|
|
|
|
The Knife in the Carry-On
For most business travelers, the post-Sept. 11 restrictions on carrying
sharp objects onto planes are minor inconveniences. But for those who
work in an industry focused on sharp or dangerous objects, business
trips can be prone to problems without proper planning.
Transportation Security Administration rules do allow scissors with
blades under four inches long in carry-on bags, but they still may not
make it through security. Robert Matt, owner of Robert Matt Salon in
West Hollywood and Palm Springs, Calif., can attest to the randomness of
security checks after an encounter in 2007, when scissors worth several
hundred dollars were seized.
“You really don’t know what you’re going to be up against and what it’s
based on,” Mr. Matt said of the security checkpoints. “You want to
insist on your position, but yet at the same time, it’s just like
talking to any law enforcement. You can aggravate the situation.”
Packing scissors in a checked bag can lead to a different sort of
problem, he said, recalling that he had to borrow scissors for a New
York photo shoot in 2006 when his luggage was delayed.
Brad Masterson, communications manager for the Professional Beauty
Association, an organization in Scottsdale, Ariz., that represents
salons, spas, distributors and manufacturers, said the airplane security
requirements could cause problems for association members who travel
for photo shoots, trade shows, fashion runway events and educational
seminars. “Scissors are really a livelihood tool for hairstylists,” he
said, with even basic shears costing $500. And trips for “makeup artists
are even worse,” he said, “because they have powders and liquids, a
whole kit of styling tools, which would require being checked.”
Greg Soule, a T.S.A. spokesman, said a rule change in December 2005
allowed select scissors in carry-on bags, along with other sharp objects
like screwdrivers. “The decision to allow small scissors was a
risk-based decision,” he said, “that allows us to focus more on
dangerous items as opposed to taking items that are less of a risk.”
Since Sept. 11, he said, cockpit doors have been hardened, the number of
federal air marshals increased and “a more aware flying public” have
combined to make flight takeovers from sharp objects unlikely. Still, he
said, “all knives are still prohibited,” in carry-on bags. “When in
doubt, check it or ship it ahead of time,” he said, adding that the
T.S.A. had a smartphone application with a “ ‘Can I bring it’ function.”
He also recommended using T.S.A.-approved locks for luggage.
Even so, some business travelers have been able to bring knives in
carry-on luggage. Rey Benavidez, a chef, said he traveled between San
Francisco and New York four to six times a month. “Technically, the
knives are not allowed,” Mr. Benavidez said, “but because they are in my
chef knife kit, they know it is part of my profession.” He said it
helped to wear his chef jacket and be friendly with the T.S.A.
employees.
Click here to read more.
|
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|