Flying with spares

[PabloPicasso]

Anyone had difficulty taking engine parts on in carry-on baggage when flying. Have airlines/airport security caused any issues?

 

[capnsensible]

Anyone had difficulty taking engine parts on in carry-on baggage when flying. Have airlines/airport security caused any issues?

Friend of mine arrived in Lanzarotte from Birmingham 2 weeks ago with a new electric fresh water pump. It came under a lot of scrutiny, supervisor called, yadda yadda but allowed through after a bit.

Best question, 'this is a water pump' 'yes' 'where's the water'..........

Another friend bought a water maker over in two bags. I bet he's glad he flew from Gatwick.

 

[Roberto]

Not a "spare" by I flew with a sextant as hand baggage, all the security staff came to see it after the Xrays, with plenty of oooohhhh aaaaahhh

 

[CJ13]

I flew with a windlass as hold baggage- no problems.

 

[colind3782]

I take various spares as hand luggage on just about every trip. If I think it might look dodgy on the X Ray, I take it out and put it in the tray with the fluids etc. Never had a problem.

 

[wallacebob]

Agree: I was advised to put anything I was unsure about in tray. Then it’s clear what it isnt. You can explain what it is. Sharp, pointy things are a no. Bubble wrap helps.

 

[Roberto]

Agree: I was advised to put anything I was unsure about in tray. Then it’s clear what it isnt. You can explain what it is. Sharp, pointy things are a no. Bubble wrap helps.

And spare wrap and spare tape for the spare, as they often ask to unwrap it.

 

[PabloPicasso]

That's all encouraging.

 

[vyv_cox]

And spare wrap and spare tape for the spare, as they often ask to unwrap it.

Yes indeed. I took a new plotter as hand luggage, well wrapped in Karrimat and bubble wrap. After much interrogation I had to remove it from the packaging, passing it through the X-ray, then re- pack it. This was Manchester. In Athens nobody questioned it, still wrapped.

 

[wonkywinch]

Most airlines/aviation authorities have their own rules. For British Airways, info can be found here ..

https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/baggage-essentials/liquids-and-restrictions

Other UK airlines follow broadly similar rules as they are governed by the CAA ..

What items can I travel with | Civil Aviation Authority

There are specific rules for the gas cylinders in lifejackets under "Gas cartridges in various sporting items" where it says:

Self-inflating safety devices​

British Airways give automatic 'operator approval' for each passenger to carry two self-inflating safety devices such as a life jacket or vest, or a motorcycle jacket, or an equestrian jacket subject to the following conditions:

• Limited to compressed gas (IATA Division 2.2 non-flammable, non-toxic gas) for inflation purposes.
• You can only take two self-inflating devices per person containing up to two small cartridges per device.
• You are permitted up to two small spare cartridges packed with the device.
• You must pack it in a way that ensures it cannot be accidentally activated.
• This item should travel in your checked baggage as some airports do not allow them in the cabin.
• For your convenience you must pack a copy of this page with the device to identify that you have our ‘operator approval’ to carry the self-inflating safety device.
• You do NOT need to contact the airline or inform staff at the airport that you are carrying these items.

Please note: Additional restrictions apply if you're travelling from the US. Even if an item is permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.

 

[boomerangben]

“Spare Parts” are included in IATA dangerous goods regulations as potential concealed dangerous goods so security staff will be suspicious of spare parts. Best check with airline. Oil and fuel filters might cause problems for instance because they might have previously had oil/fuel in them (you and I know that, but security won’t necessarily have the knowledge) besides they might have been used as a means for smuggling contraband in the past…. As previously stated, check with the airline

 

[Slowboat35]

I'd be wary of carrying items that could be considered "blunt instruments" which could be used as weapons or to damage the aircraft - and I'd imagine a winch or winch handle would certainly fall into that category, as would, say, a conrod or crankshaft.

 

[mattonthesea]

Flew easyJet Bristol to Copenhagen this year with a dinghy (sports equipment) in what we found is called an Xmas tree bag. Plus a fair few wires, fuses, fuse holders and other bits and bobs for lithium rewiring.
No questions at all.

 

[Sandydog2]

I had my backpack and liquid bag taken off the belt for further inspection. The backpack contained a vhf microphone, soldering iron, a relay box for the windlass and a crimping tool so I wasn't surprised. The liquid bag had a £1 pack of 2 part epoxy glue. They made a big fuss about the glue, claiming I might try to glue people to their seats with it. I pointed out I would have to keep mixing batches and asking people to stand whilst I applied it. They confiscated the glue anyway but completely forgot to open the backpack, just handed me it back. It was worth the £1.

 

[geem]

I flew with a windlass as hold baggage- no problems.

My windlass weighs 55kg

 

[The Q]

Used to go through Heathrow or Gatwick with electronic equipment in metal box..
Never had a problem...

Might be to do with the letter I carried, which had a Whitehall telephone number...