Traveling with slabs on Airplanes

Dennis88 · June 4, 2008 4:57AM

With a 6000 Mile flight ahead of me for this saturday, I was wondering what the best way is to store PCGS slabs safely while traveling on airplanes. With the force they are throwing bags into the airplane and out of it, I guess it is better to keep them in my carry on luggage. But in there, what is the best? I'm talking about 5-10 slabs, maybe more, depending how much I will bring back from the US. Is there a way to make it easily clear it are coins and not some sort of a bomb?

Any advice is appreciated.

Dennis

ColonialCoinUnion · June 4, 2008 4:59AM

It's unthinkable to put slabs (or anything else of value) in checked luggage - unless you don't mind losing it.

Put them in your carry-on, tape them in the box so they don't rattle and be prepared to be searched at security.

notwilight · June 4, 2008 5:01AM

I'd carry them on since checked baggage is often opened for search. You should have no problems. --Jerry

ziggy29 · June 4, 2008 5:01AM

How long before American starts charging you to carry a slab on board?

notwilight · June 4, 2008 5:03AM

<< tape them in the box so they don't rattle >>

I don't mind a little rattle when I'm carrying a box of slabs but for shipping I put a small piece of thin foam packaging material on top of the slabs and then rubber band the box shut to prevent the box from making noise. I don't like tape residue on slabs. --Jerry

coolest · June 4, 2008 5:03AM

<< It's unthinkable to put slabs (or anything else of value) in checked luggage - unless you don't mind losing it.

Put them in your carry-on, tape them in the box so they don't rattle and be prepared to be searched at security. >>

Unthinkable is about right!

ColonialCoinUnion · June 4, 2008 5:15AM

<< I don't mind a little rattle when I'm carrying a box of slabs

--Jerry >>

There are people out there (some of whom might wish to rob you) who recognize that sound - particularly when they hear it entering or leaving the vicinity of a coin show. Unless you don't mind advertising that you are carrying coins, I'd suggest you tape them down.

notwilight · June 4, 2008 5:18AM

<< 

<< I don't mind a little rattle when I'm carrying a box of slabs --Jerry >>

There are people out there (some of whom might wish to rob you) who recognize that sound - particularly when they hear it entering or leaving the vicinity of a coin show. Unless you don't mind advertising that you are carrying coins, I'd suggest you tape them down. >>

I would be careful in the vicinity of a coin show. However, if you look at me entering a coin show you'd probably think this guy could at best afford a few MS68 state quarters. --Jerry

MajorDuty · June 4, 2008 5:20AM

Put each slab in each one of your packed socks in your carry-on

NHSBaseball · June 4, 2008 5:20AM

I don't fly often, but there have been an inordinate number of times that my checked luggage or that of someone I've traveled with has been opened and items stolen. I lost some prescription medication from my bags on last Summer's trip to Canada, and my mother-in-law had some low-end jewelry stolen from hers a couple of years back.

I think I'd keep those suckers in a buttoned up pocket.

ricko · June 4, 2008 5:28AM

Always keep them in your carry-on. I fly frequently (10-12 trips per year), and carry coins on many trips. Never had a problem.. never even a question. Cheers, RickO

claychaser · June 4, 2008 5:30AM

<< 

<< I don't mind a little rattle when I'm carrying a box of slabs

--Jerry >>

There are people out there (some of whom might wish to rob you) who recognize that sound - particularly when they hear it entering or leaving the vicinity of a coin show. Unless you don't mind advertising that you are carrying coins, I'd suggest you tape them down. >>

One of those Intercept Shield track boxes eliminates the rattle sounds for PCGS and NGC slabs of you don't mind the full size box in your carryon.

Shamika · June 4, 2008 5:42AM

I would never think of putting slabs in luggage that is checked at the counter. Any item of value stays at my side and within sight at all times.

RWB · June 4, 2008 6:03AM

Americano Airlines announced today its new policy for coin collectors carrying slabbed coins in their carry-on bag. Due to the excessive value of these items, each slab will be charged $5 or 5% of its value unless it has a special exemption sticker from the Certified Airworthy Slab Association (CASA). Passengers refusing to pay the new fee will have to check their carry-on bag so the staff can riffle through it for valuables – like slabbed coins. Airline staff are being equipped with retail price guides for all collector's coins.

A spokesperson noted that the new policy only applies to honest people. Frauds, scammers and illegal aliens (from any planet) are not checked.

A spokesperson also said that travelers could buy a separate ticket for their coins. That would earn the coveted Jr. Pilot wings sticker.

ricko · June 4, 2008 6:12AM

And a $5 'fee to pee"....

Cheers, RickO

291fifth · June 4, 2008 6:14AM

Don't even consider putting anything of value in your checked luggage!

True story:

I was returning to Detroit from Los Angeles ( a business trip.) The airliner arrived at the furthest gate from the baggage pickup area. I was very anxious to get home after a long trip and, fortunately, was very near the airliner's door. A new world record must have been set as I moved rapidly through the airport and arrived at the baggage area. There was my bag waiting for me... complete with a baggage thief rummaging through it. I confronted him and he took off empty handed. (I hope he enjoyed sorting through the dirty underwear!)

jessewvu · June 4, 2008 6:14AM

put them in your pocket and don't let them out of your site.

ScarsdaleCoin · June 4, 2008 6:19AM

291fifth your lucky, here in NY they just take the whole suitcase and walk out the exit

Bear · June 4, 2008 6:22AM

Not only are airlines charging for bags and carry ons,

they are getting ready to charge you based on body

weight.

curly · June 4, 2008 6:24AM

I put most of them in my brief case under the seat in front of me. I put my favorites in my pocket.

DrPete · June 4, 2008 6:45AM

When taking coins of any value on a plane, you must keep them in close contact with yourself, ie, your carry-on bag or in your pockets, etc. If you put any coins in checked luggage, you are at high risk of having them lost and should only do so if you consider them worthless. If they are worthless, why are you bother taking them anywhere?

If you are concerned that security will open your stuff up in front of people, thus exposing your valuable coins and making you a possible target for theft, a real possibility, you can ask for a private screening should TSA ask to search your bag after it goes through the x-ray machine for carry-ons. TSA does this and will comply, taking you to a private area where no-one else will see. Unfortunately, the mere act of asking for a private screening may bring more attention to your situation than you want or need.

I have been to shows in bigger cities where so many dealers are transporting their inventory in their carry-on bags that TSA becomes very familiar and confortable to have the bags go right through x-ray and nothing is said or done, they just go through.

Good luck with your trip, but be smart and stay low-profile and under the radar.

NHSBaseball · June 4, 2008 7:07AM

<< Not only are airlines charging for bags and carry ons,

they are getting ready to charge you based on body

weight.

>>

Gonna have to lay off of the jelly donuts before your next trip, Bear---

Swampboy · June 4, 2008 7:10AM

Carry on, for sure.

Have a GREAT summer, Dennis!

edit for typo.

Longacre · June 4, 2008 7:14AM

<< 291fifth your lucky, here in NY they just take the whole suitcase and walk out the exit >>

I guess New Yorkers are more efficient.

zeebob · June 4, 2008 7:48AM

Checked baggage is perfectly safe, for dirty underwear, but nothing else.

Thieves aside, my wife just returned from a trip where the luggage was ripped stem to stern and the contents were stuffed back inside with shipping tape holding the tatters back together. American said it was an "industrial accident." American bought us a new bag. Nice new bag btw.

Carry the coins on the plane in your carry-on. You can have two carry-ons - one "purse or backpack" and one other bag. I just had occasion to come through security with a rather unusual amount of valuables in two stuffed carry-ons. Probably the TSA guys thought I was a jewelry and coin thief, but I requested they search the bags in a private room and 20 minutes latter I was on my way.

The three TSA guys that searched the bags were nervous has heck. As far as I could tell, two of them were there to ensure the one doing the searching was honest. All three were very respectful of the items under search. I had to smile at the big google eyes the youngest TSA got when the 12 pounds of silver bars where hauled out of the bag. Very funny. It was the only time any of them asked questions about the actual contents or value. Otherwise, they just made sure nothing was sharp or otherwise hazardous.

Barndog · June 4, 2008 7:54AM

I carry any valuables with me...and don't leave them under the seat or in the overhead if I go to the lavatory

Traveling with slabs on Airplanes

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