Changes in security @ Airports

[kevin922 0]

In lieu of all of the crap that is going on, we all know that there are going to be huge changes in how you get on an airplane in America. It will probably become more like that in Israel where you HAVE to get to the airport 3 hours ahead of time, and can't just show up 30 minutes before the flight leaves.
With all of this, I fear how it will affect us. I haven't had the opportunity to fly on any commercial jet with my rig, but have talked to many who have stated that it really hasn't been that big of a deal to take a rig on a plane. You guys think this is gonna change? Although no parachutes were involved with these incidents it's something that is going to be looked at i'm sure.

[RemiAndKaren 0]

I can easily imagine a security guy DEMANDING you open your container (both compartments)... leagally, you dont have to , but that means you wont pass security.. makes going to a skydiving holiday kinda hard...
We've been cheching-in our rigs for our last few flights (USA to Europe and in Europe), and knock on wood, havent had any problems (wrapped in plastic bags in a samsonite hard case)... this way thee are less chances of being asked to open them.
PS: I beleive all El Al (or something like that.. the Israel airline) has armed personel on board... perhaps someone with 1st hand knowledge can confirm?
Remi
Muff 914

[kevin922 0]

Humm.. that would suck on repacks.
You've been checking your rig? See that is something I would only do if forced to. My rig is my baby, and she is very expensive. Why would I want to take the chance of:
A) Someone else picking it up @ baggage claim
B) It getting shipped to abudabi
C) It getting damaged from other luggage.
I heard the same thing about Israeli airlines in general, that not only they had armed personel but also plain clothed military.

[weid14 0]

yes plain clothed armed military on the Israel national airline. As far as the rigs are concerned, I don't think it will change much... the hijackers used knife like devices, plus they can do a chemical screen on the container which would show up any residual explosive -- I've had my baggage screened in that manner 4 times in a row.

[kevin922 0]

True.. check out the rig on the Pub "Who's baby is it?" under an xray.. i'm told these new color xrays have certain colors for "organic substances" to help with bomb detection.

[mountainman 0]

Next year, my wife and I are planning on a few trips that will involve taking the rigs on an airliner. If anyone hears/experiences it, please post it here for us to know what to expect.
Thanks!
--------------
Boogie pics coming!!!

[billvon 2,772]

I've flown with my rig perhaps 30 times, and only once did I have to check it. This came from the pilot, who said "nothing that even looks like a parachute is coming into the cabin!" This provoked a lot of yelling since it was the United flight into Quincy, and 90% of the passengers were skydivers with their rigs.
Unfortunately, I suspect this will become the norm in the near future. You won't be able to carry on parachutes, pocket knives, tools, weight vests - anything that looks odd to security people. The FAA will almost certainly overreact to these hijackings, and one way to overreact is to change from having a list of prohibited items to having a list of allowed items - and you can be sure parachutes will not be on the allowed list.
-bill von

[miked10270 0]

Hi there,
Yeah... Bill's got it on one... Despite the fact that the "suicide Squad" which perpetrated these atrocities seemed to be singularly lacking in parachutes it's gonna be "checked baggage" from now on. Best advice would be to seek out a suitable hard case to take your rigs.
Mike D10270.

[dkearns 0]

Well someone is gonna have to talk to the airlines and get them to cover the 5 grand a rig costs instead of the 2 bucks a pound they currently pay for lost luggage.

[billvon 2,772]

>Well someone is gonna have to talk to the airlines and get them to cover the 5
> grand a rig costs instead of the 2 bucks a pound they currently pay for lost
> luggage.
You can buy additional luggage insurance if you choose.


-bill von

[cameramonkey 0]

It was once recommended to me that simply adding a little more insurance to the gear bag has a tendency for them to be more careful with it. It gets tagged special, and that seems to separate it from the rest visually to the handlers so more attention gets paid to it. I guess they figure that since you took the time to insure it, you are REALLY gonna take the time to yell and scream if it doesnt show up. (plus them losing more $$)

[ERICCONNELLY 0]

I would recommend a Pelican case. Expensive and heavy but damn near indestructible. I use one for my SCUBA and camera gear.
I just wish they wern't so damn expensive ($200)

[mountainman 0]

Quote

I would recommend a Pelican case. Expensive and heavy but damn near indestructible. I use one for my SCUBA and camera gear. I just wish they wern't so damn expensive ($200)

This is a good idea also. Those of you who have checked baggage in this manner using a large, hard suitcase.....tell us what you use and how well you like it. Seems like this may be the norm, so Samsonite is going to get rich(er) from skydivers.
What works?? What doesn't?? What will hold two rigs nicely, side-by-side?? --------------
Boogie pics coming!!!

[apoil 0]

I used to use one of the largest ones I could find.
It has a cordura exterior and wheels and a handle for rolling.
When I had a J3 it fit in there quite comfortably, in the gearbag that also contained three jumpsuits your basic packing accessories. I would also put in My helmet bag and a pair of shoes and there was room to spare.
It could have easily fit two small rigs.
Recently I've moved to one of those more compact looking "US POLO" style knockoffs. They are not very expensive here in singapore, but I went out of my way to buy one of the more sturdy ones. It fits the rig & gearbag, with helmet and shoes, but it's a tight fit.
The main problem you'll have with two rigs is that you will exceeed your weight limit. I had that problem when I was going to europe. I asked about the exemption for sports equipment but that doesn't apply if it's packed away (safely) inside luggage.
Probably the best bet, as always, is to be courteous, communicative and prepared.
After booking your ticket, contact the airline well in advance. Tell them you are an active skydiver, give them your license number and credentials. You will be traveling to an event and bringing two parachutes. Ask them to approve what you are doing. Ask them to fax you a letter to that effect. Take names and credentials of everyone you talk to. Verify with their supervisors.
If security gives you problems, politely request to speak to the pilot and explain the situation. Make them aware that you understand their motivations and you are taking steps to identify yourself as a non-threat.
Yes it will be inconvenient, but it can be worked out.

[RemiAndKaren 0]

Quote

If security gives you problems, politely request to speak to the pilot and explain the situation.

be carefull with this one... yes it can help if security is being ackward, but as I understand it, the pilot has final say on what gets or does not get on his plane
So if he/she isnt keen on a rig going on as hand luggage, or even checked in lugguage, his/her word is going to be final...
and I can see every one in the airline industry being extremely conservative and restrictive for the next months/years...
Remi
Muff 914

[billvon 2,772]

>If security gives you problems, politely request to speak to the pilot and
>explain the situation.
This may be counterproductive. The one time I was prohibited from taking my rig onboard was due to the pilot, who stated "Nothing that even _looks_ like a parachute is coming on my plane!"
-bill von

[traveler 0]

Even though this will mean many inconvienences I don't mind I would rather the airlines err on the side of being too cautious then not.