flyingarab 0 #1 June 8, 2004 Ok, with WFFC coming up in August, I plan to take both my rigs on the plane as carry ons. I would like to get some advice about this in regards to prep. before the flight, information to help the airport security move along, and, um, do ya think that having the name Flying Arab stitched on my rigs is going to cause problems? Thanks ahead of timeSincerely, FlyingArab www.flyingarab.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #2 June 8, 2004 First, check the USPA web site for the advice they give. Second, check which airlines allow how much carry-on baggage to your destination. Some are fairly generous and others, not so much. If you're travelling with TWO rigs, you -may- only be able to carry ONE of them on the plane. You -might- have to check one of them depending on how much other stuff you're taking. "Flying Arab" isn't going to help you, but if it hurts you, act calm, do what "they" tell you to do and take names and badge numbers. Racial profiling could be you're last, best "get out of jail card" -- but, don't use it unless you absolutely have to. I'm not saying that you'd do this as a matter of course, but try not to act like an idiot. Try to dress like a "normal" person and not a free spirited skydiver. "They" don't have a sense of humor, so keep the jokes down to a minimum. If the TSA leaves a note in your bag saying they inspected your baggage out of your site -- KEEP IT. It's your only recourse if something is missing or otherwise tampered with.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyingarab 0 #3 June 8, 2004 Thanks bro..by the way, nice site. I just checked it out. Perhaps when I go to Perris we can get some bad ass jumps in.Sincerely, FlyingArab www.flyingarab.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #4 June 8, 2004 Quote"They" don't have a sense of humor, so keep the jokes down to a minimum. *** YUP! So there I was...stuffing my gear bag into the overhead... Parachute Team Logo in huge letters all over it. Little old lady in the seat behind, watching intently asks... "Young man...is that a PARACHUTE?!" Semi sarcastically I answer- "Yes mama...what kind did they give you?" NO sense of humor... as she storms up the isle demanding HER parachute! Opps... should have know better! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thelem 0 #5 June 8, 2004 Advice I'd pick out: * Put the rig in its own rig bag, and do not put anything else in that bag. The last thing you want is to have, say, a jumper in the same bag as your rig, which arouses suspicion and means your rig has to be opened. * If you feel the need to attach your reserve handle to your harness (to prevent problems if airport staff use it as a carrying handle), then do so with using your chest strap. That way you can't forget to undo it before you jump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #6 June 8, 2004 What airport are you leaving from? There are some airports that search the bags that you are checking in right in front of you. You can always put a lock on the bag after they are done with their search.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyingarab 0 #7 June 8, 2004 I will be going out of Houston Intercontinental. I just do not want problems and would love to figure out what I could do to avoid them. However I might not have any at all.Sincerely, FlyingArab www.flyingarab.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #8 June 8, 2004 You could do everything right and still have problems. I travel lots, and most times not a problem in the world. The last time leaving DIA, I was stuck at security for over an hour.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Squeak 17 #9 June 8, 2004 QuoteQuote *** YUP! So there I was...stuffing my gear bag into the overhead... Parachute Team Logo in huge letters all over it. Little old lady in the seat behind, watching intently asks... "Young man...is that a PARACHUTE?!" Semi sarcastically I answer- "Yes mama...what kind did they give you?" Now that's funnyYou are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites WFFC 1 #10 June 8, 2004 Funny thing about flying with my rig over the weekend. Most of the time I don't get much of a second glance when carrying my rig. They swab for explosives and send me on my say. So, this weekend I flew out to Denver and checked my rig for the first time (note: increasing the baggage insurance to the max of $5k - American Airlines - for your bag is only $25) and I got the most scrutiny I've ever gotten from the TSA. No metal, no closing pin, Tevas off, no belt, no nada and I set the thing off. I'll call him 'twinkle toes' gave me the frisk treatment and the wand went off over my pocket. He said he was going to poke a potentially 'sensitive' area, and did, but did not find anything. He asked me to turn my pocket inside out and all I had was lint. Same thing happened on the way back too. I think I'll travel with my rig more often. I don't get hassled as much. ----- ~~~Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites WFFC 1 #11 June 8, 2004 QuoteThe last time leaving DIA, I was stuck at security for over an hour. How many times do I have to tell you the guy was just looking for a date? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyangel2 2 #12 June 8, 2004 QuoteNo metal, no closing pin, Tevas off, no belt, no nada and I set the thing off. It was the Tevas that set it off. Remember, I've traveled with you and those Tevas!May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyangel2 2 #13 June 8, 2004 So you think that's what 'twinkle toes' had in mind with youMay your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Amazon 7 #14 June 8, 2004 I have flown with my rig numerous times this past year.. sometimes It has just gone thru the scanner and they did not give it a second look to other times having to take it out of my carryon.. and scan it again.. swab it for explosives... and even some TSA manual seraching. I have had a copy of the USPA letter.. the airline letter for who I am flying with.. my CYPRES Card what shows what it looks like on X ray.. etc. Having knowledge is a good thing.. just hand the nice TSA people your papaerwork and be nice. Volunteer nothing unless asked.. and dont sweat it. Make sure you have your USPA Card and logbook WITH you.. they may want to see that as well.. and they may (if they follow their rules) check to see if the Riggers seal is in place and look at the packing card. Have fun and good luck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites lifewithoutanet 0 #15 June 8, 2004 I've traveled w/ my rig numerous times already and the most scrutiny I've faced has been from other passengers. I've gotten some interesting looks. The "What? Didn't you get one?" is a fun response when people ask if that really is what they think it is. TSA officials--in all of my experiences--appear to have been well-trained. They'll swab it and probably ask questions. The most popular of which is, "Do you do that...like...jumping off of buildings and stuff?" My advice would be to follow what others have said here. The primary concern is the security of your rigs, so carry them on, but pack the other essentials in checked baggage. After all, suits and other gear are much more easily (and more affordably) replaced. Still, chances of them actually losing anything are relatively slim. As for "Flying Arab" being stitched on your gear...I'd hate to think that that is something that may raise a flag, but I understand what you're saying. Any chance in having someone sew up a sleeve that can cover up the stitching (velcro, maybe?). This is assuming that the stitching is on the shoulders. One other thing...if you get asked anything about your AAD. It is not a "charge", "pyrotechnic", and god-forbid not an "explosive device". You get what I'm saying here. Keep the answer simple. "It cuts a line that deploys my reserve." I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. In any case, safe, uneventful travels. -C. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites dustin19d 0 #16 June 8, 2004 Make sure you bring a pull up chordI carried mine on without a bag flying out of Incheon Int. and they stoped me at a table just before entering the catwalk to the plane. Realizing I had no pull up chord I set it on the table and did nothing. The young lady searched all over for a zipper then pulled gently on the riser covers with a confused look. She asked me to open it so I opened both the main and reserve pin flaps and said its a parachute I cant open it any farther. I don't think she understood because she told me to open it again. I said no, its a parachute, then she let me goSo don't forget a pull up chord. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Nick 0 #17 June 8, 2004 One thing to watch is if you are taking a weight belt with you. When I went to Perris in April I checked my rig (in a hard case) without any problems and hand carried my lead which was searched. One of my friends had her rig and lead in the same bag and she ended up having to pull her reserve. Nick Gravity- It's not just a good idea, it's the LAW! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Conundrum 1 #18 June 8, 2004 Quoteshe ended up having to pull her reserve. What do you do in that situation? If you have to pull your reserve.... I mean, obviously if they insist you open it, you have to, but then what? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites quade 4 #19 June 8, 2004 Quote What do you do in that situation? If you have to pull your reserve.... They have the right to ask you to open all parts of your container -- including the reserve. They -do not- have the right to open it without you being present. If they ask you to open it, you open it.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Conundrum 1 #20 June 8, 2004 QuoteQuote What do you do in that situation? If you have to pull your reserve.... They have the right to ask you to open all parts of your container -- including the reserve. They -do not- have the right to open it without you being present. If they ask you to open it, you open it. No kidding, but are you supposed to re-pack it yourself? What are you supposed to do? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites sabregrl 0 #21 June 8, 2004 I flew to Alaska two years ago for the Summer Solstice boogie. My rig went through x-ray with no problems but the security people wanted to "open" my friends' rig. I guess they thought it was a backpack. She showed him her Cypres card and they let her through. My friend and I walked on board with our rigs on our shoulders. No one mentioned a thing. We transferred planes in Seattle and walked around the terminal. Whether people didn't realize we had a parachute on or not, I'll never know. The only person who said something to us was a pilot who passed us in the terminal after we got to Alaska. His only comment, "Don't you trust our flying?". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites quade 4 #22 June 8, 2004 Quote No kidding, but are you supposed to re-pack it yourself? What are you supposed to do? You shove it back in your gear bag and have a rigger repack the reserve when you get to your destination. Yes, it's going to cost you $50 or so bucks.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyangel2 2 #23 June 8, 2004 QuoteQuoteshe ended up having to pull her reserve. What do you do in that situation? If you have to pull your reserve.... I mean, obviously if they insist you open it, you have to, but then what? On one of my trips from DIA, they wanted to pull the reserve and I told them "No Way." Explaining how the FAA works and the riggers seal. They just stood there with blank looks on their faces. That's when I asked to speak to a supervisor. Once he showed up, I explained it all to him again. Showing him the letter, the cypress card, my USPA card, and log book. He was satisfied and allowed me to continue on my way. Now, if he hadn't been happy with my answers, I think I would have asked to talk to a supervisor over him, and so on till I found someone that would understand why it was so important for them not to open the reserve. I would have been willing to miss my flight, in order to not allow anyone to open my reserve. There is no way I'm traveling with that open, then have to get a rigger on the other end, that I don't know, to repack the reserve for me. I’m very picky about who touches my reserve. Just remember to not be a pain to the screeners. Dress and act in a professional manner.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyingarab 0 #24 June 8, 2004 ok...so I am going to try this..I am getting the list together that I need for the trip 1. My USPA Card 2. My Cypress Card 3. My Log Book Is there anything else? This letter that you are talking about? What letter should I bee getting?Sincerely, FlyingArab www.flyingarab.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites quade 4 #25 June 8, 2004 THIS one.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. 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WFFC 1 #10 June 8, 2004 Funny thing about flying with my rig over the weekend. Most of the time I don't get much of a second glance when carrying my rig. They swab for explosives and send me on my say. So, this weekend I flew out to Denver and checked my rig for the first time (note: increasing the baggage insurance to the max of $5k - American Airlines - for your bag is only $25) and I got the most scrutiny I've ever gotten from the TSA. No metal, no closing pin, Tevas off, no belt, no nada and I set the thing off. I'll call him 'twinkle toes' gave me the frisk treatment and the wand went off over my pocket. He said he was going to poke a potentially 'sensitive' area, and did, but did not find anything. He asked me to turn my pocket inside out and all I had was lint. Same thing happened on the way back too. I think I'll travel with my rig more often. I don't get hassled as much. ----- ~~~Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WFFC 1 #11 June 8, 2004 QuoteThe last time leaving DIA, I was stuck at security for over an hour. How many times do I have to tell you the guy was just looking for a date? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #12 June 8, 2004 QuoteNo metal, no closing pin, Tevas off, no belt, no nada and I set the thing off. It was the Tevas that set it off. Remember, I've traveled with you and those Tevas!May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #13 June 8, 2004 So you think that's what 'twinkle toes' had in mind with youMay your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #14 June 8, 2004 I have flown with my rig numerous times this past year.. sometimes It has just gone thru the scanner and they did not give it a second look to other times having to take it out of my carryon.. and scan it again.. swab it for explosives... and even some TSA manual seraching. I have had a copy of the USPA letter.. the airline letter for who I am flying with.. my CYPRES Card what shows what it looks like on X ray.. etc. Having knowledge is a good thing.. just hand the nice TSA people your papaerwork and be nice. Volunteer nothing unless asked.. and dont sweat it. Make sure you have your USPA Card and logbook WITH you.. they may want to see that as well.. and they may (if they follow their rules) check to see if the Riggers seal is in place and look at the packing card. Have fun and good luck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lifewithoutanet 0 #15 June 8, 2004 I've traveled w/ my rig numerous times already and the most scrutiny I've faced has been from other passengers. I've gotten some interesting looks. The "What? Didn't you get one?" is a fun response when people ask if that really is what they think it is. TSA officials--in all of my experiences--appear to have been well-trained. They'll swab it and probably ask questions. The most popular of which is, "Do you do that...like...jumping off of buildings and stuff?" My advice would be to follow what others have said here. The primary concern is the security of your rigs, so carry them on, but pack the other essentials in checked baggage. After all, suits and other gear are much more easily (and more affordably) replaced. Still, chances of them actually losing anything are relatively slim. As for "Flying Arab" being stitched on your gear...I'd hate to think that that is something that may raise a flag, but I understand what you're saying. Any chance in having someone sew up a sleeve that can cover up the stitching (velcro, maybe?). This is assuming that the stitching is on the shoulders. One other thing...if you get asked anything about your AAD. It is not a "charge", "pyrotechnic", and god-forbid not an "explosive device". You get what I'm saying here. Keep the answer simple. "It cuts a line that deploys my reserve." I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. In any case, safe, uneventful travels. -C. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dustin19d 0 #16 June 8, 2004 Make sure you bring a pull up chordI carried mine on without a bag flying out of Incheon Int. and they stoped me at a table just before entering the catwalk to the plane. Realizing I had no pull up chord I set it on the table and did nothing. The young lady searched all over for a zipper then pulled gently on the riser covers with a confused look. She asked me to open it so I opened both the main and reserve pin flaps and said its a parachute I cant open it any farther. I don't think she understood because she told me to open it again. I said no, its a parachute, then she let me goSo don't forget a pull up chord. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick 0 #17 June 8, 2004 One thing to watch is if you are taking a weight belt with you. When I went to Perris in April I checked my rig (in a hard case) without any problems and hand carried my lead which was searched. One of my friends had her rig and lead in the same bag and she ended up having to pull her reserve. Nick Gravity- It's not just a good idea, it's the LAW! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Conundrum 1 #18 June 8, 2004 Quoteshe ended up having to pull her reserve. What do you do in that situation? If you have to pull your reserve.... I mean, obviously if they insist you open it, you have to, but then what? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #19 June 8, 2004 Quote What do you do in that situation? If you have to pull your reserve.... They have the right to ask you to open all parts of your container -- including the reserve. They -do not- have the right to open it without you being present. If they ask you to open it, you open it.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Conundrum 1 #20 June 8, 2004 QuoteQuote What do you do in that situation? If you have to pull your reserve.... They have the right to ask you to open all parts of your container -- including the reserve. They -do not- have the right to open it without you being present. If they ask you to open it, you open it. No kidding, but are you supposed to re-pack it yourself? What are you supposed to do? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sabregrl 0 #21 June 8, 2004 I flew to Alaska two years ago for the Summer Solstice boogie. My rig went through x-ray with no problems but the security people wanted to "open" my friends' rig. I guess they thought it was a backpack. She showed him her Cypres card and they let her through. My friend and I walked on board with our rigs on our shoulders. No one mentioned a thing. We transferred planes in Seattle and walked around the terminal. Whether people didn't realize we had a parachute on or not, I'll never know. The only person who said something to us was a pilot who passed us in the terminal after we got to Alaska. His only comment, "Don't you trust our flying?". Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #22 June 8, 2004 Quote No kidding, but are you supposed to re-pack it yourself? What are you supposed to do? You shove it back in your gear bag and have a rigger repack the reserve when you get to your destination. Yes, it's going to cost you $50 or so bucks.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #23 June 8, 2004 QuoteQuoteshe ended up having to pull her reserve. What do you do in that situation? If you have to pull your reserve.... I mean, obviously if they insist you open it, you have to, but then what? On one of my trips from DIA, they wanted to pull the reserve and I told them "No Way." Explaining how the FAA works and the riggers seal. They just stood there with blank looks on their faces. That's when I asked to speak to a supervisor. Once he showed up, I explained it all to him again. Showing him the letter, the cypress card, my USPA card, and log book. He was satisfied and allowed me to continue on my way. Now, if he hadn't been happy with my answers, I think I would have asked to talk to a supervisor over him, and so on till I found someone that would understand why it was so important for them not to open the reserve. I would have been willing to miss my flight, in order to not allow anyone to open my reserve. There is no way I'm traveling with that open, then have to get a rigger on the other end, that I don't know, to repack the reserve for me. I’m very picky about who touches my reserve. Just remember to not be a pain to the screeners. Dress and act in a professional manner.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyingarab 0 #24 June 8, 2004 ok...so I am going to try this..I am getting the list together that I need for the trip 1. My USPA Card 2. My Cypress Card 3. My Log Book Is there anything else? This letter that you are talking about? What letter should I bee getting?Sincerely, FlyingArab www.flyingarab.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #25 June 8, 2004 THIS one.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
