Can I carry on a 20 pound bolt?
Oct 8, 2017, 6:52 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,160
Can I carry on a 20 pound bolt?
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?
Oct 8, 2017, 7:08 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: LAS, ZQN
Programs: UA PP (2MM), BA gold
Posts: 2,198
Better check the hand carry rules (size). I think it is a United issue as is longer than allowed but then again many people have bags past the 22" length.
https://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/tra...eCarry-On.aspx
No issue with weight or the fact it is a bolt.
https://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/tra...eCarry-On.aspx
No issue with weight or the fact it is a bolt.
Oct 8, 2017, 8:08 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: UA Plat, AS MVP, HH Gold, MR Gold
Posts: 1,848
For my own safety, I might prefer that it not be suspended over my head by a couple of pieces of plastic, or under the seat in front of me. I'd stick it in a box and check it. It might be hard on the box, but I doubt even United could damage the contents.
If they did, you could make a viral video, "United Breaks Giant 20 Pound Steel Bolts."
If they did, you could make a viral video, "United Breaks Giant 20 Pound Steel Bolts."
Oct 8, 2017, 8:28 pm
#6
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SJC / DPS
Programs: AS G75K, UA Silver
Posts: 1,757
Personally I would just check it without a box, and have them apply a luggage tag directly to it. I strongly doubt they would let it go flying around in the hold and I suspect it’s also pretty hard to damage.
Oct 8, 2017, 8:28 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LHR (sometimes CLE, SFO, BOS, LAX, SEA)
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 5,893
Probably fine with United but possible TSA issues.
The TSA says (but only under "screwdrivers"?) that
( https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-...orter-7-inches )
And miniature baseball bats (18" long) are forbidden; see e.g. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-.../baseball-bats . (A 2013 proposal to allow mini bats was ultimately rejected.)
A 20-pound bolt is possibly a club-like object.
So, good luck, but have a Plan B / be prepared to check or mail it.
The TSA says (but only under "screwdrivers"?) that
Tools longer than 7 inches (measured from end to end when assembled) are prohibited in carry-on baggage; these items must be packed in your checked baggage.
And miniature baseball bats (18" long) are forbidden; see e.g. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-.../baseball-bats . (A 2013 proposal to allow mini bats was ultimately rejected.)
A 20-pound bolt is possibly a club-like object.
So, good luck, but have a Plan B / be prepared to check or mail it.
Oct 9, 2017, 2:28 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K, MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,222
Oct 9, 2017, 2:59 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
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Posts: 20,061
That being said, as an aisle preferred seat person, there are many backpacks that unfortunately qualify and are wielded by people who don't pay attention to their swing radii.
David
Oct 9, 2017, 6:01 am
#11
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP MM, HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Ti, UA Silver
Posts: 5,036
A few years ago I tried to carry on a small length of steel cable. About 1-1/2" diameter, 5" long, braided steel wire. The TSA screener would not allow it through as it could be used as a club or sap.
Be prepared to check your bolt.
Be prepared to check your bolt.
Oct 9, 2017, 6:23 am
#12
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,966
I hope the TSA doesn't throw a wrench into your nutty plan. I suppose if you can't carry on, you could always bolt back to the counter and check it.
I hope this link to an abridged list of what the TSA allows will help:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-.../whatcanibring
I hope this link to an abridged list of what the TSA allows will help:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-.../whatcanibring
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?
Oct 9, 2017, 7:10 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,160
Thanks all!
i hadn’t considered the “tools over 7 inches” issue (though arguably a bolt is not a tool but something you use a tool with ) and if mini baseball bats won’t fly then I think the chances of a solid steel bolt flying as a carryon are nearly nil.
Though I’m timpted to check it sans box (probably but and bolt as two separate pieces) just to see looks on people’s faces at baggage claim (ala the guy in Australia who checked a single can of beer) based on how late were getting home/not wanting to wit at baggage claim, I think I’m just going to leave it with the relatives for now and get it the next time I’m driving all the way .
i hadn’t considered the “tools over 7 inches” issue (though arguably a bolt is not a tool but something you use a tool with
) and if mini baseball bats won’t fly then I think the chances of a solid steel bolt flying as a carryon are nearly nil.Though I’m timpted to check it sans box (probably but and bolt as two separate pieces) just to see looks on people’s faces at baggage claim (ala the guy in Australia who checked a single can of beer) based on how late were getting home/not wanting to wit at baggage claim, I think I’m just going to leave it with the relatives for now and get it the next time I’m driving all the way .
Oct 9, 2017, 7:23 am
#14
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: BOS
Programs: riding the lifetime status. DL MM / AA MM
Posts: 2,968
the hoe was sitting on the counter in the baggage office in Boston before the belt started with the regular bags. I'm sure it got special attention, and made a few workdays a little less mundane.