kangee Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Hi all! I'm wondering if there are any restrictions about carrying a model kit, before assembly, in your hand luggage when flying. Does anyone knows? I usually travel home every 3 months and i would like to bring model kits to entertain myself while abroad (ordering them to Angola is not a safe bet). I also don't trust loading and unloading companies that much to let my best items unattended for long. So, has anyone ever traveled with a backpack full of bits and pieces? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtx6970 Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 models probably no problem,,paint , But,,paint , glue and supplies I bet would be an issue getting thru TSA , especially exacto knives Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Relic_Models Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 While I don't have experience I would expect un-opened kits would be fine. Probably stay away from any resin stuff though; funny smells might cause trouble for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelby 427 1965 Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Kits are fine, I went to Germany and took a load of Revell Kits home in my suitcase and hand luggage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace-Garageguy Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 You just never know with the US TSA. They've reportedly confiscated nail clippers, Play Dough and honey. God only knows what kind of terrorist act someone could commit with a model car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobthehobbyguy Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 The kit is no issue but tools, glue , and maybe paint will be an issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxer Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 I'd just check with the airports and air carrier you go through about the things everyone mentioned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 You just never know with the US TSA. They've reportedly confiscated nail clippers, Play Dough and honey. God only knows what kind of terrorist act someone could commit with a model car. Detonate it in front of a model building? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim N Posted March 3, 2015 Share Posted March 3, 2015 The kits will be fine. Anything else should go in a checked suit case. I have travelled this way a number of times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Sikora II Posted March 3, 2015 Share Posted March 3, 2015 It's been a couple years, but I've traveled domestically with unbuilt kits in my carry-on with no problems. Was in Germany about a year and a half ago and brought home a couple 1:43 diecasts and some 1:87 Wiking cars in my carry-on. Again, no problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art Anderson Posted March 3, 2015 Share Posted March 3, 2015 More than once, I've had TSA agents (the ones who scan carry-on items) remark that I must be going to a model car contest as my destination. Built, or unbuilt is no problem. Tools, on the other hand, as a general rule, should be in checked baggage, but I've carried small bottles, even a rattle can or two, in my carryon with no problems. For advice, go to TSA's website--they have very good instructions there--I even called their 800-line once, just to confirm, and was very politely told, no problem. On the other hand--I had to unbolt a trophy last fall, coming back from Boston after Classic Plastic Got waved through as a senior citizen, only to have some fresh-faced agent seriously question what that long steel bar with threaded ends, and hex nuts on it was--a more experienced agent walked over, took a quick glance "That's just a danged trophy, son! If you look closely, it is too tall to fit in this small suitcase fully assembled." End of problem. Art Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chunkypeanutbutter Posted March 3, 2015 Share Posted March 3, 2015 Detonate it in front of a model building? Bring a Palmer kit to Moebius HQ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kangee Posted March 3, 2015 Author Share Posted March 3, 2015 As far as I can understand with your experiences, there is no problem with bringing the kit in the carry-on. As for the rest of the supplies, I can check them without a problem. If they are lost/stolen, it will be a bummer, bu will not be a big loss and I probably can find replacements locally (at a price, of course). Differences in prices from here to back home are 6 to 7 times higher xD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jantrix Posted March 3, 2015 Share Posted March 3, 2015 More than once, I've had TSA agents (the ones who scan carry-on items) remark that I must be going to a model car contest as my destination. Built, or unbuilt is no problem. I'm glad you had a good experience. I've got a local friend who was not so lucky. After the X-Ray, they opened the box, unpacked the built model and then pried the chassis from the body, looking for smuggled cantraband. Of course he tried to explain to them it was a gift for dear-ol-dad and to be careful, but all it did was make them more suspicious. A word to the wise, better to ship it than to hope for an understanding TSA agent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dublin boy Posted March 3, 2015 Share Posted March 3, 2015 (edited) You won't have any problem with kits built or unbuilt within Europe at least, I rarely come home without a kit, you're allowed to carry liquids in hand luggage as long as it's not more than 100 ml, so you can bring paint and glue. It all has to fit in a small clear plastic bag though. I 've brought Tamiya rattle cans twice, first time was no problem, second time it was until I expained I was just at a show, had a bag full of kits, and it was sealed and was proper modeling paint that was expensive, not something from a 2 for a dollar shop. I had to fight my corner that time though. Edited March 3, 2015 by dublin boy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Ambrose Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 I brought several kits back from Canada, and never had a problem with US Customs, or the TSA. One customs agent asked about a couple of Gundam kits I was bringing back for my daughter. She smiled and said, "Lucky kid." Tools and acrylic paints had to ride in my checked baggage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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