What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Taking tools on the airlines

fltplan

fltplan

Registered Member
Joined
May 31, 2010
Posts
88
Reaction score
0
Location
San Diego, CA
Anyone have any experience taking a bag of tools as checked baggage at the airlines. I'll be flying on Southwest on Friday am to Reno to pick up a blazer and want to take a tool bag with me for the drive to San Diego. I would hate to have to sacrafice anything inside, based on, "it's not allowed". I'm planning on bring just tools, no fluids, anyone know of any problems I could run into? It will be checked and not carry on.
 
I would suggest calling the airlines and talking to them instead of taking anyones advice on here. What is your return path from Reno to San Diego? Reason I ask is because there are a bunch of us guys between Reno and San Diego should you need any help.
 
You can bring tools on Southwest. If you keep the weight under 50 lbs, there is no fees to be paid. I travel everywhere with tools due to being a service engineer and I have no problems. I recommend a toolbox rather then a tool bag. Something that can latch but do not lock it otherwise TSA will just cut the lock off. If you have any more questions about it, let me know.
 
Probably a good idea to just call Southwest. I was looking at taking 395 down. If I cross over to the valley, it's still hot. Either way it's in the 90's. I recall 395 running on the East side of the hills and being a pretty nice drive?

I appreciate the offer if I have any problems. I will have internet access as long as I have cell phone coverage along the route. Hopefully won't need any, but you never know. Holiday weekend, Murphy's Law and all.
 
trikstark5 said:
You can bring tools on Southwest. If you keep the weight under 50 lbs, there is no fees to be paid. I travel everywhere with tools due to being a service engineer and I have no problems. I recommend a toolbox rather then a tool bag. Something that can latch but do not lock it otherwise TSA will just cut the lock off. If you have any more questions about it, let me know.
Click to expand...


Are you talking about a plastic type tool box? I guess something I could latch and put a strap around.
 
Aldo don't know what type of tools your bringing, but anything with a serial number make sure you write it down invade anything walks away.
 
Hmmm, interesting...

It's been a long time since I've had to fly with musical gear... I have no idea what I would be able to fly with nowadays... I agree, probably best to call the airline ahead of time...

And knowing that you've got guys willing to help out, if there's a problem, that know a lot about the truck you're driving back... Priceless...:bow:

I'm nowhere near where you're traveling, but make sure to keep everyone posted during your trip... It's always nice to break away from the everyday bs and ride along for a little bit, even if it's online... And having the ultimate equivalent to triple A to fall back on if needed, is very comforting...

Good luck...
 
As long as you check them, you shouldnt have a problem. Just is treated like a normal bag.

I forgot my Leatherman in my carry on... sucked. They took it. If only I would have remembered to put it in the checked baggage. :mad:
 
Another thought could be bring a extra hundred with yoou stop at X auto part store and buy a set of them.

A few years ago before 2001 I brought a full tool box to NJ when I flew just checked it in no issues at all, it was a hard plastic one.
 
kgblazerfive said:
Another thought could be bring a extra hundred with yoou stop at X auto part store and buy a set of them.

A few years ago before 2001 I brought a full tool box to NJ when I flew just checked it in no issues at all, it was a hard plastic one.
Click to expand...


This is my advise. Goto the local walmart and get a set of Stanley hand tools. Theyre in expensive but decent tools and would make things easier.
 
fltplan said:
Probably a good idea to just call Southwest. I was looking at taking 395 down. If I cross over to the valley, it's still hot. Either way it's in the 90's. I recall 395 running on the East side of the hills and being a pretty nice drive?

I appreciate the offer if I have any problems. I will have internet access as long as I have cell phone coverage along the route. Hopefully won't need any, but you never know. Holiday weekend, Murphy's Law and all.
Click to expand...

I will be in Mammoth (off 395 about 2 hours South of Reno) all week from Friday, July 2nd to Saturday, July 10th. PM me and I can send you my phone number just in case...
395 is a great drive, especially your first few hours. Once you get past Bishop you will be in the hot and dry Owens Valley, but there are towns every 30 - 50 miles or so.
Best of luck and enjoy the drive.
 
Keitha said:
I will be in Mammoth (off 395 about 2 hours South of Reno) all week from Friday, July 2nd to Saturday, July 10th. PM me and I can send you my phone number just in case...
395 is a great drive, especially your first few hours. Once you get past Bishop you will be in the hot and dry Owens Valley, but there are towns every 30 - 50 miles or so.
Best of luck and enjoy the drive.
Click to expand...


PM sent, thanks.
 
I had a very small crescent wrench as a key chain a few years ago. TSA took it away because "I could dismantle the plane". Made me angry because my dad bought that for me when I was about 5 years old and had some sentimental value. Friggin TSA butt holes!
 
I think I just passed you. 5:30ish around Ridgecrest. If it was you the Blaser looks good.
 
K5er4Life said:
I had a very small crescent wrench as a key chain a few years ago. TSA took it away because "I could dismantle the plane". Made me angry because my dad bought that for me when I was about 5 years old and had some sentimental value. Friggin TSA butt holes!
Click to expand...

I am amazed at how utterly incompetent the TSA is. They are a bunch of buffoons with zero judgement.

One can't be trusted with a nail file, but bring any size knitting needles you want.
 
Bought tools, fluids and shop towels at Kragen in Reno, didn't need a thing. Everything worked fine, ran great with no squawks at all. Turned the ac off for the first grade once it warmed up, it did fine, then turned the ac back on the whole way. Thanks again for all the offers from everybody incase something did go wrong.

Keitha, I didn't make it to that restaraunt you reccomended. I grabbed a sandwich in Tahoe and didn't stop to eat again. Topped off on fuel in Bishop just to check mileage. Up to that point I was getting 15mpg. The rest of the trip I go 13 with the desert heat, hills and ac. Made it in 9 hours, 550 miles.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom