was the epoxy and seam sealer in the kit. It’s a good idea to take your gear list with you and make sure that everything you packed is still there before heading to your launch site. If you find something missing, you may be able to replace the item before you get to your put-in.
While you’re at your paddling destination, make a list of gear you’ve acquired for the trip that you won’t be able to fly with on your way home. Make arrangements to give or sell the gear to other paddlers, campers or outfitters, or to ship the gear home safely and legally. Double check all of your luggage before you head for the airport to make sure there aren’t any stray lighters, matches or tubes of seam sealer lurking in the far corners of your baggage. Better that you find them than the TSA -officer!
Clearly, flying with kayaking and camping gear is more complex with the heightened attention being paid to airline security. Along with spending time planning your route and learning about the hazards and attractions of the area where you’ll be paddling, make sure you take the time and effort to get your gear safely there. It’s much more fun to remember your trip for the amazing wildlife you saw or the awesome waves you surfed than it is to recall the gear that was confiscated or the fines you had to pay.
Mary McClintock lives in Conway, MA, where she works as a freelance writer, editor and researcher. She has kayaked for over 20 years and has served as a guide for women’s paddling trips
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Editor’s note: The information in this article is as accurate as we can make it as of October 2006; however, regulations and restrictions may change. Recent regulations prohibiting liquids in carry-on bags merely required shifting those items to checked luggage. The carry-on restrictions have recently been eased. Check with the TSA, FAA and individual airlines about specific restrictions/regulations related to the flights you’re taking and when you’re taking them.
Author’s note: Thanks to Bob Hume who first proposed an article on this subject to Sea Kayaker and who shared his experiences of flying with kayak trip gear and dealing with authorities about prohibited gear.
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