Blast match + airport security = sadness

Posted by: dougwalkabout

Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/24/12 02:35 PM

Sadness: I lost my blast match to airport security on the weekend, and I don't understand why.

It was allowed in my carry-on at a big airport but flagged at a regional airport. They claimed a new protocol has just been issued by CATSA.

Personally, I don't see how a blast match is more dangerous than a Bic lighter (which is allowed in carry-on). Perhaps I'm missing something?

I got it second-hand (unused) for $5, so it's not a big deal. (Except that I didn't get to play with it.)

To be clear, I'm not beating up on the airport security folks, even though I'm grumpy and I think they were wrong. They were very polite and suggested multiple alternatives to giving up the item. (Also, I did that thankless job for a summer 20+ years ago; believe me, some air travellers are total jerks.)

Anyway, heads-up.
Posted by: ViamFec

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/24/12 04:29 PM

Interesting - I've been told on many occasions that firesteels have been passed through TSA naked body scanners, TSA gropings, and questions.

They have been cleared by the public servants at FBI (I know, because I did the work on that).

This is the danger of the power they have given themselves over us - scope creep. Over time they slowly gain more power over what you are "allowed"
Posted by: haertig

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/24/12 09:30 PM

The TSA appears to be headed by <SNIPPED by Blast>

I understand your anger, but this isn't the place for such a rant.
-Blast, hatchet man
Posted by: LED

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/24/12 11:40 PM

Thanks for the heads up. I keep an Exotac firesteel on my keychain. I'll make sure its stays home when I travel. Its absurd that lighters are acceptable but not a blastmatch?

Oh, and if you embarrass easily, don't request the patdown. whistle
Posted by: KenK

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/25/12 01:10 AM

I don't even bring my little Boy Scout Hotspark ferro rod - and especially not its striker. Just not worth raising the issue. For me that stuff is best checked in my luggage to avoid any issues.

It would be nice if we didn't have these issues, but when I travel I want things at security checkpoints to be as simple and uncomplicated as possible.
Posted by: gonewiththewind

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/25/12 01:02 PM

I have carried the Blast match and a Sparkie several times in the last few months and no questions at all, even with a hand search.
Posted by: MDinana

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/25/12 03:43 PM

You can always ask to speak to a supervisor and have them show you the regulations. Even go so far as to have them show you how it's dangerous.

The few times I've dealt w/ TSA they've been relatively professional. Latest 'oops' was when I brought my pocket knife through the screening - I'd been going crazy trying to find it and throw it into my checked bag. Well, they found it for me. Walked me back out in to the ticket counter area so I could mail it to myself. Of course, I had to re-screen, but it wasn't any sort of Gestapo-type of experience.
Posted by: dougwalkabout

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/25/12 04:25 PM

I could have made more of a fuss, or mailed it, but it wasn't worth it for a $5 item. (I also violated my general carry-on rule -- don't pack anything you're not willing to part with.)

The more I think of it, the more it seems like human error. It might be that the separate striker used for other ferro rods is the issue, and they simply misunderstood the directive.

BTW, this happened on the Canadian side of the line (CATSA, not TSA). However, I thought it would be of general interest since our reg's are more-or-less harmonized with the U.S.
Posted by: frediver

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/25/12 07:28 PM

Consider:
Anytime something is confiscated and you are in doubt of the regulation why not just demand a receipt, time, date, etc.
When you get home check the regs, if TSA was Wrong
send a copy of the receipt and demand recourse/reimbursement?
Posted by: Andy

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/25/12 09:12 PM

Many times it's just the way an individual officer inteperets the fules. Just recently I had my ResQMe tool confiscated by a member of the US Capitol Police (USCP). I had carried that on my keychain for five years and been in and out of Senate office buildings and the Capitol dozens of times without a second glance by the USCP folks. This one didn't like it. I didn't have time to search out a post office to mail it back to myself. I did have to do that a few weeks later when I forgot to take my knife out of my pocket. Luckily I had time to find a PO and mail it back.

I'm taking some maesure of revenge on the TSA as I just purchased at a TSA auction a lot of 10 pounds of mini SAKs. Looking for buyers...
Posted by: haertig

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/25/12 09:45 PM

Originally Posted By: Andy
Many times it's just the way an individual officer inteperets the fules.

That reminds me of a time when I had to go into a county courthouse. I secured my carry firearm in my car knowing that they weren't allowed. You had to empty your pockets and take your belt off and put all that through their security screeners to get in.

The security guy grabbed the holster off my belt as it exited the x-ray machine (or whatever it was) and started investigating it with a fine toothed comb. He was turning it over, looking inside, sticking his fingers in there, and all kind of things.

I told him, "It's not in there." He sheepishly handed it back to me.
Posted by: celler

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/26/12 01:32 AM

The TSA continues to <self-censored well-reasoned, but derogatory opinion>. The only notable exception that I have experienced is Salt Lake City where people seem to be trained to read the scanner and polite behavior and respectfulness abound. If you are not traveling out of SLC, then prepare for vague and obscure rules to be interpreted randomly and illogically. I have been hassled like a terrorist for carrying an extra laptop battery, a standard sealed lead acid battery with a cigarette lighter plug attached (Road Pro Accessory), and a Fenix flashlight without any crenelated bezel or ninja attachments. All of which are clearly allowed under the written rules.

The lesson is that if you have any doubt, put it in your checked luggage (yeah, pay the extra $25 for a checked bag)or leave it at home. If you want to risk it, go early and carry a priority mail box addressed to yourself with postage attached.

And forget about any redress after the fact, your item was not "confiscated", you were just not allowed to board the plane with it. Its your choice what you do with it.
Posted by: frediver

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/27/12 03:10 AM

Thing is it should not be up to the individual screener to determine
if an item is acceptable or not. Get the receipt and if they are wrong then you must call them on it, this is the only way to get some consistency in a flawed system. After they are forced to pay out on thousands of $5.00 items that should never have been taken they will
be more likely to properly train the screeners.
Posted by: Mark_M

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/29/12 03:40 AM

I think in this case the TSA agent was overreaching his authority. According to the current prohibited items list, there is no specific listing for ferrocerium rods or other fire starters, a standard cigarette lighter and standard pack of safety matches can be carried aboard.

There are also plenty of inconsistencies among the prohibited items list. I cannot carry a hatchet, knife or kubaton, but I can carry ice skates, 4" pointed metal scissors, and screwdrivers up to 7". Don't even get me started on everyday items that can be formed into improvised weapons.

In general I find the TSA people to appear unfriendly and undereducated/skilled for the task, but nevertheless they have always been efficient and accurate, and I've never been in a position to need to debate their decision. My main beef is the extra time and hassle of going through the security screening often counterbalances the convenience of flying versus other forms of transportation for shorter trips. My other beef is how airlines have capitalized on this by implementing checked luggage fees. I find myself driving much greater distances rather than flying, not just because of the hassle, but I also get to enjoy some of the highlights on the road.

Flying has become such a hassle that I cringe whenever its necessary. My philosophy is to carry everything I need for up to 3-days that is TSA-safe in one small duffel bag I can stuff under my seat and my Scottevest jacket that goes in the overhead, and bring enough Ambien to ensure I am completely out for the entire trip. Any questionable items go into my checked bag if I bring one, or gets shipped to my hotel via USPS Priority Mail a few days in advance and held for me to check-in. You can fit a lot of stuff into a flat-rate USPS Priority Mail box for between $5 and $15 each way, as opposed to the $20+ many airlines now charge for a checked bag. Other advantages are your stuff is insured for full value, delivery tracking is free if you buy the postage on-line, and best of all, no standing around playing carousel roulette hoping your luggage is taking the same trip as you.
Posted by: ireckon

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/29/12 03:41 AM

Based on this statement from TSA, I would expect to lose a Blast Match, ferro rod, or any lighter that looks uncommon:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/sop/index.shtm
Posted by: haertig

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/29/12 03:56 AM

I now find it easier and more relaxing to drive for two days to avoid a two hour flight (which usually turns into a 12-16 hour ordeal by the time you're done with it).

The security headaches. The lost and/or damaged bags. The high prices. The ridiculous fees - do you know they're implementing an additional charge if you want to sit next to your traveling companion now?!

The airlines have killed themselves IMHO. Stupid TSA requirements haven't helped the matter. You still need air travel if you go overseas, but for anything else, I'm just not a customer anymore. Funny thing is, I'm not the slightest bit sad or nostalgic about it either. I pity the poor folks that have to put up with the hassle and travel by air.
Posted by: hikermor

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/29/12 04:28 AM

In the good old days, my rule of thumb was to drive, rather than fly is the distance was 400 miles or less, because the portal to portal time was actually less. Now that distance is greater, because of all the hassle. Flying is definitely not as much fun as it used to be, but sometimes it is the only way. I will be making an annual summer trip to the Black Hills this summer, 1400 miles one way, and I still fly, although the fun is pretty much gone.
Posted by: Phaedrus

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/29/12 05:46 AM

TSA might be a bit friendlier on the SD end. Can't say for sure since I haven't flown since the recent TSA looniness began.
Posted by: hikermor

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/29/12 01:04 PM

Originally Posted By: Phaedrus
TSA might be a bit friendlier on the SD end. Can't say for sure since I haven't flown since the recent TSA looniness began.


You'ver got a point there. I usually fly into SD and I have found TSA to be courteous and helpful, even on an occasion when I left a multitool in my pack and tried to board. It might have been different in Los Angeles....where crowds are much bigger.
Posted by: chaosmagnet

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/29/12 02:05 PM

I don't even consider air travel for anything less than 1000 miles. My daughters are utterly banned from commercial air travel for any reason -- I will not permit them to be subjected to the radiation, pornographic imaging, or groping.
Posted by: gonewiththewind

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/30/12 05:46 PM

With my previous experience in counter terrorism and intelligence, I will tell you that I KNOW (though actual reports are classified) that the security measures in place are a deterrent to many terrorist attempts to attack commercial aircraft. There have been more attempts than have been publicized that have been caught and some groups that turn to other targets because they view commercial air as too difficult.

That said, as with any organization, procedures may be well thought out and planned, but the problem is with the implementation. You are limited by how trainable your people are and their level of professionalism. You also have a tedious job, with a great many of complaining and irate passengers to deal with. I am surprised it works as well as it does. As for some of the methods or technologies, they are in response to specific attempts at attacking aircraft. It is a constant battle with the terrorists to keep ahead of their innovative methods. But if anyone thinks that they are not trying, they are. This is only my word, but the word of someone who until a year ago had complete access to all of that information.

I know it sounds a bit corny, but put yourself in the shoes of someone trying to manage a system which is responsible for maintaining security for such a large and geographically distributed industry, and with the tools that are available with a real and frequent threat. Like I said, I am surprised it works as well as it does.
Posted by: chaosmagnet

Re: Blast match + airport security = sadness - 05/30/12 08:22 PM

I find it difficult to reply to this thread without needing to moderate myself. Let's only be talking about non-controversial, practical things like what to bring, what to check, and what to leave at home.


Thanks,

chaosmagnet