Hi Kevin and List,
I had an experience in 2005 while returning home from Morocco with a 1.6kg
stone in my carry-on bag. That 'stone' later became known as "NWA 3163", a
new and quite large lunar meteorite. The flight from Morocco to New York was
without problems. It wasn't until I switched planes in the US from New York
to Tampa Bay, FL that I had the small problem. While changing terminals in
New York, I had to go through TSA screening again and they did not like the
large 'rock' I had in my carry-on bag. With much discussion, showing of my
credentials, saying it was a meteorite (I hoped at the time), they let me go
to the gate but advised me that it would be up to the captain of the plane
to decide if he would allow this object within my reach, or if I had to
check it in. I met the captain upon boarding, explained what I had in my
carry-on bag, along with my camera and other fragile items. It was lucky
that this particular captain was interested in minerals and understood my
situation. He was kind enough to take my bag and put it in the cockpit with
him instead of making me check it in to be stored below decks and have the
possibility of being stolen or camera gear being damaged.
So the flight went well, my soon-to-known lunar meteorite flew in the
cockpit with the captain, and I, well, was still stuck back in cattle-class!
:-/
It is pretty much up to the discretion of the TSA agents and the flight crew
as to what 'odd' objects they will allow onboard any flight. Good luck!
Best regards,
Greg
====================
Greg Hupe
The Hupe Collection
NaturesVault (eBay)
gmh...@htn.net
www.LunarRock.com
IMCA 3163
====================
Click here for my current eBay auctions:
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZnaturesvault
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kevin Kichinka" <mars...@gmail.com>
To: <meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Saturday, November 14, 2009 12:28 PM
Subject: [meteorite-list] Meteorites in your Carry-On Luggage
I want to bring two iron meteorites, one a Campo of 10 kgs., the other
a Gibeon of 4 kgs., to Costa Rica from Miami on American Airlines. I
would never check them and take a chance they might disappear. I would
carry them on the plane in a small suitcase.
Are these prohibited items? How do dealers flying around the planet to
shows ship their rocks?
Thanks for any and all that have experience with this and respond.
Kevin Kichinka
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