taking EPIRB & VHF on flight

[Paul Beaurain]

Hi

I have been getting mixed advice as to taking an EPIRB and a hand held VHF on an airline flight.
advice so far is:[LIST]
Don't
Do but in hold luggage
You may be able to but contact the airline first (not easy with faceless airlines, on line booking)
All ok, take in hand luggage and display confidently in plastic tray at scanner

Any definative help/advice would be good

ps - I dont take life jacket due to compressed air canister
thanks
Paul

[chewy]

I think you'll be fine in your hold luggage, although I'd remove the aerial.
A lad I know took one as hand luggage and they made him remove the aerial and give it to the pilot so it couldn't "transmit".

[willk]

I've taken a PLB in cabin baggage on a few different airlines - never had a comment/problem. I'd remove the battery/ANT from the VHF and give it a try too.

I wouldn't contact them beforehand, or draw Security's attention to the kit. That just gives some jobsworth a chance to prevaricate. "They're not on the list of Prohibited Items" would be my line...

[Channel Ribs]

You really need to check with the airline, lifejackets and transmitters are ok in terms of CAA specifications but if the guys on security question it and you do not have permission in advance from the airline they may well confiscate any or all.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Channel Ribs

You really need to check with the airline

Security don't work for the airline and the Airline don't check your bags - a minefield if you'll pardon the term...

[martini]

Originally Posted by willk

I've taken a PLB in cabin baggage on a few different airlines

Someone's been watching too much Bear Grylls

[willk]

Originally Posted by martini

Someone's been watching too much Bear Grylls

Innocent of the Charges - don't have a television. I take it as I do a spot of solo hiking in rather quiet places...

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by willk

Security don't work for the airline and the Airline don't check your bags.

Security are there to identify prohibited items, if there is something that they are concerned about they can refer the item to the airline. If this happens without any prior arrangement 99.9% of the time the item will be confiscated.

List of prohibited items:

Dangerous and restricted items: what you cannot take on board an aircraft : Directgov - Travel and transport

[willk]

Don't see the kit on there...

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by willk

Don't see the kit on there...

Correct, which is why the only really sure way is to have something from the airline because the lists are not exhaustive.

Something not being on the list is not a licence to carry it on a flight.

This all refers to hand luggage, by far the easier way is to make the VHF and EPIRB as safe as possible and pack in the hold luggage.