Recording gear as hand luggage on airlines

[macula]

I will be traveling abroad with a portable recorder, 2 condensers and a ribbon mic. Assuming that I could fit all of that in one piece of airline-approved hand luggage, i.e. a bag that I can take with me in the airplane cabin, would I be able to pass airport security?

What are your experiences?

My flights will be originating in the US and in Europe.

Thank you!

[mosrite]

Assuming that you are not supplementing your recording gear with an explosive device or an AK47 then why would you not be able to pass security?

They might ask to see what's in your bag although in my experience this has only happened if I have a multitude of XLR cables in the bag too. The mics and everythng else almost always go straight through.

[Legacy]

Hi Macula,

I have never had a problem getting through security with all sorts of mics and gear in my bag - had a few close calls but after a sniff test / explosive residue scan I've always gotten through and without much time delay. This is mostly for domestic flights. Often I will say to the screener that there is recording equipment in the bags (and then shut up and let them do their thing).

International flights are quite different. You'll probably need to fill out a bunch of forms well in advance (can't remember the names...others will). I'd also bring copies of the purchase receipts to prove that it is yours and not purchased on the trip.

Best,
Silas

[digitalolive]

We just got a bunch of mics, cables, digital recorder and a True Precision 8 through airport security no problem going to Europe and back.

[jasonraboin]

If you are going through Heathrow, you should be aware that they have their own set of hand luggage rules, and they are merciless. They only allow one piece of carry on, not the usual one piece plus one personal item. They also have their own dimensional and weight allowances but I'm not sure of the limits.

[macula]

Thank you all.

A comic incident was reported recently: Airport officials wouldn't let a new Macbook Air through airport security, until Apple provided them with a sample to dissect and learn to recognize:

Evolution of Security: Apple MacBook Airs are Cleared for Takeoff

[Whitecat]

Originally Posted by jasonraboin

If you are going through Heathrow, you should be aware that they have their own set of hand luggage rules, and they are merciless. They only allow one piece of carry on, not the usual one piece plus one personal item. They also have their own dimensional and weight allowances but I'm not sure of the limits.

That restriction was lifted in January, actually. Hand baggage limits are now set by the individual airlines.

BAA hand baggage rules

[boojum]

When leaving and returning to the US what forms are neccessary to get back into the country with recorder, mics, cables, etc., and what are needed for the host country? I am thinking third world where paperwork and "no" are part of their strategy to make your life miserable and more willing to pay a bribe. If I go I want to streamline the event and eliminate as much headache as possible.

Cheers

[macula]

One more clarification, please:

Aiport security always ask me to remove my laptop from any case/sleeve/bag before putting it into the x-ray machine. Will I have to do the same with audio gear?

Thanks again.

[videoteque]

Airport security is mostly a bad joke, so all depends on the person you will encounter. Nowadays they seem to be more interested about liquids than anything else.

If you want to fit all in a hand lugagge, you just need to put it together and weight it. I think it should be less than 20lb/9kg??