Gift Items Through Security
Feb 4, 2007 | 8:57 am
#4
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: rural Indiana - IND
Programs: airline agnostic, Hilton Gold, IHG Plat, Jelly of the Month, DL defector, formerly NWA Plat (RIP)
Posts: 964
When I flew home from Vienna last year with some lead crystal, TSA insisted on removing it from the box and verifying the contents when I went through security after customs.
Their explanation was that the lead crystal just shows as a black shape on the X-ray.
Their explanation was that the lead crystal just shows as a black shape on the X-ray.
Feb 4, 2007 | 9:07 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 371
LostInAmerica, thanks for sharing that experience. The good folks at Tiffany included some extra ribbon if needed. Item is also bubble-wrapped, so I am prepared for box to be opened. If something odd happens, it usually happens to me, at the worst possible time.
Feb 4, 2007 | 10:29 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Los Angeles, California
Programs: United LT-GS, AA LT-Plat, Hyatt LT-Globalist, Hilton LT-Diamond, Marriott LT-Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 15,790
If you're prepared for the box to be opened, you're in good shape. I feel sorry for travelers that don't realize that gift-wrapped items will be opened. It's upsetting, but thankfully it won't happen to you!
Feb 4, 2007 | 10:49 am
#7
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DCA / WAS
Programs: DL 2+ million/PM, YX, Marriott Plt, *wood gold, HHonors, CO Plt, UA, AA EXP, WN, AGR
Posts: 9,386
As pointed out, lead crystal will almost assuredly require TSA to open your bag. Then it becomes fair game.
Mrs. GHF ran afoul of the TSA screeners at one airport when carrying Lenox crystal figurines. The screeners insisted they be checked. With some perserverance and the interjection of a supervisor, she was allowed to carry them onboard. The whole incident reminded me of the occasion where a TSA screener told the CEO of my former employer's international operation that he "had to check his laptop or he would not fly that day". At their insistance he did, with predictable results.
Mrs. GHF ran afoul of the TSA screeners at one airport when carrying Lenox crystal figurines. The screeners insisted they be checked. With some perserverance and the interjection of a supervisor, she was allowed to carry them onboard. The whole incident reminded me of the occasion where a TSA screener told the CEO of my former employer's international operation that he "had to check his laptop or he would not fly that day". At their insistance he did, with predictable results.
Feb 4, 2007 | 12:25 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 371
As pointed out, lead crystal will almost assuredly require TSA to open your bag. Then it becomes fair game.
Mrs. GHF ran afoul of the TSA screeners at one airport when carrying Lenox crystal figurines. The screeners insisted they be checked. With some perserverance and the interjection of a supervisor, she was allowed to carry them onboard. The whole incident reminded me of the occasion where a TSA screener told the CEO of my former employer's international operation that he "had to check his laptop or he would not fly that day". At their insistance he did, with predictable results.
Mrs. GHF ran afoul of the TSA screeners at one airport when carrying Lenox crystal figurines. The screeners insisted they be checked. With some perserverance and the interjection of a supervisor, she was allowed to carry them onboard. The whole incident reminded me of the occasion where a TSA screener told the CEO of my former employer's international operation that he "had to check his laptop or he would not fly that day". At their insistance he did, with predictable results.
Feb 4, 2007 | 1:09 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Denver CO
Programs: HHonors Gold, National Emerald Club, no airline affinity status
Posts: 3,801
I have handcarried two large Tiffanys-wrapped/boxed vases in the last year or so. I would never check those items in. I haven't had any problems with TSA and I am sure they vases were leaded chrystal. The vases were carefully wrapped by Tiffanys, boxed with a nice ribbon and put in bag. I would never be able to get the ribbon back on as nice as they ever did so I was glad TSA didn't ask to see the vases.
Feb 4, 2007 | 1:39 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 13,144
I've had metal aircraft models bought from in-flight duty that always have to be plastically unwrapped and contents taken out from the box. Boxes would look beaten up by the time they put everything back together.
Feb 4, 2007 | 5:40 pm
#11
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 18,092
Everytime I take crystal as carry-on it is taken out of the box and inspected after x-ray. No exception.