Going back for 3rd safari, but 1st time with a rangefinder. Is there any problem packing it in my carry-on? Taking a bow with the rifle, and really need more accurate distance estimates. Thanks, Rich.

I suffered through a lengthy session of flack a couple of years ago when trying to carry a rangefinder in my carry-on (on a domestic Canadian flight!) so it now goes into an otherwise-useless corner of my hard gun case.

Avoid problems and pack it in luggage or gun case. Be sure to remove the batteries so that they can't damage the rangefinder.

This is news to me. What's the problem with carrying on a rangefinder?

I usually pack a Pelican 1510 with cutouts for my binos, my SLR & a lens or two, my small video camera, and my rangefinder, and then carry that on. I've never had any issue and have traveled with that case as a carry on to Africa 2x (Namibia & RSA) and last year to New Zealand and Australia, and was planning on packing it the same way for Zambia next month.

I carried mine and Bino's in my carry on bag.

I always take mine with my camera, video camera, and binos in my carry-on. Only one time in the last 10 years have I been asked to turn on the video or let them look thru the range finder to verify operation. That was on a domestic flight to Texas for deer hunt. Coming from Idaho, our agents are well experienced with hunting equipment, and thingsjust seem to go smoothly.

You can carry on stuff 99 out of 100 times with no problems. It is the other 1% and an asshole customs guy who will screw up your travel plans big time. A few safaris does not an expert make. Better to be safe than sorry. I've seen it happen and it's not pretty.

Amen to that! The problem that I encountered was exactly that type, an officious jerk out to save the world. It wasn't even a hunting trip...I had simply purchased a rangefinder while visiting family in another province. By the time they were done with me, both the rangefinder and a couple other hunting-related items had been summarily disallowed and I was forced to mail them to myself. I can only imagine the situation had I been trying to fly with a firearm as well! Don't take any chances...it's too easy for your day to be ruined beyond belief.

I've taken laser rangefinders in carry-on luggage many times.

I got a question once from an X-ray machine operator at the airport.

I'm not sure exactly what he saw, but somehow, he figured something out from looking at the X-ray monitor.

He asked me if I had a laser in my bag!

I said that I had cameras, with auto-focus lenses, and a rangefinder.

He waved me through.

I had a problem once with a TSA guy who wouldn't let me take my dogs electronic collar in carry on. He claimed it was a shocking device and had to be in checked luggage.

I still don't understand. Why do would even a poorly trained TSA person think rangefinders are disallowed in carry on luggage?

Print out the regs. (the day before you flight if not the day of your flight) and bring them with you.

quote:

Originally posted by BuffNut:
I still don't understand. Why do would even a poorly trained TSA person think rangefinders are disallowed in carry on luggage?

For the same reason they search little girls - because they're idiots.

I have always taken rangefinder and binos as carry-ons. Never had any problems

9-volt batteries are a red flag. Take it out of your bag like you would a laptop & you should be fine.

It doesn't matter what is right and what is wrong. Why take the chance of a hassle at all that could be avoided? Just pack your range finder in your luggage. As LionHunter says that 1% person that says "Ah!Hah! What do we have here" can wreck your trip. Don't chance it.

Mark

Granted, I'm fixin' to talk about Alaska Airlines to/from Dallas/Anchorage, but I'm fixin' to head up there in a month and my new Leupold rangefinded is going with me in the carry-on along with cameras, binos and fishing reels. I'd rather take the 1% chance of having to deal with a jerk from TSA, which I've not found yet, than the thief on the baggage line. I subscribe to the theory that the more the merrier, let them dig around all that junk and sort it out. The most I've ever had happen to a carry-on was a second pass through the bag x-ray.

Guns, blades, and fishing rods go in the Tuff-pak. Waders, wading boots and packs go in the other check-in (wife is going also). Legal but pilferable items stay with me, period.

Print/carry the regs and have a safe/enjoyable flight. The window seat, ear plugs, a skelaxin, a vicodin, and two adult beverages help that happen.

Mark-The reason to take a chance on being hasseled is because some range finders are expensive.They are also small and easily concealed once stolen.How many threads on AR have talked about electronics being stolen out of checked luggage. Had a BIG PROBLEM with this in Joberg a year or two back.

All my electronics go in my carry-on bags.