Airlines & Collectables

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I got into a spot of trouble the last time I flew out of a small airport. I had a small collection of never used Zippos in my checked bags that I had collected as a kid. I was bringing them home, as they were only collecting dust at mom's.

 

I had already cleared security and was paged to return to the ticket counter, which was obviously outside security. It turns out that you are only allowed 2 lighters, and those must be carry on. The security chief was nice about it and even said that he realized there was no lighter fluid at all in the lighters, but that I would have to submit to extensive security screening as a result. The extra screening was an experience in itself and I always seem to get tagged every time I fly out of that airport.

 

Anyway, I got to thinking about possible problems flying with numerous coins in tow. I certainly would not want to check them into baggage, especially with this airline. And I have been stopped by security before for merely having 10 oz silver bars. So other than telling the screener ahead of time that I'm carrying metal coins, is there anything I can do to reduce the chance of getting "special treatment?"

 

I was told by the chief screener that in the future I should ship my lighters & collectables. Well that would hopefully be $20 down the drain, wouldn't it? So what do dealers do when they are traveling to and from shows? I'm sure not everyone drives in and it's unlikely they ship everything.

 

Any thoughts?

[BillJones]

I carry all coins in a carry-on. If you have a business card, you can flash that to the screener. You may or may not get pulled over.

 

As a passenger you have a right to demand a PRIVATE SEARCH if they demand to open your bags.

 

What really frosts me is when the X-ray person sees that I have coins and announces it to everyone within earshot. Thanks for finguring me for a robbery, you %#^&$#%^&!!!!

 

Never, EVER check coins or valuables. Even you could your suitcase, the locks don't amount to squat. AND just as I suspected would happen now that suitcases cannot be locked, there has been a rash of thefts at several airports reported in the news. The background checks for NTS employees have been less than ..... (be nice) ... optimal.

[Architecht]

The really scary thing about dishonest bag checkers for checked bags is that it shows how little attention is given to who they hire and/or what they're doing on the job.

 

If they can steal and sneak things out... can they sneak things in? If they can sneak things INTO you luggage...

[TomB]

As Bill mentioned, you have a right to a private inspection should you be carrying valuables. Also, you can carry a laminated card with you that requests privacy and non-disclosure of those who inspect you and it cites an FAA regulation for this. I am not home right now, but I believe an issue of The Numismatist from about two years ago detailed this very nicely.

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That has bothered me as well.

 

I once recently had baseball cards in checked baggage and in my carry on. The screener went through each and every card! Why?? At least he didn't open the factory sealed sets, but he looked like he wanted to and did ask if they were factory sealed.

 

But, while on this trip I had gone with mom to a thrift shop for knick nacks and found a great suit coat for $2. Guess what was NOT in my bag? Worse yet, I didn't lock my suitcase & they cut the lock off anyway!!

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As Bill mentioned, you have a right to a private inspection should you be carrying valuables. Also, you can carry a laminated card with you that requests privacy and non-disclosure of those who inspect you and it cites an FAA regulation for this. I am not home right now, but I believe an issue of The Numismatist from about two years ago detailed this very nicely.

 

Please do dig that up when you get the time! That sounds great!!

 

Unfortunately, at this airport I get a private inspection EVERY time whether I want one or not and it takes about 15-20 minutes to get it and another 20-25 to complete it.