Anyone take bike locks through airport security?

I'm flying out to NYC and renting a bike for 4 days.  Thought I'd take along an extra 5-foot cable to add to a U-lock.  I don't need to check a bag, but I don't want a problem trying to get through security either.  Anyone have experience with this?

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on September 8, 2011 at 5:49am
I have no experience taking a u-lock through airport security. Here's the latest TSA list of prohibited items. Though not specifically prohibited, I believe they would likely treat it as a potentially dangerous (sporting goods) item, and would require it to be checked. You can probably call the TSA in advance, but I wouldn't trust that the "official determination" given to you on the phone by the TSA would be the same determination made by the TSA agent wearing rubber gloves in the security line.
Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on September 8, 2011 at 6:00am
Oh, and upon re-read, my answer would be the same for a 5-foot braided cable, for the same reasons they won't let you bring nunchucks on an airplane.
Permalink Reply by Len Krietz on September 8, 2011 at 7:01am
From a frequent business traveler who has to bring weird stuff back and forth on planes -- Check the bag and budget the extra 15-30 min to retrieve it.  Saves hassles and won't piss off the people behind you in the TSA line ( with my luck it will be me).
Permalink Reply by Mark on September 8, 2011 at 7:46am
Thanks.  I'll be checking the bag.
Permalink Reply by Moc Artsy on September 8, 2011 at 11:38am
I just flew back from Laguardia a couple weeks ago with a coiled Kryptonite cable I purchased in Brooklyn in my carry-on bag. No problem whatever.
Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on September 8, 2011 at 11:52am
Yeah, Laguardia!

Moc Artsy said:
I just flew back from Laguardia a couple weeks ago with a coiled Kryptonite cable I purchased in Brooklyn in my carry-on bag. No problem whatever.
Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Connor on September 9, 2011 at 3:42am
I travel ORD -> PIT weekly. I've taken my lock 3x, now just leave a second lock in PIT. They may question you and ask to search your bag, but it's allowed.
Permalink Reply by Brandon Bernier on September 9, 2011 at 5:46am

When I traveled ORD -> LGA, I was asked to remove the lock from my bag for inspection by TSA. They let me go on my merry way.

 

However, on the return journey, the LGA TSA clowns said I could either check the lock or abandon it. I had little interest in going back to the ticket counter to check a single U-Lock, so it is in a pile of nail clippers and lighters in NYC. 

 

Your Mileage May Vary, but when in doubt, just check it. 

Permalink Reply by Jim Adgate on September 9, 2011 at 7:29am

It just so happens I ran run into problems with this a few years back. Flew with a Ulock in my carry on luggage out of Chicago a few years back to the Twin Cities.   It was the weekend "anniversary" of 9/11 in 2007 or 2008 if memory serves.  I don't remember if I checked in in Chicago, I don't think so.   No problems in Chicago going through security. 

 

On the return trip (flying out on 9/11) I tried to bring the lock through security at the Twin Cities and I was flagged and questioned.   Seems they thought it looked like a dangerous weapon, even after I explained its (security-related) function.  How's that irony for you?  They did let me go with a warning not to bring it through security again.

 

Given that TSA is all over the map on this, my advice:  check you bag/lock in, even if it costs more.  TSA will be jumpy enough this weekend I'm sure, don't give them any excuses to flag you.

 

Jim

 

 

Permalink Reply by Steven Vance on September 11, 2011 at 7:41am

I had to abandoned a combination pedal/15mm wrench because it was a "tool longer than 7 inches." Did they measure it? No. 

 

Did I pay $25 to check the bag? No. 

I tossed the tool - not a hard decision. 

Permalink Reply by Steven Vance on July 17, 2012 at 10:36am

The TSA website says you can bring a "bike lock". "U-lock" was not found in the search. 

http://apps.tsa.dhs.gov/mytsa/cib_results.aspx?search=bike+lock&...

I'm going to try this tomorrow. 

Permalink Reply by Leah Jone on July 17, 2012 at 10:39am

Yes, I've had to abandon a pedal wrench, but it was at least 10 inches long. Now I don't travel with my main cycling messenger bag and haven't lost anything else.

I would check the bag and avoid the annoyance all together.

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