Be nervous, It is very cheap to UPS or FED EX ground planes and equipment ahead, especially small F3X types. I use double walled cardboard (200lb. weight)two layers,lots of bubble wrap, and tape to keep things from moving around in the box. Or just Fed ex the sport tube. I would strongly recommend sending radios and batteries by ground carrier or FEDEX 2-3 day air. I had an experience long before the new regulations but after 911 in this regard. I had 2, 20 cell electric battery packs, and my radio packed in my checked luggage, I already had started to not lock suitcases years ago and use wire twistys to secure the latches. I happened to miss a connection and had to transfer flights in the airport. Upon checking my luggage the airport security at Salt Lake City (shortly after the olympics)demanded that I open my bag on the spot, Once they spied my battery packs all went into very hostile and unfriendly tones. It took swabbing, lots on explaining, but I did make the flight. However, I was flagged as a same day ticket buyer and high risk profile. For the rest of my three stop journey, I was basically all but strip searched at every gate, including disassembling my cell phone, taking off my shoes, emptying all my pockets, carry on, etc. Unusual circumstance, but remember Murphy's law. Even if all that happens is that your luggage is lost with your transmitter inside, then what? also happened to me once. I drive to almost all events, and if I have to travel by air, I forward everything in advance via ground transport, or FEDEX. Regards, john Derstine
Scale Soaring http://www.scalesoaring.net [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: Gary [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Wednesday, January 08, 2003 1:19 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [RCSE] Airport Baggage Inspection I'm flying down to the Southwest Classic at the end of January and have the following plan: Pack my plane, supplies, and radio in a SportTube ($129.00 at REI.com). Clearly mark the contents with a label on the outside of the tube. Close it with a zip tie. Tape an extra zip tie to the ouside of the case, just in case they open it. Pray. Sound reasonable? I'm more that a little nervous. Gary Engman Ferndale, WA -----Original Message----- From: JMiller [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, January 07, 2003 4:05 PM To: GHANSON; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [RCSE] Airport Baggage Inspection Garland, That is just what they were doing at Medford airport, but were inspecting all the larger bags in addition. I think it was the first day they were doing it and we were second in line to check baggage. Jerry Miller SOSS-Medford, OR -----Original Message----- From: GHANSON [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, January 07, 2003 12:31 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [RCSE] Airport Baggage Inspection Just went through the airport at Orlando yesterday. ALL luggage was screened just before being presented to the airlines at the counter for check in. TSA had LOTS of inspection stations and there was no holdup whatsoever. Each bag was screened by swabbing a small wipe on the handle and along the outside of each bag. The wipe was then immediately analyzed in the "wiper analysis machine" and baggage was then cleared. I witnessed no bags being opened although each passenger was standing by just in case. They would have allowed you to unlock your bag then relock if necessary. They seemed well-trained, professional, and courteous. I'm sure all airports are different but it is an easy matter to clear baggage at Orlando! Good luck! Garland ----- Original Message ----- From: "JMiller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Bill Johns" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, January 07, 2003 1:19 PM Subject: RE: [RCSE] "IF you travel with Sailplanes, you need a Sportube!" > Bill, > Yes I was with my son when he returned to Texas, even before Jan. 1, on > the 30th of Dec. all open luggage inspection is done in your presents, at > least here in Medford. > > Jerry Miller > SOSS-Medford, OR > > -----Original Message----- > From: Bill Johns [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] > Sent: Tuesday, January 07, 2003 7:56 AM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: [RCSE] "IF you travel with Sailplanes, you need a > Sportube!" > > > At 10:45 AM 1/7/2003 -0500, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > >Hi Guys, > >Well I have a full travel year in with my Sportube and I have to tell you > >it has been the best thing for sailplanes I have come across. > > > >Mine has been in 16 different US States, a bunch of times, Toronto, a > >bunch of times and once to Europe! > > > >Its wheels and handle really make it work getting thru airports and to > >rental car locations. > >The fact that it collapses to fit in a rental car, and still leave space > >for luggage is just what I had been hoping for. > > > >The Airlines never look twice at it and the padlock keeps theives out of > >the case. > > YEAH BUT..... > > As of Jan. 1, as I understand it, every piece of luggage will be inspected > for bombs. This includes physical searches and, as reported by NPR several > weeks ago, no luggage can be locked as all locks will be removed. The last > thing I want would be to have some hassled baggage inspector, behind > schedule, pull all the parts, bits and pieces of two competition sailplanes > out of a sport tube and then try to jam them all back in. > > Has anyone had any experience with the new paradigm in baggage inspection? > > Just curious. > > Bill > > -- > Life is complex. It has both real and imaginary parts. > > Bill Johns > Pullman, WA > USA > > RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and > "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that > subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with > MIME turned off. > > RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off. > RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off. RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off. RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off. RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
