Larger metal objects in hand luggage

I was traveling quite often by airplane within Europe carrying a larger metal object in my hand luggage, a piece of a slackline set to be more precise (approx. 1 kg, 20 cm in length).

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I had no trouble at all for about 10 to 15 flights in the past year though it was always checked separately. On two recent flights I was once told I could not carry it at all (Germany) (though the policeman was so nice to let it pass "one last time") and once that I should rather put it in the main luggage (Spain), which I usually don't possess as it costs extra on some budget airlines.

I'm wondering if there are exact regulations regarding metal objects in hand luggage (size, weight, shape), especially for European countries, or if it is essentially is up to the security personnel or police to define it as a potential weapon and forbid it. What can I do to "convince" them that it is sport equipment rather than a dangerous metal piece?

Best Answer

I think this is going to vary a lot depending on where you're flying to/from, on which airline, and how recent the latest scare was or new rules were put in place.

For instance I always used to travel with in-line skates and I always brought them on as one of my items of hand luggage because their weight might push my checked luggage over the limit or require a second checked bag thus incurring an extra fee.

But then at some point after 9/11 and all the hullabaloo and new rules I was prevented from bringing my skates on as hand luggage.

The reason? My skates had metal frames and if I removed all the wheels somebody managed to imagine up some way I might be able to use them as a weapon!

inline skate with metal frame
^{Thanks to Wikimedia Commons for the image. Not the same as my skates but just as deadly}

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Can you have metal objects in your carry-on?

Can you bring metal in your carry-on? Yes, metal is allowed in your carry-on luggage. In fact, when you are going through the metal detector at TSA security, you are often asked to remove metal items (such as your belt, shoes with metal, etc.) in order to avoid setting off the metal detector.

Can I take a metal sculpture on a plane?

You may be able to bring small pieces of art as carry-on items. Package the art in a cushioned box or suitcase. Check with the airline before flying to ensure the packaged artwork meets carry-on requirements and that the airplane has the means to stow the art safely.

Is metal allowed in checked luggage?

There are no regulations as such which specifically prohibit such items from being carried on board a flight, but nevertheless it comes with some restrictions. Almost all kind of utensils can be carried in a checked baggage. But, when carrying utensils in a carry-on you must have to ensure that there are no sharp edge.

Is metal allowed in airport?

Batteries spare / loose, including lithium ion cells or batteries, for portable electronic devices must be carried in carry-on baggage only. For lithium metal batteries the lithium metal content must not exceed 2 g and for lithium ion batteries the Watt-hour rating must not exceed 100 Wh.

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Images: John Diez, Ivan Babydov, Andrea Piacquadio, Kenneth Gorzal Surillo