Airports & Coins - Any Problems/Issues I should know about?

golddustin · April 17, 2012 12:43AM

I have never flown to a large coin show, opting to drive if there is one within 300 miles or so. In talking to many dealers at shows, it seems like many of them also prefer driving (very) long distances, often with other dealers to cut expenses. However, I am sure that many dealers do fly into cities for large shows, and I wonder how (or even if) they travel with coins in tow. I suppose that sometimes the coins are shipped separately via a secure shipper in advance of the show, but what about actually carrying the coins with you through security and on the flight?
I plan on flying to Chicago with probably about 3-4 blue pcgs boxes of coins, which I am planning on keeping in my possession the entire time. What can I expect at security (if anything)? Is there a preferred method of packing and carrying the coins to make it smoother to get through the line and onto the plane with little fanfare?

I appreciate any advice provided that will help me get there and back as easily as possible, without any security issues.

blu62vette · April 17, 2012 12:45AM

I was told by TSA to pack the coins so that when they go through the scanner they can see between the coin, i.e. the PCGS on it side not upright. That and the magic words "private screening" and you will be fine.

I go in waves of being pulled aside for being checked. Been a while and if they want to look jet be cool about it and it is easier.

BillJones · April 17, 2012 1:14AM

If you get pulled and are required to have them search your bags, you are entitled to ask for a private screening. Other than that just look ordinary and maintain a low profile. Don't get into any conversations with strangers about what you are doing, and even avoid them with coin friends. You would be surprised at how many ears might be listening in.

Beyond that just hope you don't run into a loud mouth dumb ass on the x-ray machine. The first trip I took with coins after 9-11, the screener shouted at the top of her lungs when my bag got under the scanner, "He's got coins! He's got coins!!!!"

She might as well put a sign on my back back that read "rob me."

illini420 · April 17, 2012 1:29AM

Coins in pcgs boxes will rattle in the boxes. During takeoff and landing it can make quite a bit of noise in the cabin and scare other passengers. A single paper towel folded up and put inside the lid off the box will make the boxes silent. You'll need to put a few rubber bands around the boxes to make sure the lids stay on.

blu62vette · April 17, 2012 1:58AM

I wish I had flights quiet enough to hear coins rattle.....

golddustin · April 17, 2012 2:26AM

Thanks for the suggestions. I was thinking that using the pcgs boxes wouldn't be the best idea, but just wanted to give folks an estimate of the number of coins I may take with me - and they won't all be slabbed. I will probably take less.
I'm thinking that a hard covered briefcase, with the coins layered flat would be a better choice....easy to carry, and easy to open for inspection if need arises.

I hope I don't run into any screeners announcing "He's got coins!"

So, in general, the TSA doesn't have problems with coins being carried onto a plane, and the security scanners generally don't make much of a fuss about them, if you are lucky. I suppose I should get to the airport a little extra early to allow for the possibility of a private screening....although it doesn't seem it would take too long.

Let's hear some more airport stories!

astrorat · April 17, 2012 3:47AM

As soon as your bag is pulled aside, just ask for a private screening. It will take a few minutes longer, but it is better than public disclosure of your bag's contents. I have not had a problem with TSA agents and coins.

mustanggt · April 17, 2012 4:07AM

For whatever reason, it seems to have been easier the last year or so. The advice in the above posts is excellent.

LowBudget · April 17, 2012 4:09AM

if they steal laptops athe TSA, Im sure coins will be just fine

Kove · April 17, 2012 4:32AM

TSA usually wants to look in my bags about 1 out of every 4 times through security lately (it used to be almost every time). It is usually in my originating airport that I need a private screening, as the TSA folks at the coinshow's local airport have seen enough coins go through that they know what they are looking at.

I've been told by TSA that it's not the coins that prompts a check, it's actually the plastic in the slabs, as the large concentration of plastic glows a certain color on their screens. Procedures have varied all the way from one guy looking at every single coin I brought with me (~200 slabs to re-pack when rushing to my flight), to just opening my case and swabbing the interior for explosives residue.

Overall, in terms of travel inconvenience for me, the airlines have been far worse offenders of late than the TSA.

mrpotatoheadd · April 17, 2012 4:59AM

<< <i>I've been told by TSA that it's not the coins that prompts a check, it's actually the plastic in the slabs, as the large concentration of plastic glows a certain color on their screens. >>

I don't know that the TSA knows what they're talking about. I practically never carry slabs, but every single time I've brought coins through, they've wanted to look in my bag anyway.

golddustin · April 17, 2012 5:42AM

Interesting stories and advice, all are appreciated. It pretty much sounds like the luck of the draw at the x-ray machine - kinda like when we went to Cancun, and at the airport in Mexico you got into 1 of 2 lines - then waited for the 'traffic' light to flash green or red. Out of our party of 5, only 1 person got a red light - he had to have his suitcase totally unpacked right there in the airport lobby!
I will plan on having things set up to make a private screening go as quickly as possible, since it sounds like there's a better than even chance that it will happen.

GAB · April 17, 2012 6:13AM

I have been required EVERY time to open up the suitcase, briefcase etc that contains the coins. They always offer a private
screening - but what you actually get in terms of privacy and search methodology varies from airport to airport.
A little extra time is probably a good idea.

renomedphys · April 17, 2012 6:28AM

You'll never have a problem getting coins through screening. On the other hand, make double sure that whatever container you have the coins in can fit under the seat in front of you. Otherwise, you'll run the risk of having them force you to gate check your bag when the overhead compartments fill up. Personally, I would never let my coins out of my immediate posession.

WTCG · April 17, 2012 8:58AM

Transit via driving is much more dangerous (both in safety and vulnerability) than flying and given the price of fuel it is often cheaper to fly to destinations than it is to drive to them.

Example: I am about 370 miles from the Long Beach show. To drive there it takes 7 hours each way and 2 1/2 tanks of gas for the entire trip. It costs about $63 per tank so the total cost in fuel is about $160 for the round trip. Normally a round trip ticket costs about $139 on Southwest, JetBlue, Virgin America or United to fly from SFO or SJC to LAX or SNA. Vehicle attrition and time spent notwithstanding, fuel costs alone can outspend other transport options.

You can send your coins in advance via private courier service such as Brinks or FedEx. Doing that, however, is more expensive than most people would expect.

Coins (and all thick metallic objects) are dense and cannot be transparently x-rayed so there is a very good chance they will need to be looked at in person. If TSA wants to do that you can request a private screening away from the general public. Every time I have requested a private screening it has been granted without issue.

golddustin · April 17, 2012 9:23AM

It sounds like it may be best just to approach one of the agents and explain (quietly) what I am carrying, and ask for a private screening before the whole take off your shoes, belt, empty your pockets routine, then having to go do a private screening of the bag/case. I don't intend on letting it out of my hands the entire trip, unless I get tired of holding it during the flight, which isn't that long.

WTCG · April 17, 2012 9:37AM

<< <i>It sounds like it may be best just to approach one of the agents and explain (quietly) what I am carrying, and ask for a private screening before the whole take off your shoes, belt, empty your pockets routine, then having to go do a private screening of the bag/case. I don't intend on letting it out of my hands the entire trip, unless I get tired of holding it during the flight, which isn't that long. >>

As much as you don't want your coins out of your hands your coins are still a carry-on item and need to be properly stored during aircraft taxi, takeoff and landing. Also if you're tightly clutching a box at all times while seated you're hinting at everybody else that you have valuables in your possession. As you stated earlier it is best to maintain a low profile. If you do that the others around you won't know the difference whether your boxes contain valuable coins or old family photos of grandma nobody else would care about. Leave your coins concealed in a carry-on luggage and make sure someone else doesn't walk off with your bags during disembarkation - it's okay.

This is what I do: at security take out your low profile, anonymous looking boxes and place them in a separate bin like you would a laptop computer. If they pass through without incident you secure them as soon as you can and go your merry way. If security wants to further examine your boxes then request a private screening and then discreetly tell the relevant TSA personnel that you are carrying valuable coins. I've been doing this for over a decade with a perfect safety record. Be alert, be attentive without being overly paranoid.

Kove · April 17, 2012 10:03AM

<< <i>It sounds like it may be best just to approach one of the agents and explain (quietly) what I am carrying, and ask for a private screening before the whole take off your shoes, belt, empty your pockets routine, then having to go do a private screening of the bag/case. I don't intend on letting it out of my hands the entire trip, unless I get tired of holding it during the flight, which isn't that long. >>

I would not pre-emptively ask for a private screening; only do so if they ask what's in the bag. You don't want to unpack your coins, even in a private room, if you don't have to.

Do not hold on to your coins the whole flight. That will draw attention to yourself. If you can, put your coins in something that will fit under the seat in front of you (so you don't risk a gate-check of your bag). Don't choose a bulkhead row, don't be nervous or draw attention to yourself, and you'll be fine.

I routinely carry coins with me to coin shows. I put the coins in a hard-case that fits in a college-style backpack, which I store under the seat in front of me. I've never had a problem, and if you don't draw attention to yourself, you won't have a problem, either.

golddustin · April 17, 2012 10:26AM

That sounds like excellent advice. Just wanted some idea of what to expect upon arrival at the security screening. Hopefully, the case will go thru and I can repack and be on my way. But if not, i will know how to proceed.

I feel very much at ease that all will go smoothly, and certainly appreciate all the tips and information.
THANKS!

Airports & Coins - Any Problems/Issues I should know about?

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Airports &amp; Coins - Any Problems/Issues I should know about?

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Airports & Coins - Any Problems/Issues I should know about?