Traveling w/ yagi in suitcase?

DigitalMDX · 07-23-2002

I'm seeking advice from frequent/recent travelers.
Has anyone flown with a yagi antenna in their suitcase?
Not hooked up or anything, just to get it from point A to point B?
I'm planning on putting it in my suitcase then checking the suitcase at the gate. What do you think?
Thanks for any input,
-Jay

norm · 07-23-2002

id make sure its wrapped up good and hope it goes unnoticed, maybe you could courier it?

lincomatic · 07-23-2002

Quote:

Originally posted by norm
id make sure its wrapped up good and hope it goes unnoticed, maybe you could courier it?

something tells me if it's wrapped up well it's going to catch even more scrutiny...might be better if it's possible to open it up and show what's inside is just a harmless piece of stamped metal...
and bring a page from the manufacturer's catalog too, so you can prove its purpose.

DigitalMDX · 07-23-2002

The outer casing is pvc plastic, so x-ray would be a snap if they needed to.

HcRUL · 07-24-2002

I didn't have a problem flying in January with my stumbling setup and misc electronics. I had an omni, cards, 2 Access points, a gps, and a mess of cables in my checked baggage. In my carry on I had my laptop, ipaq, wireless mouse, digital camera, cell phone, and other odds and ends.

I was singled out to have my bags searched before checking them and was also searched before getting on the plane. I attribute this to purchasing a one was ticked <24hours before the flight. They didn't seem to care about all the electronic gear.

The lady searching my checked bags didn't think twice about it. She did asked me what it was for and I told her it's "computer stuff". I asked if the contents of my bags were some of the strangest things she had seen coming through and she told me of a guy that came through with a bunch of speciality radio controlled hardware.

While I was stuffing my gear and dirty clothes back in my bags she started asking me for advice on what computer for the home she should buy.

Long story sort is that I wouldn't worry about it. You have nothing to hide and shouldn't have any problems. If they ask tell them what is it and how it is used.

They were more interested in what WASN'T in my shoes than my electronics anyway. I was kinda disapointed. I wanted to explain what all my toys were and what I do with them...

HcRUL

sparafina · 07-24-2002

Check the big stuff. I put my 2ft omni in my luggage all the time. I also travel using hardside luggage - suits look better anyway.

I also carry on a little 2dbi omni along with my other gear - 2 laptops, external drive, pcmcia cards, cameras, iPaq, eTrex, cell phones. I usually get picked every third time and I fly on a weekly basis.

fitzStewart · 07-24-2002

If you have any of the hardware associated with the antenna, make sure you have the power supplies for them. I had to take an ap as carry on, and security had me power the puppy up before passing. This was done at x-ray, not at boarding.

bkehoe · 07-25-2002

Hi,
I've had no problems with the magmount omni in hand luggage anyway.

techfan · 07-25-2002

I travel often with all kinds of electronics and gear and dont try to hide any of it. They will open it (carry on) and look, but usually dont even ask questions.

g0tr00t · 07-25-2002

Quote:

Originally posted by sparafina
I also carry on a little 2dbi omni along with my other gear - 2 laptops, external drive, pcmcia cards, cameras, iPaq, eTrex, cell phones. I usually get picked every third time and I fly on a weekly basis.

How many planes have you delayed due to a security check? I have so far delayed only one.

Carrying: Digital camera, memory sticks (sony), portable hard drive (they didn't understand it), two laptops, PDA and various photo equipment. Delayed the flight by 15 minutes. 10 were just explaining how everything worked together....

lincomatic · 07-25-2002

yeah i guess the most impt thing is probably don't show up at security with sweaty palms and a scared look on your face

sparafina · 07-25-2002

Quote:

Originally posted by g0tr00t
How many planes have you delayed due to a security check? I have so far delayed only one.

I've never delayed a flight. I fly so much that I'm usually upgraded and one of the first to be searched when I'm picked

Human nature being what it is, you can generally avoid being searched at the gate if you watch the flow of the line. You can avoid the hassle by waiting until all the the security agents are occupied. Also take care to minimize the profile of your carry-on, if its a back pack, sling it across the shoulder opposite of the gate agent / red jacket or security agent.

If stopped, just be pleasant and helpful.

hratch · 07-25-2002

i have a fab corps 5 dBi that i have carried in my backpack along with my laptop, cards, etc. in my Haliburton case (you know...the aluminum bomb-looking briefcase) and have made it through security no problem (LAX). I was, of course pulled aside for "random" screening but they just opened up all my stuff and asked a couple of ?'s and let me continue on.

The yagi should be no problem. They will X-ray it of course and ask ?'s. That's about all.'

07-25-2002	#11 (permalink)
lincomatic Squaaawk! WiFi! WiFi! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Tinsel Town Posts: 1,682	yeah i guess the most impt thing is probably don't show up at security with sweaty palms and a scared look on your face __________________ ~lincomatic

07-25-2002	#13 (permalink)
hratch Roadie Stumbler Join Date: May 2002 Location: On the Move... Posts: 308	travelling with omni i have a fab corps 5 dBi that i have carried in my backpack along with my laptop, cards, etc. in my Haliburton case (you know...the aluminum bomb-looking briefcase) and have made it through security no problem (LAX). I was, of course pulled aside for "random" screening but they just opened up all my stuff and asked a couple of ?'s and let me continue on. The yagi should be no problem. They will X-ray it of course and ask ?'s. That's about all.'

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07-23-2002	#2 (permalink)
norm Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: UK Posts: 69	id make sure its wrapped up good and hope it goes unnoticed, maybe you could courier it?

07-23-2002	#4 (permalink)
DigitalMDX Digital Stumbler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 236	The outer casing is pvc plastic, so x-ray would be a snap if they needed to.

07-24-2002	#5 (permalink)
HcRUL Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 37	I didn't have a problem flying in January with my stumbling setup and misc electronics. I had an omni, cards, 2 Access points, a gps, and a mess of cables in my checked baggage. In my carry on I had my laptop, ipaq, wireless mouse, digital camera, cell phone, and other odds and ends. I was singled out to have my bags searched before checking them and was also searched before getting on the plane. I attribute this to purchasing a one was ticked <24hours before the flight. They didn't seem to care about all the electronic gear. The lady searching my checked bags didn't think twice about it. She did asked me what it was for and I told her it's "computer stuff". I asked if the contents of my bags were some of the strangest things she had seen coming through and she told me of a guy that came through with a bunch of speciality radio controlled hardware. While I was stuffing my gear and dirty clothes back in my bags she started asking me for advice on what computer for the home she should buy. Long story sort is that I wouldn't worry about it. You have nothing to hide and shouldn't have any problems. If they ask tell them what is it and how it is used. They were more interested in what WASN'T in my shoes than my electronics anyway. I was kinda disapointed. I wanted to explain what all my toys were and what I do with them... HcRUL

07-24-2002	#6 (permalink)
sparafina Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Julie Speed Posts: 1,430	Check the big stuff. I put my 2ft omni in my luggage all the time. I also travel using hardside luggage - suits look better anyway. I also carry on a little 2dbi omni along with my other gear - 2 laptops, external drive, pcmcia cards, cameras, iPaq, eTrex, cell phones. I usually get picked every third time and I fly on a weekly basis.

07-24-2002	#7 (permalink)
fitzStewart UrbanEx Wardriver Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 103	If you have any of the hardware associated with the antenna, make sure you have the power supplies for them. I had to take an ap as carry on, and security had me power the puppy up before passing. This was done at x-ray, not at boarding.

07-25-2002	#8 (permalink)
bkehoe Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Ireland Posts: 20	Hi, I've had no problems with the magmount omni in hand luggage anyway.

07-25-2002	#9 (permalink)
techfan Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: NC Posts: 19	I travel often with all kinds of electronics and gear and dont try to hide any of it. They will open it (carry on) and look, but usually dont even ask questions.