Airport Screener Answering Questions

[bmartin1206]

I work for TSA and do passsenger and baggage screening. Here to answer any questions you might have.

Tip "O" the day - Carry on unexposed film. Unexposed film left in checked luggage may be ruined by the CATSCAN/XRAY.

 

[Adrianna]

Why is the sky blue?

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Why are WE HERE?

Why does pizza and beer make such a wonderful combination


OH!! You mean air travel related questions, sorry

 

[Patabel]

(she raises her hand) I have a question!

What about scissors used for needlework? And needles? I love to cross-stitch, can I bring those on the plane with me, or do I have to leave them in my luggage for after arrival?

Thank you!

BTW - it's really very nice of you to do this for us.

 

[delswife]

oh oh oh *hand waving wildly*

What about ID for kids? My 17 yr. old has a drivers license, but what about my 14 yr old?

 

[bmartin1206]

ID's are not necessary for children under 18 but it never hurts to carry it if you have it. But that's an airline requirment, not TSA.

Safety scissors are allowed, needles are questionable depending on the size. If it were me I'd put it on checked luggage.

I read the scientific reason why the sky is blue but don't remember it. I can look it up.

Bad things happen to good people to give us a reality check.

We are here because our mommy's and daddy's reeeaaally loved each other.

Pizza and beer make such a wonderful combination ... because.

I wondered how long it would take before someone came up with those kinds of questions.

 

[delswife]

Thank you!

Second question, how about lighters? Should smokers carry matches? Or two sticks and some flint?

 

[bmartin1206]

Stick matches are not permitted. No more than 2 books of matches or 2 lighters may be carried on. None of these are currently allowed in checked luggage. This would certainly include anything flamable such as lighter fluid.

 

[delswife]

Wow this is great!

Thank you again!

 

[Talking Hands]

Syringes and lancets? I don't like to place them in my checked luggage as they are a necessity for me if I want to live.

 

[Rajah]

Originally posted by Patabel
What about scissors used for needlework? And needles? I love to cross-stitch, can I bring those on the plane with me, or do I have to leave them in my luggage for after arrival?

Patabel, I don't know the *official* answer, but I can tell you what I've successfully done over about 6 flights in the past couple of years.

I carry on my cross stitch. I take 2 of the cheap Walmart needles (though now that I've found John James petites, it'll be those!!). Never had a problem. I just weave them both into the fabric I'm stitching on.

For cutting, I take a pair of baby nail clippers with NO FILE. Again, never had a problem, but I'm willing to toss it if I need to.

As a backup cutter, I take something called a Clover thread Cutter. http://www.needlepoint.com/cgi-bin/needlepoint/ScissorsPendant

Again, I'm willing to toss it if need be, but never had a problem with it and have never heard of anyone having a problem. It just doesn't cut as cleanly as baby clippers do.

 

[Gary M]

bmartin 1206, I see where you are from Indiana. Do you work at Indianapolis International Airport? Do you work at the same concourse all the time? I live in Muncie and travel out of IND several times a year. I have found the new screeners at IND to be more professional than the old ones. Keep up the good work.

 

[Patabel]

Thanks, bmartin!

And thanks, Rajah. Cross stitch really helps the time go by when sitting in an airport or on a long flight. It'll give your suggestions a try.

Pat

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

What about tweezers? And shaving razors? My husband flew recently and as he was packing he asked me about where to pack his razor -- it's the Gillette Mach 3 with the 3 blades in the disposable head.

Thanks!

 

[Roxter79]

I'm stuck in my daughter's log in, anyway razors are OK as long as it's a safety razor such as what your husband has (not a straight edge). Tweezers are no longer confiscated. If you're not sure you can always put in checked luggage. As long as it's not flammable or illegal it can go under the plane.

 

[Pin Wizard]

PM on the way, Bmartin...thanks!

 

[Tinkbell]

I heard that you're not supposed to lock your checked luggage anymore because they might need to search it and will rip off your lock if they do. Is this true?

 

[vhoffman]

Another question for airport screener (BTW I really do APPRECIATE your taking the time to answer our questions!). I need a medicine that uses a disposable syringe. It comes in a kit, with one syringe per vial and is clearly labeled. It can't be checked since it needs to be kept on ice. I usually carry it in an insulated lunch container with an ice pack. Would this create a problem? Would I be allowed to board with it?

 

[bmartin1206]

Most likely an xray will be all they need to do though it may be necessary to look into the cooler. If that's the only thing in the cooler that may not be necessary.

Brian

 

[Disneymoon04]

Awesome! Don't have any ?s that haven't already been asked but this thread has been a big help. Thanks!

 

[snuggles]

Nervous mom here. We haven't flown for years and my 21 yr old dd is about to fly for the first time. What about asthma inhalers? I know she will need to keep one with her but what about packing one in her suitcase? Does she need a doctors note for it?