smd4

I've got a metal CO2 bb-gun version of that one. I don't think I'd ever admit trying to get on a plane with a handgun.

urbanknight

Should have seen how long they looked at the folding music stand in my trumpet case on the x-ray machine, backing it up, moving it forward, backing it up, moving it forward...

Camilo

The airline might have guidelines, but it's TSA that makes the on-the-spot decisions. And those decisions are not always in line with their own guidelines. It doesn't matter what experiences others have had. I've had tiny knives (key chain size) and small, blunt tip scissors allowed through for years, and then all of a sudden they're confiscated. I've had C02 cartridges packed with my bikes (oversized, different security check) and they've gone through several times, and I thought for sure certain size and quantity were allowed. Then, last time, they were taken out of the tool kit in my bike case. I don't argue. I might say "I thought I read they were allowed", but won't press the point.

My assumption (assumption = WAG) is that it wouldn't be allowed, any more than a large wrench would be allowed. I've always packed my pedal wrench checked baggage for that reason. I don't think there's any 100% way of knowing. I'd mail it or have your friend pack it as checked baggage and pay the fee for him/her.

freeranger

Just disguise it with the family dog, or cat, and they'll be so flabbergasted that they'll never notice the post!
Seriously, I would not think it would be a good idea to try to bring a seatpost in a carry on. (and shouldn't it be called a "saddle post" - have seen several corrected on the site when referring to a "seat".

skidder

When I used to fly on a regular basis I left one of those flat 7-****ion painter's multi-tools in my backpack that I was using as a carry-on. The TSA guy took it out, looked at it, and I said 'its cheap, I'll get a new one when I get back' and he tossed it in the confiscation bin.

DangerousDanR

Mrs. Dan has flown with a set of bagpipes in a carry on bag. They were small pipes, not Great Highlands pipes, but still should have been considered a deadly weapon.

veganbikes

I happen to like bagpipes. Glad they didn't destroy them.

smd4

Ally the Piper on YouTube. You’re welcome.

ralphs

Some might consider them deadly to your ears.
I find it funny that my wife can carry an arsenal of knitting needles on board without a problem.
Also funny that some restaurants (post-security check) have set their tables with metal knives, forks,and spoons.

indyfabz

Exactly. This is like the recent thread about bringing on oversized bike box that an airline’s website says will not be accepted. Maybe someone has been successful, but that doesn’t mean everyone will be.

If the item is more valuable than any checked baggage fee, check it in a bag. Otherwise, accept the risk that it could be confiscated. When I do tours away from home I put my stove in my bike box for shipping. I’d rather not have it subjected to that sort of travel, but I’m not willing to risk loosing a $170 item that I might get away with carrying on or checking.

And to show you how goofy people can be…I had a sealed cup on pineapple confiscated. Why? Because the TSA agent said it was more than 3 Oz. No amount of explaining was going to convince her that 4 Oz. net weight (marked on the container) was not the same as 4 fluid Oz.

veganbikes

She is great! Thanks for sharing for everyone : )!

phughes

Me too.

phughes

SO what P38 are you talking about?

Desert Ryder

In 2006 I was stopped by TSA when they saw something in my carry-on when it went through the x-ray check.

It was a sunroof latch assembly for an 89 Ford Mustang GT. At the time it was a hard to find part and I was taking it from San Diego to Wichita KS.
They had me take it out of the bag. They eyeballed and fondled it all over. Asked questions about why I had it in my carry-on, what's it for, why am I bringing it to Kansas, and what am I using it for.
In the end, they accepted my reasons and I took it with me.

Here's what that scary part look like...

phughes

I was flying home from Vietnam, and my bag got flagged. I am used to that since I carry something rather odd in my carry-on, and it looks weird on the x-ray. That wasn't it though. It ended up being a pen I had. The pen in question had a laser pointer in it. They didn't want me to carry it on the plane. Keep in mind, this conversation involved me speaking English, and them speaking Vietnamese and a wee bit of English, along with some pointing. They directed me back to the check in counter where I could check the pen free of charge, they even gave me a box. When I landed in the states, I retrieve the small box from the baggage claim, and removed my tiny pen, with people looking at me oddly wondering why I checked a pen.

Camilo

It's an incredibly inexpensive, compact and efficient can opener. A true gem of functionality. First used in WW 2 for K-rats and C-rats until sometime in the 80s. Available for a buck or two in any surplus and many camping stores.

.

indyfabz

Called the best thing the Army ever invented. I take a P-51 (the larger version) on my bike tours.

seypat

Well, at least it wasn't a Lightning. That had me really confused.

phughes

Okay, that makes more sense. I have actually had one, just didn't know it by that name.

wolfchild

Way back in 1988 I flew from South Africa to Canada and I carried two folding knives with me plus some other items which are considered a security risk. I went through a security check without any problems at all. Fast forward into 2022, we live in a society where a toothpick or bicycle component is considered a dangerous weapon. Very sad.

Camilo

1988? You're comparing airplane security issues from 1988 to now? I'm sure I carried knives in 1988 too, but that has no bearing on 2022 and it wouldn't cross my mind that it should. We also carried our personal stashes of weed on our person back then because there was no chance of it being discovered, while there would be a slight chance in baggage.

I doubt a toothpick has ever been considered a security risk. You've experienced that? But a seat post? I don't think it's far-fetched or unreasonable to consider an object like a wrench or metal rod could be used to hurt someone. But that's just me. I've had inconsistency from time to time from individual inspectors, but I consider them to be trivial, and while I may disagree, it's generally at least somewhat understandable.

I'm not a person who complains about airplane security. Nothing I've ever personally experienced has seemed to me to be unreasonable and/or difficult for me to accommodate. About a million miles flown since the 80s. Not the most among people I know, but a lot.

Lombard

That sure beats carrion in your seatpost.

indyfabz

He’s simply trolling again.

Yeah. Much different today. Before we left Italy in 2013, the GF and I bought some home goods, including a lite paring knife that looked perfect for cooking during bike tours. She brought everything back to the residence and offered to pack it. I told her the knife needed to go in her checked bag. She forgot and put it in her carryon bag. It got confiscated at security at the Venice airport.

alcjphil

Good point. I simply cannot imagine that an object the size and shape of a seat post would pass muster in a carry on bag given the current security precautions. I wouldn't take the chance if this object is something that would be difficult or expensive to replace

Chuck M 

When I saw my granddaughter off in Tulsa this summer, there were a couple of display cases at the entrance to the security screener with many obvious and some not so obvious things that were confiscated. Some of them were multi-tool items I've seen advertised as being FAA approved for carry on. The decision to confiscate something is not cut and dry, the screener likely can and will pull something.

In the OP's scenario, given the likelihood that a seat post could be seen as something to bonk someone over the head, I don't think I would try to get one through as a carry on if it was something important to me.