Ever try carrying on home electronics on an airplane?

[Sporqster]

I've got a business trip this week that I imagine will involve several hours of down time between shifts at the plant and such. I was thinking of bringing along a couple of little electronics projects I've been meaning to get to but haven't yet, but then got to thinking it would be hell trying to explain it to the airport security that is is NOT dangerous! Usually on business trips I take a carry-on only, as I hate waiting at the baggage carrousel, and have had bad experiences with my baggage actually catching the same flight I'm on.

Has anyone ever tried to board a commercial plane with homemade electronics? I'm thinking I should just avoid the potential hassle, get myself some magazines and leave the projects at home. But I don't think a breadboard is on the 'forbidden' list!

[CNCadmin]

I would NOT bring anything that could be misconstrued as dangerous, more than likely you would have no problem BUT you will be the one in the million they will stop.

[DAB_Design]

I'd say that it depends on the airline you are flying with, and departure/destination. If going to or from a large metro area, I wouldn't even think about it.

If you're flying with a small, regional airline, it probably wouldn't be a problem (see above).

Then again, Paul could be right.

[Sporqster]

Savannah - Memphis, layover in Atlanta on Delta

Think a 1/2 built 'Megasquirt' engine controller would end up in the security holding room?

probably so...

Oh well, I've got at least a dozen unread trade magazines. Time to pick up some more industry buzzwords!

[Cyclone]

Is funny that I find this post...I too was thinking the same thing... 2 months ago I had to spend a few days from home but was dying to work on my power supply, I thought no wife no kids...plenty of time for myself hell I am usually bored in hotel rooms anyways. I was not flying but driving from Miami to Jacksonville, so I packed everything I thought I would need: my soldering station, heat shrink tubing, electrical pliers,etc...loaded my trunk up with all I needed...while driving I remembered I forgot the solder and had to stop in my 5 hour drive to find a Radio shack...I did.
5 day stay...4 nights in the room I was so tired by the time I got to the room that I did not touch the project in any way.

[2muchstuff]

I haven't had a problem with taking things aboard domestic flights as long as it goes in with the luggage that goes in the hold under the plane. I have taken whole tool kits (tools, meters, test kits, instruments......). Call ahead first to the airline just to make sure. I know that they don't allow it on with your carry on stuff. One time I inquired about taking a metal detector with my carry on, from thier reaction you thought I was going to try to bring down every plane with it. Depending on who I talked to, it was either yea or nea. In the end result I would have needed written permission with the detector taken apart and batteries removed. After all that I decided to just leave it at home and keep it safe. So much for our "playtoys" when out of town on buisness trips.

[Kookaburra]

I have taken stuff on a plane before, however, I thought it best to ring the airport security before I arrived at the terminal. They told me to go to main security prior to checking in. When I got there, security checked the contents of the bag and taped my bag shut with brightly coloured tape labeled "SECURITY" . Upon boarding the aircraft, I had to give my bag to the flight staff for the duration of the flight and I could not retieve it until I was disembarking. This was the only way I could do it and this was in Australia not America.

[murphy625]

I carried a 5 D cell mag light in my carry on bag once...

They made me pull it out and take it appart to show it was really a flashlight.
They made the comment "we dont like to see batteries lined up like that"...
This was about 1 year before 911.

They had no problems with my camcorder, camera, shaver, etc etc.

Murphy

[ger21]

They don't like scissors. Be careful when you throw the wife's stuff in your carry on when you're in a hurry to catch an early flight.