Question for the group. Do you place your expensive optics in your checked luggage or take them in your carry on?

Am considering placing them in a locked box and placing in checked luggage.


Thanks,
Ski+3
Whitefish, MT

Carry on, always.

Everything, except the rifle scopes. They stay firmly affixed to the guns.

I would not but others here have gotten static about rifle scopes in their carry on.

Yes pack it in your carry on especially if you're not using hard-sided suitcases for your checked bags.

And it's not a rifle scope; it's a spotting scope or monocular for any clueless agents who do not understand their own regulations. I routinely carry thermal scopes and other high end optics without any problems from TSA. I also have a TSA PreCheck KTN which I highly recommend for everyone - simple to get. Stops the nonsensical hassles going through security.

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http://forums.accuratereloadin...8121043/m/9971065252


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Carry on

Spare rifle scope goes in my rifle case with the rifle. It's just easier.

All other optics, and camera gear go in my carry-on.

Jeremy

Thanks. I'm not concerned about TSA. The scope stays on the rifle in the locked case.
Simply tired of lugging 2 pairs of binos and a spotter across the world.
Will keep them safe in my carry on!

Ski+3
Whitefish, MT

How about night vision scope to Africa though Dubai?

quote:

Originally posted by boarkiller:
How about night vision scope to Africa though Dubai?

There US restrictions on taking night vision out of the country.

And I would not chance carrying one through any country.

The restriction on night vision, ballistic calculating, and other restricted gear is generally only if you intend to export for sale - which is illegal from the US. However, these restrictions do not apply for personal ownership, use and transport. But always a good idea to check first...

But there is absolutely no public dancing while in Dubai; that could get you into real trouble.

TSA tends to classify riflescopes as firearm parts - which means that may very well turn you back..

Why not put them in your rifle case?

From the TSA website - https://www.tsa.gov/travel/sec...fle-scope-scope-only

The reason to carry your optics onboard is some baggage handlers just love to beat the crap out of rifle cases.

Recently I spoke to one of the USMC Reserve shooting Team members at a match in Carthage TX. They remove scopes from rifles for air travel now. Too many issues leaving them on the rifles.

quote:

Originally posted by Opus1:
The restriction on night vision, ballistic calculating, and other restricted gear is generally only if you intend to export for sale - which is illegal from the US. However, these restrictions do not apply for personal ownership, use and transport. But always a good idea to check first...


But there is absolutely no public dancing while in Dubai; that could get you into real trouble.

THis is exactly what is changing with EEN and EIN. There is no personal use exemption. At least not for long.

Binoculars and camera in my carry on

I always carry gps, rangefinder, bino, spotting scope etc in carry on.
This last trip was on Emirates thru Dubai. Fellow traveling with me had similar plus a sat phone and an extra rifle scope that would nit fit into his blaser case. Alway found it weird they give him a case for two rifle barrels but only space for one scope. Anyway, the folks in Dubai on our way to Lusaka had a good bit of struggle with his bag. Held us up 45 minutes. Never foumd out if it was the scope or sat phone, they were looking at them both and required a couple levels of supervisors. We got to oir gate just in time to board

For more years than I can count I always carry my camera, bonocs, and scope and never had a problem. My condern is theft and damage. Around the USAm to Australia 3x and many more times to several countries in Africa it has never raised an eyebrow.
Cal

Carry on binoculars , spotting scopes, range finders, put scopes in with the rifle.

A few years ago I traveled to South Africa to hunt but would be using the PH’s rifles. I was transporting a new rifle scope for the PH, a gift from a friend of mine.

I had the scope in its box in my carryon pack, no problem leaving the US. However, changing flights in Johannesburg was another matter. As I went through security screening, the officer stopped my pack in the Xray machine and kinda blanched. She looked up at me and I knew I was headed into trouble. I quickly and confidently said, “It fits on my camera.”. She looked at my face for a minute, then back at the scope, then the line of passengers stacking up behind me. She shrugged and said, “Go ahead.”.

One skill I picked up in my short military’s career was how to bluff.

Carry on 100%

I have always flown with optics in my carry on without issue.