Topic: Air Travel with your DATs

[gristlejaw]

OK,

Just wondering if anyone has attempted air travel with your DATs.... I am planning a cross-country jaunt in the future and i want to take my new D8.  What's the best way to get it there safely?  I would rather not check it with my luggage...i'd hate to open up my suitcase to find it missing.   But i dunno if they will let you carry it on (maybe it looks too much like a bomb?)  and will the x-ray machine hurt it?

any pointers would be appreciated.

thanks,

-gris

[John R]

always keep your gear with you.

jr

[greenone]

Agree with John - definitely carry everything with you. The x-ray machines for carry-ons didn't affect my tapes any when I flew back in July but the x-ray machines for checked luggage are MUCH stronger and will likely affect recorded tapes.

If you're just carrying the D8 you shouldn't have much trouble at all; if you're flying with batteries, check the archive section for info on some good documentation to carry that proves you're allowed to bring them on the plane.

--Dave

[super-phat-al]

i wouldn't worry about it.  I did it and it wasn't a problem.

[rabhan]

i fly all the time, u will have no problem.

[scb]

>> if you're flying with batteries, check the archive section for info on some good documentation to carry that proves you're allowed to bring them on the plane.<<

helps, but still doesn't matter when you have morons at the airport who absolutely refuse to let you on with the batteries.  

fucking idiots at lga in august refused to let us take SLAs onto the plane.  they forced us to check them

[greenone]

Well, almost everything in life goes with a "except for morons" disclaimer...

[Steve J]

The 'moron' factor had me wondering about whether there was some new 'ultra secret' Homeland Security memo going around warning that tapers might be conspiring to bring down the U.S. Government as we know it  ....naaaahhhh!!

Still, I sent my brother (who's a station manager for an airline) an email asking what was 'policy' and he sent me this response:

"Spoke to the rep from FAA today and he stated you are good to go.  Just make sure you tape the terminals (connecting points) and disclose the item along with the MSDS sheet to TSA when checking in."

I guess that and showing up early (well, earlier...) to check in and all should be well. But there is that 'moron factor'.... :propeller:

[blu666z]

You only need docs for SLAs correct?  Not AAs and/or RC packs for the UA-5?.?.?

-Kevin

[DaryanLenz]

I always check the batteries because AI sure as hell am not carrying them through the airport.  That said, I flew with gear four or five times this summer, and almost always checked the batteries and stand.  Everything else I have kept with me.  I have however checked all of it in a roller suitcase and have never had a problem!

daryan

[Steve J]

You only need docs for SLAs correct?  Not AAs and/or RC packs for the UA-5?.?.?

-Kevin

Right...I was just getting the info about my Eco-Charge batteries. I shoulda clarified that I was talking SLA!  

[Lee]

thread hijack-

so going to LGA for panicoween I should be OK carrying SLA's on, so long as I have the MSDS?  I'm not checking any bags b/c we don't get into LGA until 4:30 on Friday...

[Brian Skalinder]

Yeah, you should be all set.  Mannybones has it right:

"Just make sure you tape the terminals (connecting points) and disclose the item along with the MSDS sheet to TSA when checking in."

You can find MSDS docs for some different SLAs in the Archival Info section.

[Steve J]

thread hijack-

so going to LGA for panicoween I should be OK carrying SLA's on, so long as I have the MSDS?  

Yes, you should be OK. I think the main tip here is, like with setting up at a show: get there early. I'm sure that the ticket agents and the security agents see these batteries occasionally; but not enough not to be overly cautious with something out of the norm. If you've got a few extra minutes you can eek out to (gently) overcome any concerns of some one between you and your flight, so much the better.

In my case, I wanted to find some authoritative info because I'm making a one-day jaunt to Chicago in a couple weeks; and I won't have time to mess around. I'll only be on the ground for 18 hours: just enough time for a dinner & (tape) a show....literally!! :moped: