Bead and Button show-working tools

Jan,

You can pack the tools in your luggage and check them through. The rules have changed, and many pliers, etc. can be carried on board, but honestly, I wouldn't risk it. In fact, if you want to be doubly sure things make it, send your tools and things ahead via FEDEX or UPS International.

Let me know if you will be attending the show, it would be lovely to meet you in person!

------- Barbara

forgot to add - you can purchase task lamps, etc. there. In fact they sell them as part of the registration and as far as I know, you pick them up at the show. You can always inquire - there are lots of international attendees these days.

------- Barbara

Jan, All of your tools and stuff can be checked thru with your lugage, I fly from Tx to Ny all the time, they look thru your stuff, swab for explosives and let it pass, I've even sold stuff during this time to TSA guards who are impressed with wire wrap. But here are a few things to do

1. Airline baggage monkeys have no care for your stuff. Go to Lowes/Chase Pitkin/Home Depot or what ever large hardware store is in your area. Buy a Anvil case toolbox. It's an oversized Aluminim breifcase with 2 locks on it.
2. but to tie down straps to add extra reinforcment to the case. ( mine is almost 50 lb with all the wire/tools and stones in it.
3. call the Airline to ensure you can send it thru ( just to be sure)
4. be there EARLY to check it in, TSA is going to go thru all of it.
5. Have fun and enjoy the show!

Jim

Beadgasms for all

Adding to Jim's good advice -

You are allowed to ask that you be present when the TSA goes through your bag, and then after they have given it the OK, you can lock it, and they will mark it as "cleared" and send it on its' way. (Otherwise if you send it locked, before they've inspected it, they will break the lock -- and probably the case -- and will not reimburse you for your stuff, as tehre are signs telling you to leave things unlocked until they are cleared.)

As far as flying from NZ to the US, I will double check at work where/how you'll need to do that.... If I remember my last int'l flight, we had to collect our luggage and re-clear security at our first stopping point in the US... whichever airline you book through should be able to give you all of the exact info that you'll need..... There are many people that travel with expensive items (tools, guns, scientific equipment, etc.)

If you are still not sure about it.... ship it to yourself at the hotel. If you contact the hotel and alert them that you are sending a package and that you have a reservation on X day, they'll usually sign for it and hold it for you. Even better is to get the name of the manager, talk to him/her and let them know what you are doing, and then snd the package in care of the mgr.

Also, as far as taking something on board to save your sanity.... I tend to take seed bead projects because a.) they take forever b.) they are compact and travel nicely c.) beading needles are no problem, and instead of battling about scissors, I take a infant nail clipper along... they are super sharp, and of absolutely no threat!

Hope this helps!!!

Katie

jim redden wrote: