Bringing cases through the airport?

[Harrowmaster]

Guys, I was wondering if anyone has experience getting a carry case through airport security?

 

Specifically the small skirmish one. I don't have the ability to bring a checked bag on the plane so I'm wondering if I'll be stopped if I put a case in my carry on?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Harrowmaster]

Edit: Mispost Edited November 16, 2017 by Harrowmaster

[Black Cohort]

As long as you can open the case and show what is inside I doubt you will have issues. But I have never travelled through airport security with miniatures.

 

Personally I would rather have it as a carry on, who knows what would happen if it was checked.

[NiceGuyAdi]

If you’re taking metal miniatures you may want to check with the airline. All it takes is an overzealous security worker deeming the pointy bits potential weapons and you’ll likely not see them again.

 

I was travelling with a photographer once who nearly got into hot water when one official insisted that his rubber lens blower was in fact a bomb.

[Harrowmaster]

It's going in the carry on and it's all plastic, only thing is I'm not sure if the case is forbidden by EU regulations.

[Ushtarador]

Transported my army in the carry on multiple times, never a problem ;)

[Xenith]

Should be ok as long as there's no 2inch plus metal blades (old keeper of secrets, covenant, eisenhorn, etc) or hollow lead models (1990s Dreadnoughts).

 

I heard a story about someone that had their ork dread cracked open as it was a hollow object they couldn't X-ray inside...

[NiceGuyAdi]

Most army transporting cases are similar in design to hardened cases used for camera kit like Peli Cases. Crews are forever taking those on flights because they’re largely baggage handler-proof, so it should be fine. Edited November 17, 2017 by NiceGuyAdi

[m_r_parker]

Would have to echo everyone else here - as long as you're only transporting plastic or resin miniatures you should be ok. Just don't bring any hobby tools (i.e. anything sharp), glues or any paints in with your case. Hopefully that's a given, but with what I've seen people try to carry-on with them I wouldn't be overconfident on that.

[Harrowmaster]

Thanks for the answers guys, it's not the models I'm worried about being stopped so much as the actual case itself, I'm just hoping no one sees it as a 'blunt instrument' and decides it's too dangerous.

[Steel Company]

One last piece of advice is make sure your case is well labelled, just encase it gets lost so that it can be returned to you.

 

 

Edit:

 

Also thanks to the post below mine, for making me think of this...

 

Look at getting some documentation pouches, and put in three copies of a packing slip (an itemized list of the contents), with the closest HS code (harmonized sales code) for the items. Doing that really helps get through customs easier.

Edited November 18, 2017 by Steel Company

[D3L]

Things to be aware going transnational, is that certain airports like to crack things open to have a look at cavities

Stansted for one, don't glue your spartan doors shut

I've never found a reliable way of transporting via air, long haul freight or separate air freight only, anything going on a an airliner with passengers is subject to much more scrutiny than those posted via DHL/equivalent or on a boat in a cargo container

I use the unbranded pelican cases, it's not the case or packaging that'll get you to tears, it's the airport authorities

My advice, pack it, insure it, post it. Do not travel with it.

Edited November 18, 2017 by D3L

[thewarriorhunter]

I would also be very polite to any staff that will potentially inspect your bag and stress that you have expensive and delicate 'collectibles' in the case. That's terminology that is neutral and understandable to them. If you say miniatures they may get confused and become suspicious. Most people can understand what a collectible is in a general fashion, even if they don't what they are specifically looking at.

[Xenith]

Aim for a male inspector in their 20s. Tell them it's warhammer.

 

I was bringing a bunch of metal models through in my hand luggage once and said I had metal warhammer in there, his response was "space marines?"

[M@verik115]

I honestly wouldn't risk it. Most times it is alright, but you just need that one official who decides that they possess some kind of threat and go in the christmas bonus bin.