Well the "tools" noticed the tools last night. My 3" allen key (hex key) for my tripod had them wasting my time looking for it. I finally asked what they were looking for and I said to let me have the bag. They didn't like it but I found it in 5 seconds. THen they informed me that it was "illegal" and would have to be surrendered (unreasonable search and seizure for sure
). I let them know in no uncertain terms that I would not surrender it. I simply took it back to my car and left it there. I had a "war of words" with the supervisor (fairly low key) and asked them to show me where on the website it said that. The CATSA site does not exclude allen keys although I guess one might call it a wrench in a stretch (and the wrenches section is so obtuse of a description that it has nothing to do with wrenches). I consider it a photographic accessory which is allowed. I have travelled with it for years, including this year (when they said the regs changed) and on dozens of flights leaving Canada with no issues. I wonder what they will try to confiscate next. Reminds me of the nail files on nail clippers that they used to confiscate a few years ago. Talk about insanity!
TSA specifically allows wrenches (I believe under 6") and specifically allows allen keys.
Nice to know our CANADIAN CATSA is such a responsible agency keeping the flying public safe by trying to confiscate my horrendous allen key. Meanwhile I took on various strangulation devices (cords), blunt instruments (camera, computer) and pointy objects (chopsticks, pens) that could do far more damage to a person, not to mention those wine bottles on board that do a great job as both blunt instruments and sharp instruments (if appropriately or inappropriately if you prefer, broken).
First we have to endure the insanity of the flights to US carryon restrictions (not anything corresponding to such in the USA for flights to Canada!). I have written my MP, I have written the transport minister but all I get is deafening silence.
Glad that I have a good sense of humour and time when I am travelling. In total, they wasted a half hour extra of my time.
Also glad that I can rant here and get my thoughts together before my next letter to Minister, MP and Media? NO one seems to care--do you?