TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands TSA and HH VHF

Anyone had problems with getting a handheld VHF through TSA on the way to BVI?

no

We take one every year, never have had a problem.

I have taken so much electronics and never been asked any questions

It goes without saying that you should take all of your electronics in carryon luggange. Also, in San Juan, on the return trip while going through TSA security, place all electronics in the bin, otherwise you will have to wait while they go through your carryon bag.

I think the safe answer is that it shouldn't be a problem. but TSA can do whatever they want apparently. Had a friend travelling through JFK last week and they took his Microsoft Band - for those that aren't aware of what it is, it's pretty much like a fitbit, but with some smart watch capabilities (notifications, calendar reminders..etc). Some how I doubt they are confiscating everyone's Apple Watch... So you never know..

We have taken a radio before though, wasn't an issue.

On return through San Juan though - what a mess at security. So many people had stuff in their bags they shouldn't have that there was a huge delay for anyone that had stuff that was ok, but needed to be checked.. In our case, we had two bags held as one had water (we were travelling with our 6mo old son) and the other had diaper rash cream. Both were ok, but we had to wait about 15-20 minutes because so many people had stuff they were not allowed to take! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Always pays to leave extra time. Funny thing about it was there was this couple that we saw as we entered the line and they were anxious because they were running late - well... they had something in their bag they shouldn't have and delayed themselves even more! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Took two in carry on in June no problem, along with my duct tape. But EIS security confiscated my duct tape on the way home - said I could tape up the pilot...

You're kidding on the duct tape, right?

No, unfortunately I'm not. I thought he was kidding at first...

Rick

Wow...

That's crazy. If you are in a position where you could actually use the duct tape to tie up the captain, then there's clearly other issues.

Note to self on the duct tape. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Shocked.gif" alt="" />

OK and thanks for the replies. It looks like we're good for the handheld VHF in a carry on. Hard to tell these days. I understand corkscrews are OK now too but it seems to be at the whim of the TSA person.Or the size of the corkscrew?

Actually they will allow a corkscrew that doesn't have a knife attached.

With electronics it's best to take them out and place them in a bin. TSA gets less upset that way and it saves time.
G

Try traveling with an E.P.I.R.B or a stick of pepperoni <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
That gets their attention.

..unless you are unfortunate enough to pull the officer who confiscated GW248's duct tape!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

I think he said that was EIS security not TSA. I think they try and take any useful items out of EIS that could remotely be linked to a security issue. Just consider it a small addition to the 40 dollar departure tax. Good quality hot sauce has long been in demand there.
G

George - yes, that was leaving from EIS. Joked with my friends that he must have needed some at home...

Rick

My HH VHF is one of my favorites, really handy for communicating with the dingy party or those on land. Great if you need to use it while moving and the boat's radio is below decks. Never had any problem with TSA. Also have HH GPS, short wave radio for weather (now doing that with wifi).