TSA and bike components in a carry on

[NHAero]

Headed to Seattle next week and bringing my saddle and Thomson post to put on a bike waiting for me out there. Will TSA give me a hard time about a bike saddle, alloy post, and my Rixen&Kaul handlebar bag with a mini pump, plastic tire levers, and multi-tool?

[saab2000]

Tools are a no-go. I'd leave this in your checked bag, where tools are permitted.

[htwoopup]

Post is a no go also. As it was explained to me by the TSA person confiscating that and my tiny in the hand 15mm open end wrench said…you could conk someone over the head with it or threaten to which would be a problem.

[RacerJRP]

I have transported saddles, posts, multi-tools, chainrings, etc. in my carry-on numerous times without issue.

[Jaybee]

Originally Posted by htwoopup

Post is a no go also. As it was explained to me by the TSA person confiscating that and my tiny in the hand 15mm open end wrench said…you could conk someone over the head with it or threaten to which would be a problem.

They tried to take my shock pump for that reason. It's 7" long. I guess 12-13" inches with the piston extended.

Ship it or check it.

[AngryScientist]

yea, an alloy seatpost is a pretty good hunk of metal. Asking for a hassle there.

[saab2000]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

yea, an alloy seatpost is a pretty good hunk of metal. Asking for a hassle there.

Exactly correct about the hassle. The OP might make it through but also might not, and if not, the stuff is going into a trash bin.

I’d either check it in or ship it in advance.

[NHAero]

Thanks all! Guess I'm checking my luggage!

[2000m2]

I’d guess the seatpost could be an issue. I was forced to go back and check a pedal wrench not too long ago.

[Alistair]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

yea, an alloy seatpost is a pretty good hunk of metal. Asking for a hassle there.

So is a DSLR camera on a shoulder strap...

The TSA rules are completely inconsistent. Bicycle pumps are allowed. But items that can be used as a bludgeon are banned. I can bludgeon with a pump just as easily as a seat post.

Then you get things like climbing crampons, allowed, except if the TSA agent is scared by it, then it's banned.

Bunch of McDonald's rejects who shouldn't have any legal power of travelers. Le Sigh.

In case anybody else wants to annoy themselves with the stupidity...
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-...ng-and-camping

[Veloo]

Don't forget the tracking device - Apple Airtag, Eufy SmartTrack Link, etc.

[FriarQuade]

Tools are ok if they are under 7" and aren't hammers. However they also say the ultimate decision lies with the TSA agent on site

TSA site

[AngryScientist]

Originally Posted by Alistair

The TSA rules are completely inconsistent.

Correct. I recently had a wine opener confiscated because it had a 3/4" foil cutter attached. I was told if it didnt have the foil cutter it would have been OK. Completely inconsistent with the blade policy.

Best to leave nothing to chance or the money in a uniform's discretion at the checkpoint.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by saab2000

Exactly correct about the hassle. The OP might make it through but also might not, and if not, the stuff is going into a trash bin.

I’d either check it in or ship it in advance.

Or into the TSA person's bag...

[mass_biker]

My experience has been:

- TSA confiscating multi tools
- I would extend this to other tools used to put a bike together (i.e. pedal wrench etc.)
- Obviously no-go on C02 etc.

What I’ve done for travel events is pack bike etc. in a bike bag with tools (including multi tools), full size pump, saddle bag x-C02 etc. This I try to ship ahead (I’ve had the unfortunate experience of boarding a plane for an event, and seeing my bike in a bike bag still on the tarmac as the plane taxis down the runway). I’ve also had the unfortunate experience of having TSA find the multi tool in my saddle bag in my carry on (inadvertently left in there) and dump it in the trash. That was a heartbreaker!

On the carry-on I then bring helmet, shoes, pedals, computer etc.. In a pinch (if the bike gets lost/delayed as above), I can try to rent or borrow a bike and use my preferred shoes/pedals.

TSA has lots of discretion so tread (and pack) carefully!

MB