Club Obi Wan

Just wondering. Is it a problem to take a bullwhip in carryon luggage for airline travel? I've looked at the TSA guidelines and didn't see whips mentioned there. I'd hate to lose my whip!
-raider 57

Just bring a copy of the agricultural tool excerpt from your state's (or your travelling state/country's) regulations, and if asked about the item just flash the appropriate excerpt.

This is what disturbs me in the guidelines:
"To ensure everyone's security, the screener may determine that an item not on the prohibited items chart is prohibited. In addition, the screener may also determine that an item on the permitted chart is dangerous and therefore may not be brought through the security checkpoint."
Sounds abit dicey to me...............
-raider 57

This topic has been covered before, but it's a good one.

Do not under any circumstances try to bring your whip in your carry-on! Unless you want the risk of having to deal with a real nightmare, and think it's fun to explain what you are into for a couple of hours to an agent who thinks you are a nutter--then miss your flight, then have fun!

The first thing I'd do is call the airline I plan on traveling with. Try to speak to a representative from cargo or shipping. If someone says it's ok to bring it onboard with you, try to get that in writing and have that info faxed to you. Also, if you get the go-ahead, get that person's name and phone number. If you have a problem, a quick call could fix everything. Keep this paperwork at hand on your trip.

Having said that, I think the best bet is placing your whip in your luggage to be checked. Have he whip well packed. The package should have a note on it explaining that it is for "Wild West Shows", for stunt work in movies, or some such info. Also, to be extra safe, have a receipt for the whip with you to prove what it is.

I've traveled with whips (and everything from exotic animals to antique medical equipment) on airlines many times. I've never had a problem, as I've kept the items in my checked bags or had the items packed and shipped exactly as the airline specified.

best,
Gene

Gene’s advice is spot on, and just to reiterate I would highly recommend NOT even trying to take them as carry on, by doing so you risk being detained and very possibly having the whips confiscated. Several airlines do specifically list whips as an item you can not have in carry on, and given the fact that they don’t even want you bringing shampoo, the agricultural tool excerpt isn’t going to fly, pun intended!

BullWhipBorton wrote:Gene’s advice is spot on, and just to reiterate I would highly recommend NOT even trying to take them as carry on, by doing so you risk being detained and very possibly having the whips confiscated. Several airlines do specifically list whips as an item you can not have in carry on, and given the fact that they don’t even want you bringing shampoo, the agricultural tool excerpt isn’t going to fly, pun intended!

I've also used checked luggage for my whip. There is pretty much nothing you can have with you to change the TSA agent's mind if they up and decide there is something dangerous about the whip, so you really want to avoid carry on. (yeah like I can use my 10ft Morgan on a MD80....)

Ironically, there is a GREAT exemption for "photographic equipment", so I regularly carry my carbon fibre monopod with cast metal head on it --- one swing of that and it would take out any terrorist. Much more dangerous than a hockey stick, which is NOT allowed in cabin.

The best thing from my experience is to not carry it with you onto the airplane, or even check it into your luggage. When I traveled through Seattle airport I had to FedEx it to where I was going. It actually beat me to my location. I wouldn't even want to put it into my luggage for fear that it might be taken out and stolen. I've had many friends who arrived at their destination only to find things "missing" from their bags. If you value your whip, then ship it. Don't take the risk!!!