Where to pack it... Where???

Getting ready for my 2005 Vacation in Bora Bora. As such, I'm trying to figure
out how much to bring this time, given the current climate for security,
confiscations (thank goodness no "Audi" keys to worry about) etc. etc. I've
done pretty well over the last few years (no TSA searches yet) and I'd like to
keep it that way.

Big issue this year is my snorkeling gear. I won't have room in carry ons for
that so I'm thinking of putting it in checked. It comes in a zipped pouch but
I'm concerned that it might be too bulky and cause a "TSA search." I can
separate it out and, hopefully, it will simply look like snorkeling gear instead
of something bulky and unknown.

Any of your divers/snorkelers have experience with this or had a problem? The
gear isn't that expensive and I could live with the theft risk if it comes to
that.

Also, what's the prevailing wisdom on TSA approved locks for checked baggage?
Are people still getting grief from Check in reps to keep things unlocked etc?
Has anyone had their's cut yet? I bought a pair of them for the first time
(previously I used plastic ties), but I'm not sure about these either. Again, I
won't lose sleep over theft even with the locks, but if they can deter, so much
the better. The only thing of value in checked, other than clothes, would be the
snorkeling gear.

Thanks.


____________________________________________
Regards,

Arnold

(formerly )

"mag3" wrote in message
...
Getting ready for my 2005 Vacation in Bora Bora. As such, I'm trying
to figure
out how much to bring this time, given the current climate for
security,
confiscations (thank goodness no "Audi" keys to worry about) etc.
etc. I've
done pretty well over the last few years (no TSA searches yet) and
I'd like to
keep it that way.

Big issue this year is my snorkeling gear. I won't have room in
carry ons for
that so I'm thinking of putting it in checked. It comes in a zipped
pouch but
I'm concerned that it might be too bulky and cause a "TSA search." I
can
separate it out and, hopefully, it will simply look like snorkeling
gear instead
of something bulky and unknown.

Any of your divers/snorkelers have experience with this or had a
problem? The
gear isn't that expensive and I could live with the theft risk if it
comes to
that.

Also, what's the prevailing wisdom on TSA approved locks for checked
baggage?
Are people still getting grief from Check in reps to keep things
unlocked etc?
Has anyone had their's cut yet? I bought a pair of them for the
first time
(previously I used plastic ties), but I'm not sure about these
either. Again, I
won't lose sleep over theft even with the locks, but if they can
deter, so much
the better. The only thing of value in checked, other than clothes,
would be the
snorkeling gear.

On trips to Bonaire or Cozumel, I've been able to carry aboard most
all of my scuba gear - BC, fins, mask, snorkle, dive light,
regulators, dive computers, swim suit, extra shorts and tee shirt,
camera, walkman and about 30cd's into a mesh dive bag (under seat) and
wear my BC backpack style with most of the dive gear mentioned above
strapped to it (except fins which are in the mesh bag). Most U.S.
airlines allow for a back pack and a carry on that can fit in the
overhead or under your seat. I get seats (I like opposing aisle
seats) near the back and will usually be one of the first groups
called to board. BTW, my BC has a stainless steel back plate. It is
pretty obious to secuirity and customs what the intent of my trip will
be. If my checked bag doesn't show up, I'll still be able to dive and
have a change of clothes. It might get pretty rank if my clothes in
my checked bag don't show up.



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On Sun, 26 Jun 2005 15:44:02 -0500, "To Arms!!"
wrote:


Any of your divers/snorkelers have experience with this or had a
problem? The
gear isn't that expensive and I could live with the theft risk if it
comes to
that.

On trips to Bonaire or Cozumel, I've been able to carry aboard most
all of my scuba gear - BC, fins, mask, snorkle, dive light,
regulators, dive computers, swim suit, extra shorts and tee shirt,
camera, walkman and about 30cd's into a mesh dive bag (under seat) and
wear my BC backpack style with most of the dive gear mentioned above
strapped to it (except fins which are in the mesh bag).

Understood, and appreciated. But the question was, would the gear (fins, mask, &
snorkel at least) if put in checked baggage trigger a TSA hand search of the
bag?

____________________________________________
Regards,

Arnold

(formerly )

mag3 wrote:
Getting ready for my 2005 Vacation in Bora Bora. As such, I'm trying to figure
out how much to bring this time, given the current climate for security,
confiscations (thank goodness no "Audi" keys to worry about) etc. etc. I've
done pretty well over the last few years (no TSA searches yet) and I'd like to
keep it that way.

Big issue this year is my snorkeling gear. I won't have room in carry ons for
that so I'm thinking of putting it in checked. It comes in a zipped pouch but
I'm concerned that it might be too bulky and cause a "TSA search." I can
separate it out and, hopefully, it will simply look like snorkeling gear instead
of something bulky and unknown.

Any of your divers/snorkelers have experience with this or had a problem? The
gear isn't that expensive and I could live with the theft risk if it comes to
that.

I always carry mine on - but it *is* expensive - my lenses in my mask
were $200 a pop back when I bought them 8 years ago or so. They should
be fine in the checked bag as long as you won't regret them being
stolen if it happens.

-L.

mag3 wrote:
Getting ready for my 2005 Vacation in Bora Bora. As such, I'm trying
to figure out how much to bring this time, given the current climate
for security, confiscations (thank goodness no "Audi" keys to worry
about) etc. etc. I've done pretty well over the last few years (no
TSA searches yet) and I'd like to keep it that way.

I don't think TSA is that organized that you can predict what they are
going to look at. Frankly it is likely better that way. In any case I
suspect what they inspect has more to do with who shows up and how busy they
are than anything else.


--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

Joseph Meehan wrote:

mag3 wrote:

Getting ready for my 2005 Vacation in Bora Bora. As such, I'm trying
to figure out how much to bring this time, given the current climate
for security, confiscations (thank goodness no "Audi" keys to worry
about) etc. etc. I've done pretty well over the last few years (no
TSA searches yet) and I'd like to keep it that way.


I don't think TSA is that organized that you can predict what they are
going to look at. Frankly it is likely better that way.

How is it "better"? Calling a key a "switchblade" doesn't make it a
valid item for confiscation. Are terrorists really going to be dissuaded
because some airports require everyone to take off any kind of footwear?

Disorganization doesn't reduce real security issues. In fact,
disorganization may cause them to miss things they should be doing.

mag3 wrote:
Getting ready for my 2005 Vacation in Bora Bora. As such,
I'm trying to figure out how much to bring this time, ...

I've checked a mesh bag full of gear on a few occasions with no
problems at all. I used to travel with only a carry-on, whenever
possible. But my wife seems to take half the closet with her, no
matter how brief the trip. Unfortunately, her bags always show
up full, too. =R=

In article , mag3
wrote:

€ On Sun, 26 Jun 2005 15:44:02 -0500, "To Arms!!"
€ wrote:
€
€
€ Any of your divers/snorkelers have experience with this or had a
€ problem? The
€ gear isn't that expensive and I could live with the theft risk if it
€ comes to
€ that.
€
€ On trips to Bonaire or Cozumel, I've been able to carry aboard most
€ all of my scuba gear - BC, fins, mask, snorkle, dive light,
€ regulators, dive computers, swim suit, extra shorts and tee shirt,
€ camera, walkman and about 30cd's into a mesh dive bag (under seat) and
€ wear my BC backpack style with most of the dive gear mentioned above
€ strapped to it (except fins which are in the mesh bag).
€
€ Understood, and appreciated. But the question was, would the gear (fins,
€ mask, &
€ snorkel at least) if put in checked baggage trigger a TSA hand search of the
€ bag?
€

It hasn't in the past few trips I've made where I check my dive bag
(everything except cameras and computer). I wouldn't worry at all about
snorkling gear.

mrtravel wrote:
Joseph Meehan wrote:

mag3 wrote:

Getting ready for my 2005 Vacation in Bora Bora. As such, I'm trying
to figure out how much to bring this time, given the current climate
for security, confiscations (thank goodness no "Audi" keys to worry
about) etc. etc. I've done pretty well over the last few years (no
TSA searches yet) and I'd like to keep it that way.


I don't think TSA is that organized that you can predict what
they are going to look at. Frankly it is likely better that way.

How is it "better"? Calling a key a "switchblade" doesn't make it a
valid item for confiscation. Are terrorists really going to be
dissuaded because some airports require everyone to take off any kind
of footwear?
Disorganization doesn't reduce real security issues. In fact,
disorganization may cause them to miss things they should be doing.

Your comments are not responsive to thread.

Having predictable consistent known methods of security only means
someone wanting to get around them will know exactly how to do it. It's
really a rather simple idea.


--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit

Joseph Meehan wrote:
mrtravel wrote:

Joseph Meehan wrote:


mag3 wrote:


Getting ready for my 2005 Vacation in Bora Bora. As such, I'm trying
to figure out how much to bring this time, given the current climate
for security, confiscations (thank goodness no "Audi" keys to worry
about) etc. etc. I've done pretty well over the last few years (no
TSA searches yet) and I'd like to keep it that way.


I don't think TSA is that organized that you can predict what
they are going to look at. Frankly it is likely better that way.

How is it "better"? Calling a key a "switchblade" doesn't make it a
valid item for confiscation. Are terrorists really going to be
dissuaded because some airports require everyone to take off any kind
of footwear?
Disorganization doesn't reduce real security issues. In fact,
disorganization may cause them to miss things they should be doing.


Your comments are not responsive to thread.

The previous poster's comment related to how organized TSA is in what
they look at. Don't confuse this disorganization as being a part of the
overall security plan, it is really just disorganization.


Having predictable consistent known methods of security only means
someone wanting to get around them will know exactly how to do it. It's
really a rather simple idea.


How would being consistent in what items are restricted cause security
problems?
How is security enhanced by having some locations take "switchblade"
keys or having everyone remove shoes?