Are Handcuffs Allowed In Carry-on Luggage?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NY
Posts: 36
Are Handcuffs Allowed In Carry-on Luggage?
The last time I looked, handcuffs were not on the prohibited item list. My husband and I have always packed them in our checked baggage and, invariably, that particular piece of luggage always returns with one of those TSA stickers saying that the bag had been searched. However, the handcuffs were never confiscated. We're planning a weekend trip and we'd like to take only carry-on luggage. I'm sure that those handcuffs would be quite visible on the x-ray. Does anyone know if they will be confiscated?
#2
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: near The Liberty Bell
Programs: DL, WN, AA
Posts: 361
Yes, they are allowed in your carryon. An overzelous TSO might question them, but the bottom line is they're ok.
#3
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: RTP
Programs: AA(EXP), BA, Hilton, Starwood
Posts: 1,252
Put a big label on them: For Recreational Use Only, Do Not Take Internally.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: American Airlines AAdvantage, Rapids Reward
Posts: 33,504
No, I don't think you can do that for taking the handcuff go through checkpoint. I think you will get bottom line to placed checked bags. It is much safer for real problems with TSA.
#5
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LHR
Programs: BA Gold, TG Gold, HHonors Diamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 8,665
although I am sure pink fluffy ones are very likely to be permitted. Might be an issue with the more hard core silver metal ones.
#6
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,480
#7
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: not usa
Posts: 195
This month's Axis of Evil products appear to be toothpaste, perfume and shaving-foam, so you should be ok.
#8
Join Date: Feb 2006
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#9
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: YUL
Posts: 2,084
The last time I looked, handcuffs were not on the prohibited item list. My husband and I have always packed them in our checked baggage and, invariably, that particular piece of luggage always returns with one of those TSA stickers saying that the bag had been searched. However, the handcuffs were never confiscated. We're planning a weekend trip and we'd like to take only carry-on luggage. I'm sure that those handcuffs would be quite visible on the x-ray. Does anyone know if they will be confiscated?



#10
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: UA 1K MM, DL MM, AS, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,437
Although handcuffs aren't on the TSA's list, a CBS story from August (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/...n1890143.shtml) says that a collection center in Pennsylvania has 100 sets of handcuffs confiscated from travelers. I wouldn't expect to win an argument with an TSA screener whether they were right or not, so I would check my handcuffs.
#11
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: New York, where else?
Programs: DL DM - I made it, for now.
Posts: 243
I have had handcuffs confiscated pre-9/11. I can't imagine that there is less potential to have them taken away.
#12
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin. AA EXP; WN CP; AS MVP; Starwood Plat; IHG Spire Ambassador
Posts: 7,689
Thread of the day, btw.
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NY
Posts: 36
Thanks for all the info, everyone.
Actually, they're red furry cuffs, LOL!
Judging from most of the replies, I think we'll simply check our luggage just to be on the safe side.
Judging from most of the replies, I think we'll simply check our luggage just to be on the safe side.
#14
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,014
The way things are going, they'll be standard equipment for ALL passengers (to WEAR!) before you can say click, click. Part of your implied consent contract to fly under the TSA Flag.
"Hands behind your back, Cub Scout! Yer Grandma is next. I can see from here she has water on the knee..."
Do ya suppose leg irons are considered to be footwear?
"Hands behind your back, Cub Scout! Yer Grandma is next. I can see from here she has water on the knee..."
Do ya suppose leg irons are considered to be footwear?
#15
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: The Sunshine State
Programs: Deltaworst Peon Level, TSA "Layer 21 Club", NW WP RIP
Posts: 7,154
If you cannot go 48 hours without your cuffs, you obviously have a severe need for this device, which must qualify them as a "medical necessity." TSA rules allow "medically related items" and "Other Exterior Medical Devices" which your cuffs obviously are. However, TSA often demands long detailed explanations of your medical condition before approving medical devices, so be prepared.