or any other knowledgeable person with TSA experience.

I will be flying in two days. I will be bringing one bag (normally carryon). In my bag will be a gift for somebody. The problem is the gift. It is a very tacky old giftwrapped railroad spike (~3-4" long) spraypainted gold with some model railroad trains attached to it that I got from a souvenir shop. It is obviously not a weapon, but I do not want to cause trouble.

Do you think I'll run into trouble trying to bring it on board? Should I just go ahead and check my bag?

I'll be flying from SLC outbound, TSA is usually very good, very polite (e.g. not open to weird interpretations of rules just to 'get you'), etc, at this post.

Any help you can give is appreciated.

Thanks!

I'm not a TSA Screener, but a 4" railroad spike? Check a bag.

I don't work for the TSA, but if a slightly weighted bookmark was enough to result in handcuffs, being thrown in back of a squad car and several hours in the airport lockup, what do you think they'd do for a railroad spike?

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/09/17/Hi...me_Totin.shtml

Save yourself some aggrevation and FedEx it.

Since it's a technical violation of the TOS to mention a poster's name in the thread title, I've edited the title to make it more generic.
Please continue this interesting discussion.
Thanks.....
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Cholula
Co-Moderator-Travel Safety/Security Forum

Could you pass it off as a golf club?

Seriously, I would check it or send it in the mail

You are not supposed to take gift wrapped packages thru security let alone a railroad spike

I would suggest that you check the baggage in order to save you from any possible hassles. The railroad spike would most likely be declared prohibited, but being that it has trains attached to it and with it being more of a presentation, it could possibly be allowed. It would end up being left up to the discretion of the supervisor on duty. I don't know what airport you're leaving out of, but if it is a large one, check the bag so you wouldn't have to take the long walk all the way back to the ticket counter then go to the back of the security line again. Save yourself the hassle and check the bag. Have a good flight!

Definantly put that item within your check baggage.

It will will definantly not be allowed to be taken on board as it constitutes as a weapon... even though it is just a railroad tie.

Have a safe/nice flight!