Hey guys, i'm taking a trip to go visit some friends soon, and I would like to take along some magic to show them, so my question is, what would be alright for me to onto an airplane? Airport security is kinda tight these days...I know I can't take flash paper, but what else should I watch out for? Would cards be ok?
Thanks in advance.
-Demon
True Story:
March this past year I was invited to my friends wedding in Florida (I live in California) as his best man. The bride to be asked me if I would entertain the wedding party after the ceremony as a favor to her. Since I didn't want to check my props as luggage, I took them as a carry on. When I got to the airport TSA security checkpoint I told the officer that I was a traveling Magician, and to "be prepared" as the carry on briefcase contained all my props and act. I told the officer if they had any questions what so ever that I would be more than glad to explain in a private room, and submit to additional searching if needed. They passed my box through the X-ray machine and only questioned the apparent bottle of Ketchup that I had inside. I briefly told them it was fake, and they let it pass without physical inspection. Actually the only thing they heckled me for was my walking cane, which passed through with a managers approval.
I boarded my flight and after having sat down I opened my case to remove my reading material. It was then that I realized just what all I had in that case. I had packed: 1 butterfly knife (illegal to own in California), 2 bottles of Zippo fluid, my fire wallet, 2 fire torches, 1 Gatorade bottle of white gas, 1 animal trap, a bag of pop corn, handcuffs, my swallowing razors, vanishing ketchup bottle, appearing cane, collapsing sword, and a few decks of playing cards, needle and thread.
Needless to say, the 80 year old grandma behind me in the TSA line was the one selected to be pulled out of line, wand and fully searched. God I love our security in America.
Here's the reality for you. I got lucky, you may not. Check anything cargo that you're not sure will fly. Pardon the pun. Cards, and coins you'll be okay with. Any prop that looks funny (especially under X-Ray), either check cargo or spare enough time to deal with possible security. Do not check carry on any liquids, blades, or pastes. You can usually check your airline of choices website to see what materials they restrict. I'd basically pack anything questionable as checked luggage, and have the bags marked as fragile. You may want to consider taking out an insurance plan on your props too- in case they get lost in transit.
Hope that helps.
Draven