Casey
14 posts
Apr 13, 2014
1:06 PM
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Just a quick question, haven't been on a plane in quite a long time. Can harmonicas be brought onto a domestic US flight in your "carry on" luggage? Flying to West Palm later in the week and wonder if my harps have to be placed in the checked bags. Thanks in advance.
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Old newbie
14 posts
Apr 13, 2014
1:41 PM
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TSA website says it's ok
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Harp Study
34 posts
Apr 13, 2014
1:51 PM
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I fly in the states a lot with harps in my carry on with no problems.
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groyster1
2583 posts
Apr 13, 2014
1:54 PM
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I have done it many times....noone ever asked about them....
Last Edited by groyster1 on Apr 14, 2014 8:32 AM
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hooktool
126 posts
Apr 13, 2014
1:56 PM
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Lay them in their case flat when the suitcase is on its back. If they x-ray them looking at a stack on edge, or end, they may not recognize them. Never a problem laid flat, most screeners have seen just about everything.
John
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SuperBee
1917 posts
Apr 13, 2014
2:09 PM
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I've had to open up and show...but John's advice is good.
Usually they're more bothered by any electronics ... Esp batteries ... I'm carrying. They make me tape the terminals.
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STME58
755 posts
Apr 13, 2014
2:28 PM
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I have been sent to secondary a few times because of harps in my briefcase. It has not been a problem once I take them out and show them what they are.
In China I once explained to the agent what is was by playing it, he passed me on through.
An agent in San Diego told me they can be mistaken on the X-ray for ammunition clips, and recommended I put them in a clear plastic zip-lock outside of my briefcase when going though inspection.
Lately more agents seem to recognize them on the X-ray ans just ask if I am a musician.
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Casey
15 posts
Apr 13, 2014
4:04 PM
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Thanks everybody, I didn't want to have a half dozen harps in my carry on and be told by a TSA agent that I had to get rid of them. Much appreciated.
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Komuso
300 posts
Apr 15, 2014
5:03 AM
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Flying out of Sydney today (back to Tokyo) the harp I had in my hip pack triggered a closer look. Security guy told me I should have pulled it out and put it through separately as at certain angles it can be unclear as to what it is. Reason is they had previously found a harmonica that was actually a penknife, with a small blade hidden in one of the slots.
Didn't get triggered ex-Tokyo to Sydney or any of the domestic screening though so I guess it's dependent on the airport.
Play it safe and make it easy for them to check and you usually won't have a problem though, they are more curious than anything.
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Paul Cohen aka Komuso Tokugawa
HarpNinja - Your harmonica Mojo Dojo
Bringing the Boogie to the Bitstream
Last Edited by Komuso on Apr 15, 2014 5:04 AM
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6SN7
441 posts
Apr 15, 2014
5:19 AM
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Harp sometimes appear to be pistol magazine to the untrained TSA eyes when observing those video screens for hours.
It was a problem for me in the past but I think with experience, the TSA has gotten better. They once asked me to play it to show it was real. Whatever...
There is no restriction to bringing harmonicas on board.
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Buzadero
1184 posts
Apr 15, 2014
5:34 AM
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In all the years I've been hauling harps around the world, I've only had some small episodes, each of which only required some clarification and it was over.
In the USA, the TSA seems to have a bigger issue with demeanor rather than physical items and hardware. They all act with an insecurity level that you have to keep in mind during all interaction, as if this was the first power they ever had in life. If I maintain the mindset that I'm dealing with the lowest level of bureaucrat there is, I never have a problem.
I fly all the time. All sizes of airports. Believe me, I've witnessed plenty of other people having issues, but again this always seems to be the result of their attitude, rather than what they were carrying through security.
Take the harps. Leave the cannoli.
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
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HarveyHarp
582 posts
Apr 15, 2014
10:30 AM
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As an Ex TSA Agent I will certify that all of the above posts are correct. I normally will put one harp in my pocket, and then put it in the little dish that goes through the Xray and that will tip them off that they are also in the bag.
To prove that I am an Ex TSA Agent, view the following video.
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HarveyHarp
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STME58
757 posts
Apr 15, 2014
10:44 AM
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I wonder if you could modify some ammunition clips to make harp cover plates, it would go along with the guitar made from an AK-47. Such a band would guarantee issues with TSA!
Last Edited by STME58 on Apr 15, 2014 10:44 AM
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Buzadero
1185 posts
Apr 15, 2014
10:45 AM
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"I wonder if you could modify some ammunition clips to make harp cover plates, it would go along with the guitar made from an AK-47."
Troublemaker......
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
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atty1chgo
897 posts
Apr 15, 2014
11:07 AM
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I always get stopped for microphones, not so much the harps. A few times the TSA people have commented favorably on the vintage nature of my EV mics. I ALWAYS place my mics and harps in the carry-on, and never in checked baggage.
Last Edited by atty1chgo on Apr 15, 2014 11:08 AM
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STME58
759 posts
Apr 15, 2014
10:27 PM
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Troublemaker......
Hey, I resemble that remark! I seldom follow through ideas like this though. For example, I will be providing a little live music to enhance a passion play tomorrow and I will not play "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life"
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Jehosaphat
728 posts
Apr 15, 2014
11:33 PM
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Take off the two Harp covers ,run the edges through some wet and dry paper..result razor blades.
Reassemble harp..
When on plane undo two cover plate bolts ,swing them out and tighten the other ends bolts... result a lethal weapon.
Or snap off the neck of your legal bottle of duty free spirits....
Meanwhile the old lady in front of you gets pulled over for her knitting needle .
I don't envy them their jobs for sure.
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2chops
233 posts
Apr 16, 2014
9:30 AM
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Good timely thread. I'm flying out to AZ this fall to visit my daughter and go to the Pickin in the Pines bluegrass festival in Flagstaff. Taking at least a half dozen harps as carry on. Even worked up a song for the TSA crew in case they ask me to play them to prove they aren't weapons.
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I'm workin on it. I'm workin on it.
Last Edited by 2chops on Apr 16, 2014 9:30 AM
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STME58
760 posts
Apr 16, 2014
11:43 AM
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Just because you can play it doesn't mean it is not a weapon!
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2chops
234 posts
Apr 16, 2014
3:35 PM
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Good point STME58. I should probably quit referring to my harp as a ten shooter and not talk about how I really kill them when I'm out on the streets.
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I'm workin on it. I'm workin on it.
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