I just read a thread here about Leatherman's Knifeless Fuse being not OK for airplanes. I believe the lucky owner had to give it up to the TSA agent.

Recently while traveling, I forgot to take out my Spyderco Jester which I normally carry in my valet. Of course I was stopped by TSA people at the checkpoint. Not wanting to give it up I went over to the Checkpoint Mailer stand and mailed it to myself. I received the knife within 3 weeks. It cost around $10.

I don't think they have this service at all the airports, but here is a list:
http://www.checkpointmailers.com/airportlist.php

thanks for the link Redflare.

It sounds like you could just pick up one of the mailers and take it with you incase on your return trip the airport from which you depart have different TSA personnel and snag your stuff there.

Are you able to mail things back to yourself from an airport even if one of these services are not there? I think it was martinfocazio who suggested that prepaid mailers be included in people’s carry-on bags for such situations as the TSA taking away your toys, but would that do any good at an airport without a mailing facility?

I am guessing one can have a prepaid FedEx, a UPS and a DHL envelope while traveling. This will guarantee that at least one service would be available, but this option might be too cumbersome.

From the chckpoint site, it looks like they want it dropped in their boxes specifically:

1. At a CheckPoint Mailers site, pick up one of our 6"x9" plastic pouches.
2. Complete the payment and shipping form attached.
3. Enclose your item and completed form in the pouch and drop it in our box.

I wonder what would happen if you took your knife, put it in an addressed postage paid mailer and dropped it in the TSA surrender box? Legally, it is US mail now? Could they open it? Or does protection of US mail begin when taken by a postal employee?


Be fun to try with a cheap knife.

Beats me. I do know of a gal one time who broke INTO jail to see her boyfriend (go figure). She had a stamped letter addressed to him in her purse that she just handed to him, and she went to her own cell for, among other things, unlawful delivery of the mail. (and no, I was not the one who busted her)...