Body Armor - national restrictions

related thread here:

http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/carrying_a_black_body_armor_on_flights

I have travelled in and out of london with body armor without problem albeit, i did not declare it – assuming it was okay.

right on – thanks.

sitrep on other countries?

sorry teru – i am not sure about others

Just went through Dubai from Bangkok to Los Angeles with level IV plates in checked luggage. No problems.

Last year, enroute to Libya from LAX to CDG. Vest/plates/helmet in the cabin… no problems getting through TSA. Flight attendant even popped my vest into the coat locker :)

Paris they had a shit fit, made me put my plates into checked luggage. Said it was too militaire to be in the plane with me. Plates didn’t make it to Tunis, but after two months they were delivered to my house in California.

Took about ten minutes of negotiations in Paris to let me take my helmet on the plane. Coming back from Tunis/Libya through Paris, no problems with helmet.

Just curious Humphrey. why would you argue to keep your helmut with you in the cabin? Risk to be steal?

Yves

Yes, the chances of my armor being stolen/lost in checked baggage was extremely high because they initially wanted me to put it in a clear plastic bag. I wasn’t confident that it would survive past Paris, but even if it did the baggage handlers in Tunisia would have surely stolen the gear.

So having the helmet with me meant that I’d have the most important piece of armor if my other armor didn’t make it (which it didn’t).

I agree with Humphrey about Paris. I heard about a snapper who got a bit of grief there last year. As for Dubai? The last guy I spoke to said they were putting up signs in KBL warning about taking gear through UAE airports.

Anyone who is transiting through Bahrain (Gulf Air does have some cheap flights) might want to be up to speed on the situation there before they go.