TSA and Sword Handling your experience?

[Ooitame]

Hello all, 

 

My swords are finally home. They flew via regional and passed TSA. How were you experiences?

 

[Ooitame]

I do not wish to taint  the juy, either, neutral,  otherwise all is welcome.

[rematron]

Happy for you, Eric. 

[David Flynn]

I have 2 swords returning from Japan.   Unfortunately, Australian Border Force (Customs), are continuously throwing up road blocks.   

[Toryu2020]

If I have to travel with swords I always go to the TSA counter in the airport - have them swab the items in my presence - put an inspection card inside and out and then secure the case right there. This should ensure that they have no need to open it in transit and gives me a lot more peace of mind. I also try to avoid connecting flights as much as possible...

 

-t

[deadreconing11]

When I had to move, I flew all of my Nihonto through TSA in Hard Rifle cases with multiple locks. I asked the airline to tag the Rifle cases with firearm/ return to BSO tags, so that it’s transported with extreme care. Also with firearm tags, they check ID and hand it to you by hand at your destination as an extra barrier of security. At no extra cost or fee. I’ve had a few years of experience in the airline industry, and that’s probably the best and safest way to transport Nihonto by plane. It also makes the airline more liable for loss or damage if it’s a Return to BSO tagged case. I’d recommend buying a hard sturdy pelican rifle case with foam padding in it, the case WILL most certainly be tumbled around by carousel belts and loading. 

[Mark]

I have asked for private screening of my swords when i come back from the SF show but i am "told" it is not something they do or offer. If there is a way to have that done at SFO please let me know. When they messed up my sword case one year and i tried to put in a claim i was told the TSA didn't handle SFO and it was a private company

[Rivkin]

15 minutes ago, Mark said:

I have asked for private screening of my swords when i come back from the SF show but i am "told" it is not something they do or offer. If there is a way to have that done at SFO please let me know. When they messed up my sword case one year and i tried to put in a claim i was told the TSA didn't handle SFO and it was a private company

 

For me putting a gun inside always helps. There are places like Illinois where sword is defined as a "dangerous weapon" and banned in towns like Evanston, in which case they are (usually) ok taking sword only package for handling but in most places having unloaded gun per regulations solves the issue. Can be a flintlock.

[Stephen]

7 hours ago, Toryu2020 said:

have them swab the items in my presence

Dumb question but what do they swab them for? DNA 😜

[Mark]

residue from handling explosives.

[DTM72]

True story --> Never had an issue with just the swords, but when flying out to Las vegas earlier this year, I had 4 matchlocks in the case with the swords. The lady at the counter of Breeze Airways said she needed to confirm the matchlocks were unloaded. I explained what matchlocks are, how they they differ from "normal" firearms, how they operate, and that it is somewhat difficult to actually prove they are unloaded. SWEAR TO GOD she looked down the barrel of 2 of the 4 matchlocks. Looked at me and said "OK" then put the tag inside the case confirming all firarms are confirmed unloaded, as well as another on the outside of the case.

I still wonder to this day what she expected to see, or not see, down the length of a 36" barrel. I also wonder how she was "trained" to confirm firearm loaded or not loaded status. <-- Things that make you go hmmm.

[Stephen]

59 minutes ago, Mark said:

residue from handling explosives.

Show's how long it's been since i flew. 

[Ooitame]

45 minutes ago, Stephen said:

Show's how long it's been since i flew. 

@Stephen yes forensics has come a long way, it was also used to detect IED planters, makers, transporters...

A fingerprint even rubbed can trace DNA.

 

@deadreconing11 thanks I will have to lookup return to bso.

 

All thanks for the advice and experience. Swords were sent in a sturdy rifle case with buble wrap saya's etc... 

[Shuko]

9 hours ago, DTM72 said:

True story --> Never had an issue with just the swords, but when flying out to Las vegas earlier this year, I had 4 matchlocks in the case with the swords. The lady at the counter of Breeze Airways said she needed to confirm the matchlocks were unloaded. I explained what matchlocks are, how they they differ from "normal" firearms, how they operate, and that it is somewhat difficult to actually prove they are unloaded. SWEAR TO GOD she looked down the barrel of 2 of the 4 matchlocks. Looked at me and said "OK" then put the tag inside the case confirming all firarms are confirmed unloaded, as well as another on the outside of the case.

I still wonder to this day what she expected to see, or not see, down the length of a 36" barrel. I also wonder how she was "trained" to confirm firearm loaded or not loaded status. <-- Things that make you go hmmm.

 

lol that is the sort of woman you never marry ......................imagine her with a loaded gun 

[DTM72]

5 hours ago, Shuko said:

 

lol that is the sort of woman you never marry ......................imagine her with a loaded gun 

Marry a woman like that if she is rich...then you become a rich widower.

[Toryu2020]

Mark -

TSA Inspection station is on the arrival level - I go to the Oversize baggage check-in - tell them what I need to do - they escort me to TSA - TSA does their inspection and then hands my sealed case to the baggage handler - an exciting break from routine for the employees usually...

 

-t