Will the TSA freak-out if I pack my slightly modified steadycam in my carry on bag?

I

Imamacuser

Veteran
I modified the sled with a quick release plate, DIY 1/2" aluminum round bar rails and 1" square aluminum clamps. I'm afraid the TSA will categorize it as a weapon and confiscate it. Some of you might think I'm paranoid, but the TSA is very petty about how they categorize items and what they'll allow on the plane. My brother had his hollow bullet key chain confiscated because they deemed it a weapon, even though it had a hole drilled through it, didn't have a primer or any gunpowder inside, and most importantly, he didn't have a rifle.
IMG_5620.jpgIMG_5624.jpgIMG_5626.jpg
 
Last edited:
It's a relatively short personal trip, so I'm not checking any luggage. Plus if I check it, the baggage handlers will find a way to break it, or lose it. No i'm not a pessimist, I'm just always right. :)
 
I don't think that will fly with TSA.

Get it? "fly with TSA"! I crack me up.

But seriously folks, even pre-TSA I had sometimes trouble with a short boom pole in carry on. Not always, but sometimes. And I currently have plenty of issues getting TSA "friendly" audio and camera stuff on carry on. I'd think now I'd have lots of trouble getting something like what you have there.

Just a guess, but why risk it?

Sigh. Good luck and let us know what you do and what happens.

Have a great shoot (and don't say "shoot" near TSA).
 
Why not send an e-mail to the TSA and show them these images and ask them? I would say "I don't want to bring this to the airport if your agents are going to not let me carry it onto my flight" so can you tell me if this item raises any flags as a prohibited item? I deal with the ATF and CADOJ in other aspects of my work and it drives me crazy when people let the vagueness and bad legislation written into our laws rule them through fear, uncertainty and doubt, also known as "FUD". If something is not expressly illegal in the penal code, it is legal. So make them show you the penal code that would prohibit you carrying this item aboard a plane or they have to let you. it is not a weapon, knife or ammuntion so why would they not let you? The deactivated round of ammunition key chain can be interpreted as ammunition, even though it is not live ammunition That one, legally, makes more sense. Items and actions are either illegal or legal, they aren't sort of illegal or sort of legal.
 
Here's the TSA's reply,
Thank you for contacting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Contact Center regarding permitted and prohibited items.

After reviewing your inquiry, the item in question is generally permitted in carry-on or checked baggage after proper security screening or inspection.

It is important to note that even if an item is not on the prohibited items list, Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) have the discretion to prohibit any item through the screening checkpoint or onboard an aircraft if they believe it poses a security threat. TSOs make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.

We encourage passengers to familiarize themselves with TSA Travel Tips at www.tsa.gov\travel\travel-tips. The Web site has information about prohibited and permitted items, the screening process, and other guidance to assist you in preparing for air travel. You may also search the Web site’s database of prohibited and permitted items using the “Can I Bring…” feature on the homepage of www.tsa.gov.

We hope this information is helpful.

TSA Contact Center
Click to expand...


In a nutshell, steadycams aren't on their official list of prohibited items, however, any moron TSA employee can flag it as a prohibited item on a whim. You just can't win with these people. :furious3:
 
Imamacuser said:
Here's the TSA's reply,


In a nutshell, steadycams aren't on their official list of prohibited items, however, any moron TSA employee can flag it as a prohibited item on a whim. You just can't win with these people. :furious3:
Click to expand...

At least you received an official ruling. I would print it out and bring it with you if you are still going to try it. Not that it is a legal ruling but it might give you some persuasion that the "Mother Ship" doesn't find it a threat.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top