Airlines, tools, and more...

[Episteme]

A few days ago I posted a thread concerning my trip to Florida for a wedding in a few days and Disney World Spyder-carry. Now, as the trip draws near, I researched on the web what the updated rules are regarding what can and cannot be carried into the passagner cabin of a commerical aircraft. Still, no pocketknives, no matter how small or mundane. However, I did notice that tools less than 7 inches in length are allowed in the carry-on luggage (in the passanger cabin), which includes pliers, wrenches, and SCREWDRIVERS. :eek:
That means that I am forbidden to have my mini-victorinox SAK on my keychain, I am forbidden to carry a Boker-Subcom F, am forbidden to wear even a small Spyderco ladybug in the watch-pocket of my jeans, but I can carry into the passanger cabin screwdrivers, wrenches (perhaps even T-handle Allen-Wrenches), and Pliers.
Furthermore, butterknives with a rounded tip are allowed to be carried, as are blunt-tipped scissors (less than 7 inches).
I'll refrain from going into details about why I find these regulations absurd (I'm sure my point is obvious by now).
On another note: does anyone know what the rules are about carrying on powdered substances in the carry-on and in the checked? I'm a bodybuilder/powerlifter and I take protein and meals every 2-3 hours, and I'm considering having a Zip-lock bag of protein powder with me in my carry-on and larger Zip-lock bags of my different protein powders in my check-luggage for my 4 day stay in Florida. I haven't been able to find any prohibitions regarding powdered supplements (gels and liquids seem to be the worry here).
Any advice would be appreciated.

Best,
Mike

[snuffaluff]

Your best bet is to call the airport and speak w/ someone about the powders. I don't know the answer.

It is a shame what they will let you carry and what they won't. I had a finger nail file taken from me one time. Silly really.

[Bolster]

Regarding scissors, I've done a bit of research and testing on that...and the TSA rule is any sort of scissors (blunt or sharp tip) as long as the pivot-to-tip is 4" or less. I think the 7" rule may come into play with blunts, but I have also heard (direct from TSA employees) that it does not, that you can take genuinely large blunt tip scissors on board. Go figure.

My best guess for the "big scissors but not small knife" rule is that the public would freak if knives were allowed on board, it would be bad PR for TSA/congress/president, what have you.

I have been traveling for several months with a pair of pointed tip 3" blade scissors and have had no trouble.

[David Lowry]

'Tis very absurd. Well next time I'll just make sure I have a nice screwdriver on me in case the crap hits the fan. Now why would anyone need a screwdriver on an airplane but not a knife? Give me a break.

As far as the powder I don't know. Sorry.

[Will V.]

I don't believe there are any restrictions on powders, but I think many LEO's and TSA personnel will consider powders suspicious, especially if they are in a ziplock bag. My advice would be to carry them in the original container, if you must carry them. But you'll likely not run into a problem, either way.

The same goes for prescription and even OTC meds. Original containers are best, especially if you carry any type of restricted prescription meds like pain killers, etc.

[mrappraisit]

This may sound like a strange recomendation but you could FedEx the stuff to yourself at your hotel. Not exactly cheap, but should be hassle free. Good luck with whatever you decide, the rules seem to change daily and it's anyone guess when they will or won't be enforced.