Airport security checks in India

Just wanted to share recent experience when flying from India (Bangalore). If you have any kind of tools in your photo bag, like small allens, they might be taken away at the security check. I just lost six or so, and while the financial loss is small, it is an annoyance to figure out again what sizes I need.
So next time, I'll put them into my checked luggage. Btw, I carried them through many security checks in Asia or Europe before.

This is the case in Australia as well. It has happened to me. I believe it would be the case almost everywhere and you were just lucky on previous occasions.

Allen wrenches have been getting confiscated in the US in carry-on luggage since 9/11/2001. If it is built into the L-bracket though like some of the newer L-brackets, it typically goes through.

Interesting. Does security think you'll use wrenches to unscrew the aircraft's wings in flight?

I know three ways to kill a person with a wooden pencil. Are they confiscating those too?

It's sad, but whenever you go to an airport and have to remove your shoes, belt, things from your pockets, etc. it just reinforces that the terrorists have won.

Not sure what all the whining is about. Just put your hex wrenches in your checked bag. No big deal!

EGrav wrote:Not sure what all the whining is about. Just put your hex wrenches in your checked bag. No big deal!

For photo shoots under 5 days that does not require a large heavy tripod, I will often not use checked luggage at all   My Sony a7R III and the three main lenses, 16-35, 24-70, and 100-400 easily fit in the handbaggage along with a Surface Pro, and my airline regulation roller carries my travel tripod and clothes...

:DE.J. Peiker wrote:

EGrav wrote:Not sure what all the whining is about. Just put your hex wrenches in your checked bag. No big deal!

For photo shoots under 5 days that does not require a large heavy tripod, I will often not use checked luggage at all   My Sony a7R III and the three main lenses, 16-35, 24-70, and 100-400 easily fit in the handbaggage along with a Surface Pro, and my airline regulation roller carries my travel tripod and clothes...

OK, EJ, you can whine.

Wasn't whining at all, just stating that this has been the rule in the USA as well for the last 17 years and that packing them in the checked gear isn't always an option but that the L-brackets with built in ones can be on the onboard luggage, no whining, just trying to offer help.

E.J. Peiker wrote:Wasn't whining at all, just stating that this has been the rule in the USA as well for the last 17 years and that packing them in the checked gear isn't always an option but that the L-brackets with built in ones can be on the onboard luggage, no whining, just trying to offer help.

I wasn’t serious,!!!!! Note the smiley faces!

E.J. Peiker wrote:Allen wrenches have been getting confiscated in the US in carry-on luggage since 9/11/2001.  If it is built into the L-bracket though like some of the newer L-brackets, it typically goes through.

Interestingly never faced that issue in the US or EUROPE but went through exact same experience in India in Mumbai.
I had a lengthy discussion with the security including the security head about it. He showed me the the rule that says "tools of any kind are not allowed". Allen Key is a tool and they will stop it - no argument there.
I was given a choice to go back to the counter and check it in - which was more hassle so just threw my set away.

Jeff Colburn wrote:It's sad, but whenever you go to an airport and have to remove your shoes, belt, things from your pockets, etc. it just reinforces that the terrorists have won.

I guess we were taking security a little too easy here in the USA.
In India, security at the airport was always very strict so was in many other countries.

I love my TSA Pre though...

I have had my Hex keys (Allen Wrenches) confiscated in the US and Canada several times. Once in Canada, it was measured and “less than 7”, so I was allowed to keep it. They just go in my checked bag now.

rajandesai wrote:

E.J. Peiker wrote:Allen wrenches have been getting confiscated in the US in carry-on luggage since 9/11/2001.  If it is built into the L-bracket though like some of the newer L-brackets, it typically goes through.

Interestingly never faced that issue in the US or EUROPE but went through exact same experience in India in Mumbai.
I had a lengthy discussion with the security including the security head about it. He showed me the the rule that says "tools of any kind are not allowed". Allen Key is a tool and they will stop it - no argument there.
I was given a choice to go back to the counter and check it in - which was more hassle so just threw my set away.

I checked too. Seem the allen keys can be used to remove some panels inside the aircraft. Hence the security restriction.

EGrav wrote:I have had my Hex keys (Allen Wrenches) confiscated in the US and Canada several times. Once in Canada, it was measured and “less than 7”, so I was allowed to keep it. They just go in my checked bag now.

I had a bunch of bits for a magnetic screw driver confiscated in US several years ago.  The TSA guys apparently have no flexibility about tools. My guess is for the rule makers it is easier to ban all tools than a big list of types and sizes. I think if they find the allen in your L bracket they will confiscate it but they just have not found it yet.