Any airline workers? I need help!

[kangaroodle]

I posted this on another forum but thought if there's any airline people around, you could help me. Problem: I made REALLY cute sweatshirts for MVMCP and I put lights on them (8 shirts). The lights are battery operated and have a battery pack with wires to each light. I'm afraid if I pack them, they will be red-flagged because they will look really suspicious! If I carry them on, will I be able to take them on the plane after I show that they are just light-up shirts? If we wore them, would they set off the metal detector and then cause all sorts of problems because of the wires? What if I took the lights off the shirts, but I would still have a bag of lights and wires to deal with. PLEASE HELP WITH ANY INFO YOU HAVE FOR ME!!!

Thanks!
Kathy

 

[mbb]

That's a good question...

(...and they sound like really cute shirts - we need to see pics!!)

I know folks take Christmas lights to WDW all the time...with no troubles..but the plug-in kind.

I have a feeling that you'd be fine to take them in your carry-ons. Security would just swab the battery packs. Pack them in an easily accessible spot. I wouldn't wear them, though.

You could always ship them ahead of you, to your resort.

Sorry I couldn't be more help but interested to know what other folks think...

 

[Super 27]

Putting them in the carry-on shouldn't be a problem. I'd be willing to bet that security is going to open the bag and swab them with the explosive detection gear, but other than a couple of minute delay you should be just fine. Also, you could wear them as a second layer, and then take them off and put them on the belt just like any other coats or outerwear. That saves security from having to open any bags (because when they open the bag they automatically go through everything, which takes more time), they can just take the shirts, inspect them (again, it will probably get the swab test), and you'll be on your way...

 

[CleveRocks]

There's no problem carrying-on ANY type of electronic device, whether store-bought or home-made. If it's not a weapon or something that can be used as a weapon, then there's no problem. You'll have no problem carrying it on. As Super 27 said, you might get a moment of extra scrutiny, but who cares? You have nothing to hide.

On the other hand, I'll bet if something home-made like that was in your checked luggage, they'd wanna check that out, too, and unlike with your carry-on bag, where you will witness them go through it, you won't be present when they go through your checked suitcase.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Might I suggest you leave the batteries out of the battery packs when packing these shirts in your carry-on? I would even go so far as to packing them in a clear plastic bag and setting that on the x-ray conveyor belt separate from your regular carry-on. After it is inspected you can put it into your carry-on luggage. Enjoy WDW!

 

[castleri]

I will be taking a collapsible christmas tree that is packed in a duffle along with extra lights for the OKW balcony so will have enough wires, plugs and odd metal pieces that they can inspect. I took this whole bunch of stuff 3 years ago with no problems - just checked it through and they didn't even open it. You just never know what will set them into search mode. They did go through my carry on because I had my 2 digital cameras, extra batteries. and three lanyards with Disney pins - guess it was the combo of metal and batteries - two years ago they went through my DGD bag several times - she had several rolls of quarters, and her weights for scuba diving in her bag- we were headed for a cruise and she was set for the casino and didn't want to have her dive gear in checked luggage in case it was lost. Your shirts sound great and I don't think you will have a problem - have a great holiday.

 

[QT Pooh]

My husband sells airplane lighting for a living and is always taking samples hooked up to battery packs in his carry-on. He doesn't usually have a problem. Just tell them when you approach the front of the security line. I would have them in a separate carry-on just so they wouldn't have to open up an entire suitcase in front of everyone.

Hope you have a great time, and make sure you take some pictures with these shirts on!

 

[kangaroodle]

Thanks for all your GREAT responses! I ended up just shipping them to the resort. It was only $12. I didn't want to risk my kids seeing the shirts. Right now they have no idea we are even going to WDW in 2 days! The second surprise is that some friends are going with us (they won't know till we get to the airport gate at O'Hare!...Neither set of kids knows!) Then we plan to tell them that MVMCP is all sold out for that Friday , but some Disney Magic will happen and some tickets plus the shirts will magically arrive! Didn't want to risk them seeing the shirts at security!

Thanks again!!!

Kathy