I just traveled with a rapier and 4 foils, NYC-Izmir
(Turkey) via Istanbul; even with the increased
security on overseas flights, there were no problems.
I had them in a long golf bag, they weren't damaged.
The masks were in my hardcase suitcase, stuffed with
things so they don't get too much pressure, they came
out OK, too. Airline security at JFK was quite OK with
the blades, and other parts of the rapier, foils, etc.
They actually checked them in as sports equipment and
"fragile."
On the way back, some Turkish security people were
curious at the entrance of the airport in Istanbul,
but there were no problems there either. Spent maybe 5
minutes answering questions like "so, do these hurt?",
"could you use the sharp ones?" or "are they steel?
wow!"
So, apparently there are no problems with them in
overseas flights. I carried a letter from my maestro,
just in case. At the Istanbul airport, some security
officer looked at it and liked the slogan by the
letterhead -from a famous letter to Nadi, I believe?-
"the duel is ours," and nodded in a friendly way!
Oh, and I strongly suggest that everyone try fencing
next to an olive grove and vineyard one day
Axel Corlu
--- Kim Moser <kmoser@kmoser.com> wrote:
> You should have no problems if you pack all your
> fencing weapons into your
> checked luggage. Just make sure you don't lock it,
> as ALL luggage is
> subject to manual inspection.
>
> When traveling I carry my weapons in a golf case
> which I check in. During
> check-in they often ask how many clubs I'm carrying
> (probably because they
> want to ensure none get stolen) and ask me to sign a
> waiver to absolve them
> of responsibility for damage. It doesn't raise any
> eyebrows when I tell
> them it's fencing equipment, not golf clubs, and
> that it's not particularly
> fragile.
>
> I often pack my mask and inline skates into a
> carry-on bag, and I've found
> that security tends to scrutinize my inline skates
> heavily, but doesn't
> give my fencing mask a second look. Go figure!
>
> --K
>
> At 09:33 AM 9/17/2003 -0400, "Patrick Shannon"
> <patrickshannon@charter.net>
> wrote:
> >Hey all,
> >
> >Taking to flight (have done enough driving this
> year) for
> >an upcoming CF tournament, and since this is my
> first time
> >taking such equipment on flight (and second time
> flying),
> >what has been your experiences (and advice) with
> dealing
> >with the airlines?
> >
> >This page has some obvious advice...
> >
> >http://www.ahfi.org/wmaw2001/travel.htm
> >
> >...and I certainly don't think it would be a good
> idea to
> >take along my bag with a "Warning: Protected by a
> guy with
> >a sword" sticker on it :\
> >
> >--
> >Patrick Shannon
> >"Have Foil, Will Travel"
>
>
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