tips on airline travel with hand tools?
norskeboy
| Posted in General Discussion on
My kid has decided to leave this beautiful winter wonderland (as in” wonder why I’m going out this morning it’s minus 8 & blowing??”) for the beaches of Hawaii. He plans on working 3 or 4 mos. so needs to take his hand tools maybe cordless drill & has been using a soft bag as tool box.He has travelled alot but never with his tools. Anyone with any do’s/dont’s, tool case ideas, or experience with airlines & tools? Any info will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Replies
Make sure you leave more than enough time to get through security (even if you're checking them in). I've heard nightmare stories about just trying to get the things on the plane.
Have you considered shipping them?
I travel via air all the time with tools for work. You have to check them, you can't carry on tools (with few exceptions). I use a soft sided bag and pad my electronic equipment such as a multimeter in a towel. Pack the bag tight so the tools can't move around inside the bag. Make sure you have a bag that can be locked. I have never had a problem. I used to use a steel tool box but that becomes a football for baggage handlers and it was smashed. I just got a Veto Propac which holds the individual tools but I haven't traveled with it yet.
Good Luck
Tony
They just relaxed the rules for carryon luggage, in fact I think it goes into effect today. They now allow small scissors and knitting needles in carryon luggage (so watch out for terrorist grannies! ;-) ) and I think they also allow small hand tools less than 7" long or something like that - screwdrivers, pliers, etc. I would imagine drills and such still would need to be checked.
I'm sure information on just what you can and cannot carry on the plane is posted on the websites for the FAA and the major airlines.
Just came back from a work trip to Asia. No question about it, I had to check my tools. I used a soft side bag and wrapped all of my tools in bubble wrap. I simply inserted the tool bag in my suit case along with my cloths. The luggage was a bit heavy. Pay special attention to delicate items, meters etc.
As someone else said, look into shipping your tools as well.
I travel alot with tools, if you need to travel with the tools I'd look into the hard plastic cases made by Hardigg Industries in S. Deerfield, MA or another company called Pelican. The Hardigg case I have is the Storm Chaser it's bullet proof, has wheels and a retractable handle which makes it easy when there are no luggage carts in site. The only other travel tidbit is to avoid flying United if possible, they have an unparalleled ability to loose tools. I'm on the road about 7 months out of 12 and can speak with experience on the subject. And if you can ship tools ahead because cloths are far easier to replace that tools.
I flew with some tools to do some Katrina work in New Orleans. You definitely need to check them. I had a Bosch jigsaw, cordless drill, impact driver, tool belt, hand tools, prybars, bits, etc. and I packed it all in a strong softside bag padded with towels. Watch the weight so you don't have to pay extra. The bubble wrap and hardside cases are good ideas.
Remember you can't lock your luggage so there is some risk with the airlines...
Billy
Edited 12/22/2005 2:36 pm ET by Billy
Remember the 50lb. weight limit! It really might be cheaper and more convent to ship it to himself or his hotel ahead of time.
Fed Ex ground was quite reasonable when I had an engine block shipped.
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Wow, a few short hours & a wealth of experience & information!! I really like this forum! My money is on him shipping a box to himself. Seems to make the most sense & with insurance probably the safest way to go. Oh yeah he is flying United to boot!Thanks to all who took the time to reply. Jah Rules
If your son decides to jump ship for the winter and ship his tools, be sure he gives them plenty of time to get to Hawaii, like the people on the island the mail service seems to be in no big hurry to get anything done on time.
FedEX Ground won't help much to get the package to Hawaii. It's going to have to go air if it's shipped, which is pricey. But it still might be easier than lugging them to the airport.
>> FedEX Ground won't help much to get the package to Hawaii. It's going to have to go air if it's shippedNot true... FedEx Ground does indeed deliver to Hawaii; this page shows shipping rates: http://www.fedex.com/us/rates/ground/alaskahawaii.htmlFor example, 50 pounds via slowest method will cost $89; 50 pounds by 2 day air will be $115.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the 'hazardous materials' part of sending things on aircraft. For instance no 'WD40' or air tool oil, solvents, finishes, etc. It may seem like common sense to not take that type of stuff, but it never dawns on others that it's not allowed. The main reason that I mention it is in reference to the cordless batteries. Check to see if they are permitted, and if they are, what kind of packaging and markings are required. Better to take care of that first, rather than have to go home and remove / repackage the shipment.
Volunteer to renovate first class before the plane lands, I can see it now, Extreme Plane MakeOver ...
Those batteries are the same that are used in cell phones, DVD players, and laptop computers. Only potentially hazerdous if you are charging them!Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
I'm a licensed aircraft mechanic and loose batteries shorting out on other tools,( especially the higher voltage ones ), can cause fires. That's why I said to check with the shipping company. No ignorance or insult intended or implied.