What are the current rules on traveling through security with cutlery? My husband I would like to take my grandma's silver with us so that we don't have to mail it and insure it (no way it's going through checked) but I suspect that this still won't fly... I know plastic knives are again ok, but would a stainless one be?

No, it is very likely you'll get it confiscated.

Mail it and pay insurance for the shipment. Take a couple photos of it as well in case you have to make an insurance claim.

Since the edges aren't serrated, there's a chance we can get it in ... I checked the TSA website and under the current TSA rules, they are technically allowed. We're bringing my parents in to the airport with us; if it doesn't work, we are just planning on sending the stuff home with them, but it sure would be nice if they actually (for once) followed their own policies.

Doubt they will allow 12 knives on the plane

With all due respect, if you knew the answer already, at least according to the TSA website, then why did you post your question?

This forum is filled with experiences about rogue TSA screeners. If you want to take the chance, you're more than welcome.

As you elude to, remember that the TSA does not follow its own rules. The last thing you'll need is some TSAer treating you like you are a member of al-Qaeda because of your family silverware.

Another thing to think about. By the time the TSA discovers the silverware, you will be in the 'secure' (term used loosely) area. They don't allow you to hand things off to someone who hasn't been screened.

I'm not going to tell you what to do, but I would hate to see you lose something in such an avoidable situation.

You still face the risk of a power-tripping TSA screener and supervisor making an arbitrary decision that your permitted knives are a violation and with no advance notice sending you a fine in the mail for hundreds to thousands of dollars. They will attempt to extort money from you by lowering the fine if you quietly pay withot contesting it, and they will make it difficult for you to contest the fine by making sure the (kangaroo non-real Coast-Guard Court) which has jurisdiction is thousands of miles from your home.

A few years ago, a woman carrying a cake server back from her wedding was fined by TSA in just this way. See http://www.free-market.net/towards-l...a-outrage.html.

If you chose to attempt to carry the silver, the only defense against this extortion is to leave immediately the checkpoint area without giving TSA your name, address, or boarding pass if they in any way question your items (including telling you to just go check it, which is what they told the cake-server woman without mentioning that they would be mailing her a fine). If you give TSA any of this identifying information, you risk receiving a fine in the mail. Tell the TSA you have decided not to fly without your items and leave the area. If possible, return later via a different checkpoint. Never ever give identifying information to any TSA officer for any reason; it is better to not fly and go home.

I have no problems getting metal cutlery on aircraft when flying to the US from a number of nations, including on US carriers.

They're already on many airplanes, at least in F and J classes - and a heck of a lot more than 12.

But I'd chances are good the knives probably won't fly. Send them UPS or FedEx - plus they'll be properly insured this way.

Not sure where you're travelling to/from, but UPS Ground and FedEx Ground services are relatively inexpensive within the USA. It only starts getting expensive if you must send them overseas -- or if you decided to send them UPS Red next day air.

SDF_Traveler

I posted the question because as has been pointed out, the TSA does not follow its rules consistenly (sometimes even within a single airport -- I read recently with interest about shoe removal at EWR because this is one of the airports where the screeners consistently tell me I can leave my shoes on when I wear flats). I wanted to see if anybody has had any experience with doing this, as I cannot imagine that I am the only one.

I had no problem getting my silver through security at MSP at the entrance by the light rail. Before putting it on the belt, I informed the officers as to what I was carrying, and told them I thought that it was okay under their rules, but I didn't know. They told me to send it through, which I did. Then after, they opened it up, inspected the non-serrated blades, and told me, oh yeah, this is totally fine. Honestly, I'd be more concerned with the forks than those knives if I were the TSA, but in any case, my silver made it safely back to New York with me. They seemed to appreciate that I had told them what was in the case, that I was not sure whether it was allowed under the TSA rules, but I thought that it was as the blades weren't serrated.

Regarding the "extortion," I simply do not see how this could happen. If there is an item that I am not allowed to send through in un-checked bags, but am allowed to check through, I have the right to return to the check in counter and do so.

My plan for returning these items to my parents was to leave the secure area and re-enter security. We've done this before when my husband has accidentally forgotten to remove his swiss army knife from his keychain and we've had to check a bag to get the swiss army knife through. I am not sure how this scenario is any different, although I suppose certain individuals have had bad experiences. I suspect these are more rare and sensationalized than the general public.

If you were in San Antonio, I'd check the knives to make sure they didn't have serrated edges. That's it.

However, much to my chagrin, I've found that fellow leads and some supervisors are still too cautious in their interpretation of the TSA regulations. It's not a matter of selective interpretation as some in here suggest; it's a matter of agreeing to an interpretation. Knives with blades of any length are prohibited. Exceptions are made for plastic cutlery and knives that have smooth (non-serrated) edges. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, it appears that there's a concern over the length of the knife even if it's not serrated. Sorry, that's the best answer I can give: I would let it go, but others may not.

Have you considered packing it in your checked luggage? Otherwise, a variation on your strategy would be to have one of you attempt to clear security with the cutlery in carry-on before checking in your luggage. If successful, then check the bag. If not successful, then pack the cutlery in the bag and check it.

And while there certainly have been some bureaucratic boners regarding how fines are levied out, I seriously doubt that you would be fined for having cutlery in your possession. Don't let the parania of others steer you away from common sense.

Please let us know how it turns out.