Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Africa Carrying scopes in carry on baggage

How many of you carry spare scopes in carry on baggage? TSA's regs says it is acceptable, but they also say other things that don't square with individual airlines' requirements.

Next trip, next month will be to South Africa, via United and SAA. Will be taking along two scopes, both in Warne QD mount setups. Any experience to share?

No can do.

Depending on the TSA agent, they will give you time to mail or send it to some one. Or is you elect to try and take it through they will take it.

Best if shipped with your rifle...

I have carried scopes on domestic flights before.

I have brought over at least a dozen scopes in carry on.

I agree it depends upon the TSA agent. Thats a wildcard today without any consistency of what the regulations are. It's also a bad place to have to have a debate. Time wise you better be ready to wait on the opinion of a supervisor that may be across the airport or off site.

The only time there was a momentary hesitation on the part of the TSA for me, I simply said, " It's no different then a telephoto lens for a camera" and the lady said Yes I suppose thats right.

Took 2 via SAA last time over. TSA was more interested in the new Dell Laptop than the scopes.

I took an extra scope in quick detach rings with me in my carry on when I went to Zim in '07. Flew United to Dulles and SAA to Jberg. Perhaps things have changed since then, but I never had a problem with TSA or any airline. I suppose it would depend on how zealous the TSA guys wanted to be when you went through security.

Scopes are just fine in your cary on but don't forget to add it to your 4457

Only if you're bringing it back

I've done it but as JJ said it may depend on which TSA agent you get. After all, some of them won't accept a D.C. drivers license as ID. Government service seems to attract the lowest common denominator and airline counter personnel don't seem to be much better.

Print off the rules and always travel with a set

My wife even highlighted many of these in yellow.....we were lucky......no issues at all

100% true

I suggest you bring it back and DON'T gift it to your PH

There is so much confusion and ambiguity regarding "gun parts" that I always pack my extra scope in the gun case with the rifle. Binos and spotters go in the carry-on.

And.....I always carry copies of the TSA and airline regs with me. That said, it always boils down to the mood of the authority figure at the airport. You can argue for hours if you want to. You might even prevail.

Then guess whose gun case or checked bag WON'T arrive at its destination?

I carried on both my scopes, but of course it was politely pointed out to me that that was not allowed. However the agent was very nice and just suggested I check them next time. Next go round I'll probably just pack with the rifles.

I don't know what the rules are. I have carried a scope with me in carry on through London. To me it is optics and not a gun part. Fortunately no one questioned it.

NO. The TSA maroons consider it part of a firearm and they will have your ass in a wringer. DO NOT do it.

Not sure about other countries or airline rules, but it isn't against TSA rules.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/firearms-and-ammunition
Rifle scopes are not prohibited in carry-on bags and do not need to be in the hard-sided, locked checked bag.

100% true

Thanks for all the replies- Given the craziness and uncertainty surround air travel nowadays, think I'll play it safe- spare scope will go along in the rifle case. An argument with a TSA guy, and a missed flight as a result, just isn't worth the risk.

-Bob F.

Both trips I've made, they were packed in the gun case. No problem, no issues.


maddog