Tuesday, March 5, 2013

News flash for air-traveling bassoonists (and oboists)

As of April 13, 2013, double reed players flying with their instruments will be allowed to carry on reed knives, according to this new information from the TSA.

Small knives permitted in carry-on luggage must meet all of the following requirements:
Permitted:
Permitted symbol The blade must be no more than 2.36 inches or 6 cm in length – from tip to where it meets the handle or hilt
Permitted symbol The blade must be no more than ½ inch in width
Thumbnail of PowerpointNot Permitted:
Not Permitted symbol Knives with locking or fixed blades
Not Permitted symbol Knives with molded grips
Not Permitted symbol Razors and box cutters


As you can see, any knives carried on must be of the folding variety.  I have never used a folding knife before, but I know they're fairly common.




One thing that hasn't changed is this last word from the TSA:  "The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items through security checkpoints."  So....don't take your favorite knife!


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7 comments:

Tim said...

Great news! Will share w/fellow double-reed players!

B.S. said...

Hi Tim. Now if only we could gain some sort of assurance about carrying on our bassoons!


Betsy

Unknown said...

Fantastic news! Dont know if they will spread to Europe anytime soon, but I hope so. Still, loosing a reed knife hurts.. ;)

B.S. said...

Niels, I hope so too!

Fingers crossed...

Betsy

Alexis S. Rosales García said...

If you're in the market for folding reed knives. I highly recommend victoronix swiss army grafter garden tool. They are VERY sharp, come with a curved end (perfect for channels)and a regular straight blade. They cost about $20 dollars and once they get dull just ship them back to Victoronix and they sharpen them for free for you. If TSA takes the knives, then it's ok because it was only $20! I've been using this knife to make reeds for a couple years and love it!

B.S. said...

Thanks, Alexis! That sounds like a great reeds knife, especially for traveling.

Thanks for your input!
Betsy

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