Topic: Freaking TSA removed my BMW shocks from my luggage

[azuredesign]

Got to France with a pair of shocks for my bike here, and found the shocks had been confiscated. Nitrogen is an inert gas and inflammable, isn't it? Why were they removed? I've written to the Transportation Safety Administration asking why they were removed, and if it is possible to have them returned, at least to my U.S. address. I'm not holding my breath though. I'm pretty frustrated and pissed.

[brandEn]

Thats crazy! Aircraft tires and accumulaters are serviced with nitrogen. You sure it was the TSA and not a baggage handler?

[azuredesign]

Well, I received a notice of baggage inspection with a number and date written on it. I'm going to call the TSA at the airport I left from when they open at 8. Not only that but I had to get the full body scan too.
@#$%^

[brandEn]

That sucks! Seems like if they take something they have to report it or tell you. If its not documented on that slip it sounds like someone decided to swipe them from ya. I wish you the best of luck.

[azuredesign]

Thanks, but if it was swiped, why didn't they take the two rotors, set of front and back brake pads and all the tune up parts and filters that were also in the bag? For that matter they could have taken my toilet bag and the box of non latex latex gloves, and the BMW tank bag I had in there as well.
I'm fairly sure they took the shocks for some misbegotten and misguided reason. Another 45 minutes and I'll call. If I find out anything that might be helpful to other folks here in the future, I'll post again.

[JLeather]

It's probably a pressure-vessel issue.  They're afraid that with the change in altitude they might explode.  Not saying it's a valid concern or not, but that's likely why they kept them.

[medic09]

The TSA folks often seem to not have a clue.  I've had trauma shears confiscated, after the same pair crossed the oceans probably a dozen or more times on commercial flights in my backpack.  Blunt-nosed scissors, wrapped with other medical gear.  There is no room for flexibility or individual responsibility in their work.  So, if the shocks have a gas or liquid in them and it isn't on their approved list; or there is too much of it - you're outa luck.

[SD750F]

Here is the list directly from the TSA:

Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous Items                          Carry-on    Checked
Chlorine for Pools and Spas                                                       No                No

Small compressed gas cartridges                                               Yes              Yes
(Up to 2 in life vests and 2 spares. The spares must accompany the life vests and presented as one unit)    

Fire extinguishers and other compressed gas cylinders        No               No

Liquid Bleach                                                                             No               No

Spillable Batteries - except those in wheelchairs                            No              No

Spray Paint                                                                                No              No

Tear Gas - Self Defense Sprays containing more than 2% by mass  No              No

Vehicle Airbags                                                                           No             No
NOTE: There are other hazardous materials that are regulated by the FAA. This information is summarized at www.faa.gov.

The FAA states that you can not carry-on or pack for check-in Pressure Containers such as Spray cans, Butane fuel, scuba tanks, propane tanks, CO2 cartridges, self-inflating rafts...

I don't think you will win this one...

[azuredesign]

Thanks for the info.  I don't believe Nitrogen gas will explode under pressure. It is not flammable,and I don't believe it is corrosive. I can see that someone who needs to scan a pantload of luggage quickly would make the same decision based on this information now, but it was a surprise to me when I found the shocks gone this morning, amazing at how mundane something can appear and still be bomb material!

I received the informative and nice letter in response to my telephone call to the TSA from the TSA agent below.

I have sent a message to Air France, and will request tomorrow at my destination airport that the shocks be sent to me here, or that they be returned to me in Boston. We'll see if anything good comes of this.

Ben,

I tried to call the number you left and it does not work for me.  I
called the airport and it was flagged as hazmat.  The airline (Air
France) did come to the bag room and sign for the shock.  The TSA then
sent your bag on its way.  Each airline deals differently with how they
handle their hazmat so I would recommend calling Air France in Boston.
The only number I have for them is 800-235-6426.  That is the main
number for Logan International Airport and they can transfer you to
them.  Thank you very much.

Eric Cortez
Lost and Found Coordinator
Department of Homeland Security
Transportation Security Administration
2 Service Road, Third Floor
East Boston, MA 02128-2002

[BlindJoe]

A chemical explosion, no, but one due to an extreme pressure differential, perhaps.  

[TwoTired]

How could they tell the difference between a shock absorber and pipe bomb disguised as a shock absorber?

You want them to take it apart?

[singedebile]

A chemical explosion, no, but one due to an extreme pressure differential, perhaps.  

...i doubt these shocks are only ever mailed by boat

[BlindJoe]

True, but I didn't write the policy, I was only trying to clarify to azure what JLeather meant by explosion. 

[medic09]

A chemical explosion, no, but one due to an extreme pressure differential, perhaps.  

...i doubt these shocks are only ever mailed by boat

Yes, but there are then security protocols in place to clear the shipment.

[Duke McDukiedook]

How could they tell the difference between a shock absorber and pipe bomb disguised as a shock absorber?

You want them to take it apart?

I assume the goofy TSA has X-ray scanners in the 21st century?

[Spanner 1]

With respect azure, it's up to air travellers to know ( easily researched ) what you can and cannot carry on a flight these days....... if I was on that flight I would be glad your shocks were taken away. It's not like the 'old days' and never will be again.... dress light, pack light and enjoy no problems IMO. Air travel is not an opportunity to get stuff from one place to another  Have you ever seen the sh1t people try to take on flights since extra security was introduced ?... it's scary as hell

[azuredesign]

With respect azure, it's up to air travellers to know ( easily researched ) what you can and cannot carry on a flight these days....... if I was on that flight I would be glad your shocks were taken away. It's not like the 'old days' and never will be again.... dress light, pack light and enjoy no problems IMO. Air travel is not an opportunity to get stuff from one place to another   Have you ever seen the sh1t people try to take on flights since extra security was introduced ?... it's scary as hell

I'm an old fart Spanner, and I should have known better. I guess my point is that I've been taking motorcycle parts back and forth regularly for the past 3 or 4 years, up until now without a problem. The restrictions for what you can transport have increased, perhaps even since my last trip in September, and I got caught out. Aside from venting, I wanted to let other folks who might try and do the same thing, like Sam Green next month, that one does have to be careful to avoid having expensive bits confiscated.

BTW, I was in line in Paris years ago, I can't remember if it was Orly or Roissy, and in the Air Afrique line next to me was a fellow pushing a medium displacement dual purpose bike towards the gate. A few folks ahead of him was a guy with a crate of live chickens on his head. I'd never seen anything remotely close, and the mental photo is still clear to me.

[Spanner 1]

I admit I'd be pissed-off too..... prolly a few $ worth I'm sure. I guess it's luck of the draw nowadays.....
BTW... whats ' knupping '

[TwoTired]

How could they tell the difference between a shock absorber and pipe bomb disguised as a shock absorber?

You want them to take it apart?

I assume the goofy TSA has X-ray scanners in the 21st century?

You think the xray tech can differentiate the internal composition of a shock absorber to determine if it was nitrogen, oil, or some sort of explosive compound or oxidizer/accelerant? 

For a moment lets assume half the "shock" was filled with oxygen, and half was filled with hydrogen, with what looked like a piston separating the two.  If the "piston" was corrupted.  Do you know what would happen when the two gasses were suddenly combined?

Xray scanners are sensitive to the density of the material, not its chemical composition.

 Is anything ever 100% safe?

[azuredesign]

I admit I'd be pissed-off too..... prolly a few $ worth I'm sure. I guess it's luck of the draw nowadays.....
BTW... whats ' knupping '

It was a joke at one of the shops I worked at when I was a kid. "What's wrong with the 305 over there?"
"Oh, must be a busted knupping pin, or maybe a bent johnson rod."

[MRieck]

If the TSA (or any other security system) really believed they were potential bombs do you think they would have detained and had a little chat with our SOHC brother???

[azuredesign]

Bro Rieck!

I don't know for sure, but I think they have to scan so many bags that they are encouraged to make decisions that err on the cautious side, which I am glad for. FWIW, It was probably a non biker, or a Harley guy that chucked 'em out of my bag.
I went over to the local airport this morning and asked Sylvie the very attractive and friendly Air France person in charge of baggage if she could call Logan and ask if AF, who signed the TSA release and took the shocks, still had the shocks, and if they could expedite them here on a cargo plane for me. We'll see how that goes. At this point, I know I effed up and whatever I can salvage will be great.

Thanks to all!

[TwoTired]

If the TSA (or any other security system) really believed they were potential bombs do you think they would have detained and had a little chat with our SOHC brother???

Of course.  In reality, they actually did "our SOHC4 brother" a favor as he tried to sneak something banned past the security check (edit: viewpoint of the TSA inspector, for those who can't fathom context).
I'm not saying I like the rules.  In fact, if it is at all avoidable, I won't fly commercial ever again.
But, part of the agreement to fly is also agreement with their terms/rules.  Ergo, I don't fly with them anymore.  Eventually you'll agree to be locked into your seat during transport (because it is so safe and convenient, of course).

Items That Are Completely Banned

The following items are completely banned from aircraft, and should not be brought to the airport:

Explosive and Incendiary Materials: Gunpowder (including black powder and percussion caps), dynamite, blasting caps, fireworks, flares, plastic explosives, grenades, replicas of incendiary devices, and replicas of plastic explosives.

Flammable Items: Gasoline, gas torches, lighter fluid, cooking fuel, other types of flammable liquid fuel, flammable paints, paint thinner, turpentine, aerosols (exceptions for personal care items, toiletries, or medically related items).

Gases and Pressure Containers: Aerosols (with the exception of personal care items or toiletries in limited quantities in containers sized three ounces or smaller), carbon dioxide cartridges, oxygen tanks (scuba or medical), mace, tear gas, pepper spray, self-inflating rafts, and deeply refrigerated gases such as liquid nitrogen.

[winnipeg550guy]

 I'm thinking someone with the TSA rides a BMW as well.

[azuredesign]

If the TSA (or any other security system) really believed they were potential bombs do you think they would have detained and had a little chat with our SOHC brother???

Of course.  In reality, they actually did "our SOHC4 brother" a favor as he tried to sneak something banned past the security check.
I'm not saying I like the rules.  In fact, if it is at all avoidable, I won't fly commercial ever again.
But, part of the agreement to fly is also agreement with their terms/rules.  Ergo, I don't fly with them anymore.  Eventually you'll agree to be locked into your seat during transport (because it is so safe and convenient, of course).



Items That Are Completely Banned

The following items are completely banned from aircraft, and should not be brought to the airport:

Explosive and Incendiary Materials: Gunpowder (including black powder and percussion caps), dynamite, blasting caps, fireworks, flares, plastic explosives, grenades, replicas of incendiary devices, and replicas of plastic explosives.

Flammable Items: Gasoline, gas torches, lighter fluid, cooking fuel, other types of flammable liquid fuel, flammable paints, paint thinner, turpentine, aerosols (exceptions for personal care items, toiletries, or medically related items).

Gases and Pressure Containers: Aerosols (with the exception of personal care items or toiletries in limited quantities in containers sized three ounces or smaller), carbon dioxide cartridges, oxygen tanks (scuba or medical), mace, tear gas, pepper spray, self-inflating rafts, and deeply refrigerated gases such as liquid nitrogen.

Hey Two Tired,
Why are you pissing on me? I didn't try to sneak anything on the airline, and I don't think I have subversive tendencies (anymore). Perhaps a stupid oversight, but you might want to at least have met me before you characterize my motivations or behavior. I'm glad for you that you're so well informed concerning what is possible to transport on an aircraft, and you're welcome to do what you wish concerning that information. My point was that other folks in this group who might make a similar error, know that it's no longer easy to transport bike parts, and are not surprised and angry to find their bag a mess, and items missing without notification, that have some importance and value. Sorry if I'm repeating info that was already familiar to you, but I made a mistake and it's done with. What might be interesting to know, and I think I will know more tomorrow, is whether it is possible to retrieve confiscated materials, and whether Air France will help to get the parts to me here. I'd be happy to share that info if anybody's interested and the thread doesn't become a vehicle for antagonism.