Can I carry on a 20 pound bolt?
#16
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
I don't know about carrying it but I've checked in stuff like that in a suitcase or a box and I've never had an issue. If you use a box just make sure the box is substantial and not flimsy (can survive a drop without the bolt tearing out). Usually that kind of stuff triggers TSA to open it up to take a look but then they put it back.
#18
Suspended
Join Date: May 2017
Location: In the Swiss amoeba's head
Programs: Lowest level possible
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#20
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: UA GS, UA 2MM, HH LT Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,803
Strange question, I know and I'm not sure if this is a more of a United question. Or a TSA question:
I'm in the upper peninsula of Michigan to climb the Mackinac Bridge. I've been offered a steel bolt and nit from the bridge Together they weigh just under 20 pounds (and about 2-2.5 feet long and about 4 inches in diameter)
I'm traveling super light -- no checked luggage and based on the weight I don't trust just checking it in a cardboard box and having the box survive the journey.
So odds of being able to get it through security and into a CR2 overhead bis? Or am I better off just leaving it with relatives and pick it up the next time I drove up here?
I'm in the upper peninsula of Michigan to climb the Mackinac Bridge. I've been offered a steel bolt and nit from the bridge Together they weigh just under 20 pounds (and about 2-2.5 feet long and about 4 inches in diameter)
I'm traveling super light -- no checked luggage and based on the weight I don't trust just checking it in a cardboard box and having the box survive the journey.
So odds of being able to get it through security and into a CR2 overhead bis? Or am I better off just leaving it with relatives and pick it up the next time I drove up here?
#21
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,164
Fast forwarding to today, my grandmother won a tour/climb in a charity raffle and knowing that I take after my grandfather in many ways, least of which the interest in engineering, offered it to me and my then-fiancée now wife as a wedding present. It took me no more than 1/2 a second to accept. Our previous attempt was foiled due to weather , today it was glorious
#23
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
Soooo... Long story long: My grandparents were brought together by the bridge. (My grandmother was born and raised in St. Ignace, my (late) grandfather was a civil engineer who moved to St. Ignace in hopes of working on the bridge) -- many years ago my grandfather had the opportunity to climb the bridge and it was a highlight. (The bolt in question was also originally a gift to him)
Fast forwarding to today, my grandmother won a tour/climb in a charity raffle and knowing that I take after my grandfather in many ways, least of which the interest in engineering, offered it to me and my then-fiancée now wife as a wedding present. It took me no more than 1/2 a second to accept. Our previous attempt was foiled due to weather , today it was glorious
Fast forwarding to today, my grandmother won a tour/climb in a charity raffle and knowing that I take after my grandfather in many ways, least of which the interest in engineering, offered it to me and my then-fiancée now wife as a wedding present. It took me no more than 1/2 a second to accept. Our previous attempt was foiled due to weather , today it was glorious
But where is the picture of the bolt!?
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,164
That's exactly the reaction my grandfather (well...and I) would have . So here it is in its current habitat. Postcard for scale (guess the diameter is closer to 2.5")
Quite possibly It seems like I've been spending more time in the CLE club than the office lately. Next time, say Hi (my giveaway is a laptop bag with a combination of a "Remove before flight" streamer and flag pins for the countries I've visited thus far.
Quite possibly It seems like I've been spending more time in the CLE club than the office lately. Next time, say Hi (my giveaway is a laptop bag with a combination of a "Remove before flight" streamer and flag pins for the countries I've visited thus far.
#26
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,164
Yeah, based on the sage/realistic advice upthread we left it for the next (vehicular) trip. In theory I should have been home about 2.5 hours ago, but we misconnected in ORD by <5 minutes so she's asleep and I'm sleepless in the ORD Westin.... Maybe if I had my emotional support bolt, I'd be asleep by now
#28
#29
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 734
You will have no problem bringing the bolt as check-in.
I guarantee you though that TSA will want to open up your bags to look at it.
Carry-on may not work, because you could probably stop any terrorist with the bolt.
I travel with tools and hardware all the time. Samsonite won't cut it. Get a Pelican so that the things don't blow through the sides of your luggage.
I know a Swiss chef who served a resort in the Maldives. He brought a good-sized 20 lb mortar & pestle (think bowling ball) in his carry-on from Thailand to the Maldives. My concern is that such a heavy item is put in the overhead--better not be over my head! But if they don't know, nobody cares as long as it fits.