[Elecraft] Travel advice

[David Zatopek KT5V]

Fred N. van Kempen writes

>I have been taking "the K" everywhere I go, and never had an
>issue with customs or TSA.  I *do* carry my license (both the
>U.S. and European one), and each bag (both checked and carryon)
>contain a copy of those, with the text:
>
>	ATTN TSA:
>
>	THIS BAG CONTAINS (DELICATE) RADIO EQUIPMENT,
>
>	THE LICENSE FOR WHICH YOU WILL FIND BELOW.
>

Excellent advice.  My KX1 makes a trip each year to France and I've 
never had a question.  KX1 comes with me as carry on in small Pelican 
case within my carry-on bag with a copy of my US licence and the CEPT 
document, along with headphone, paddle, binder posts and some misc. 
items  wire.  Never once have I been questioned, it just sails 
through..  Perhaps they are just happy to get the 2 - 1/2 year old we 
have along with us through the line.

In my checked bag, I usually have a small folding solar panel, 
controller, SLA battery, small tools and additional wire/feedline etc. 
for a doublet.  I group this together in a clear bag with a copy of US 
license, CEPT, and passport page.  This bag has been opened by TSA on 
every trip.  Put the documents on top and use one of those "TSA" locks.  
I think making it easy for the folks at TSA to see that the stuff is not 
hidden  makes their job (and your flight) easier.

The fiberglass push-up I use is a Jackite and it collaspes in its lower 
section.  It is wrapped with airline "baggage" tape and checked.  At DFW 
Terminal D, I'm ususally sent to the TSA window for "oversize" checked 
baggage.  They alway have questions about its purpose, but never a 
problem..  The pole and all the checked bags have US and French 
addresses and tels.  So far nothing has been lost.

At CDG no one has ever asked or batted an eye at any of my radio stuff.

73 de David KT5V