Hydrofoil as a carry on for airlines

[BigSky]

Hi:
I've been traveling more with my gear. I'd like to start bringing the mast, fuselage and wings as a carry on. Has anyone done this successfully? This NSI bag http://www.northshoreinc.com/store/pc/v ... tegory=205 looks very low profile and should sit under the seat well. I've traveled a ton with a case that holds 4 fly rods and never had a hassle. I'm curious if anyone has any intel on doing this successfully. Thanks.

[GTC]

I wouldn't try it... Those wings look like big knives!
I doubt the security officers know what a hydrofoil is.

[grtlakes]

I fly for a living recently I had a chat with a guy who was getting off the plane in Charlottetown. He had the happy foil in the LF carry case. Apparently it went through Toronto no problem. The problem as I see it is the total inconsistency of the airport screeners. I have flown through 100s of different airports. The level of scrutiny varies so much it is laughable. Every one of those individuals seems to have their own ideas about what is acceptable and what is not. I'm not sure if it is due to poor training, incompetence, power tripping or a combination of all three.
What I would suggest is give yourself some extra time and try it at the security line. Worse case you head back and check it. I would also suggest you remove any Allen keys or screwdrivers. They seem to have an easier time with commonly recognized objects. Not that I condone it but distraction works too. Throw an old screwdriver in the bin. They will get so excited exercising their authority removing an item that they will give your foil less of a look.
Good luck.

[K-Roy]

I have flown on commercial airline's over 150 times per year for the past then years world wide.
I travel with 3 chainsaws in my luggage amongst other "interesting" stuff.
About up to 6-7 years ago I would of said go for it, you probably be OK. more times then not.
Now its a different story...
You might get away with it, but more likely not.
Then its a hassle and stress.
I have the same dilemma, when flying with my foil, I will have a custom bag made and I will chek it in as a regular bag.

cheers

[Eltreato]

They could totally be used as weapons. I wouldn't risk it. All it takes is one screener who doesn't like the look of them then you're SOL.

[deniska]

I would not risk it..
I once had to give up a pump at JFK (regular plastic kite pump from ozone).
They thought it would present danger!
On another occasion, I spent 15 minutes explaining to them that my ozone bar IS NOT a weapon.
Shit, a week ago, in Cancun, they got so excited when they found a plastic nerf gun in my 4 year old's carry on. They had to call in for back up..
Totally blew my son's plans to hijack the A320

[grtlakes]

I sleep soundly at night knowing those brave men and woman protect me and my crew from the dreaded height challenged nerf gun wielding thugs out there.

[airsurfer]

I travel all the time with Spitfire standard and XLW wings in my carry on without issues. masts are too large for carry on and fuselage could look like a weapon.

[TomW]

My foil is called " Jaws" or " the axe man". So I wouldn't try to carry it on.