Originally Posted by
TSORon
We get the dang barbells all the time. The only thing that makes sense, and then very little, is that the owner is an endorphin junkie and cannot go 2 hours without pumping iron for that high. Madness, clear and simple.
I can think of at least two other rational reasons.
1. Some airlines don't put a weight limit on carry-on luggage, but do put a weight limit on checked bags. If your checked bag is already close to the weight limit, it may make more financial sense to put the barbells in your carry-on to avoid having to check an extra bag. (This may also work even if your airline has a weight limit for carry-on luggage, as long as you don't have much other heavy stuff in your carry-on.)
2. As I noted in the post above ... the airlines are very clear about the fact that they take little-to-no responsibility for the security of luggage in transit. The only way to be assured that something will actually make it to your destination with you is to keep it with you at all times.