I have been thoroughly studying this board and related sites and I have yet to see a specific answer to my question.

I provide technical service, vibration analysis specifically, and I travel with a Pelican case full of electronics for the task: Power supplies, cables, transducers, meters, strobe lights, PI tapes, feeler gages and so on.

I have always gotten a thorough check, and I get to the airport expecting it. I should. My case lights up the xray and I usually get the attention of at least two TSO's. About 50% of the time, the case is opened and swabbed. All of this is OK.

What concerns me is that I have about $20K in the equipment I carry. I do not mind the extra time in security, but I really do not want to be forced to check the carry on. I would think that the Pelican case would be a "please steal me" flag as the case alone is $400. People do not check dirty underwear in $400 security cases.

So, question 1, will I still be allowed to carry this equipment for domestic travel? I am certain that the international restrictions would get it banished to the hold, but as of now, I am only scheduled for domestic travel.

Question 2, what can I do to insure its safety, if I have to check it? It is the answer to this question that I fear will not be good.

You guys have the combined genius that I need. What is the verdict?

Joe