Fencing weapons not allowed aboard?

[edelstein]

My father's coming back next wednesdey and has bought a foil for me in Holland but now it seems he's not allowed to bring it by plane because since the security in airports has increased world wide he might get stopped for carrying a foil which is considered a weapon, that's what they told him at the store where he bought it. Of course it doesn't fit in the luggage and there is no special bag now for it. I just hope he can pass with it without problems because otherwise it seems it would have to stay there. He has no weapon bag now so he said he'll have to wrap it apart and hope the inspectors pass it as a sports good. It's OK all that new security but this is a bit ridiculous, I wonder if any potential terrorist would use a foil to menace someone in a plane, besides it has no pointed tip and you can't cut anybody with a foil. Have you had problems of this kind? Seems to be less problem if one brings a whole lot of foils and says they are for gift or to sell, but I just need one, and they don't sell fencing goods in mexico, just about 2 retailers who sell outrageously expensive.

[AndrewH]

When I travel with my equipment I put the weapons in a cylindrical container meant for camera tripods- you can get one at most professional video equipment stores. It's exactly the right size and can hold 3 sabres (probably hold more foils since the guard is smaller). I close it and wrap it with tape, then check it at the counter and make sure to tell the ticket agent what's in it. (sorta like if you were traveling with a gun, you gotta make sure security knows what you have so they don't go nuts when they see it on the x-ray.) I haven't had problems yet.

[foodle]

Usually when I buy stuff overseas, it's easier to have them mail it back to me. That way I don't have to deal with lugging the equipment around the airports. Your father should definitely NOT try to take the foil as carry-on luggage. It's doubtful they'll allow him to do that. He should be able to take the foil as check-in luggage, but now the trick is to protect the foil during transit.

He could try to find a large cardboard poster tube. That should be relatively cheap and protect the foil fine. Otherwise, he could just risk the tender mercies of the luggage handlers.

As for it being ridiculous that anyone would use a foil as a read weapon, I agree that a foil isn't really very dangerous, especially in the cramped quarters of a plane. But really anything can be an effective weapon, if the people around you are weaponless. So the airlines are just being cautious and banning anything overtly weapon-like from the cabin. I don't really have a problem with that.

[Zelda]

They were paranoid b4, and will be even more so now. If your father doesnt have a bag for it, get the store to wrap it up well and check it in. Or you can bury it in your luggage but declare it

[Fencing Angel]

UPS/FedEx.. all i have to say..

you might get charged an arm and a leg.. but they'll get it there with Hardly any questions asked.

[Boo Boo]

If they don't allow you to take tweezers onboard a plane, as carry on, then you have no chance with a foil blade.

As far as checked luggage goes, its quite amusing if you watch the screeners x-ray fencing bags. At Heathrow, they don't bat an eye lid - seem quite familiar with it. But the screener we had at LAX last Christmas (he was new to his job) almost fell off of his seat...

Boo
(who thinks fencing equipment looks very interesting when it goes through the x-ray machine)

[The Crazy Wacker]

[quote]Originally posted by foodle:
<strong>Usually when I buy stuff overseas, it's easier to have them mail it back to me. That way I don't have to deal with lugging the equipment around the airports. Your father should definitely NOT try to take the foil as carry-on luggage. It's doubtful they'll allow him to do that. He should be able to take the foil as check-in luggage, but now the trick is to protect the foil during transit.

He could try to find a large cardboard poster tube. That should be relatively cheap and protect the foil fine. Otherwise, he could just risk the tender mercies of the luggage handlers.

As for it being ridiculous that anyone would use a foil as a read weapon, I agree that a foil isn't really very dangerous, especially in the cramped quarters of a plane. But really anything can be an effective weapon, if the people around you are weaponless. So the airlines are just being cautious and banning anything overtly weapon-like from the cabin. I don't really have a problem with that.</strong><hr></blockquote>

This makes Pencils/pens weapons. Along with just about everything you can think of.

[It]

The best way to pass your fencing gear. Tell them it's sporting eqiuptment. That's all you have to do.

[Gav]

Yeah, tell 'em it's sporting equipment. Don't put it in your hand luggage, this ridiculous level of air security at the moment is definitely goin to get you in bother. Everyone I know just puts their kit bags in with the rest of the luggage and it's fine. Beware, one guy I know had his kit destroyed (literally) by baggage handling equipment.

[Inquartata]

[quote]Originally posted by The Crazy Wacker:
<strong>

This makes Pencils/pens weapons. Along with just about everything you can think of.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Yep. After the new restrictions were first implemented I did a quick examination of the stuff in my carry-on bag and what I was wearing. Identified five possible weapons right off.

If they manufacture knives in prisons, how hard do you think it would be to do it in an airplane restroom?

[GreyGhost]

[quote]Originally posted by foodle:
<strong>
As for it being ridiculous that anyone would use a foil as a read weapon, I agree that a foil isn't really very dangerous, especially in the cramped quarters of a plane. </strong><hr></blockquote>


A foil not a weapon on a plane? I beg to differ! Isn't the asile just like the strip? You could dominate with you forward and backward foot work! And if you through bad flicks, well, those hurt!!!


Of course, you might not want to fence in turbulance without a mask.... Might put out an eye!!!


(Of course, you ought not to fence without a mask ever, but that ruins the joke.)

[Rick]

I would consider a foil a weapon... If we get bruises from flick and flat hits while wearing 800N uniforms with plastrons... imagine what it can do to someone wearing bermuda shorts and a hawaiian shirt!