OT - Thermapen ok through airport security?

ChrisgrillsSTLMO

Good evening-

I am traveling to see my parents in the near future and I am anticipating that I will be asked to cook something on the Weber at their house (almost have them converted to BGE) and I wanted to take my Thermapen to at least give me a chance to create something decent. Does anyone know if TSA will let a Thermapen through security in a carry on or do I need to check it? If I have to check it, will that cause any issues? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks and have a good 4th!

Cheers,

DMW

I asked this about a year ago and the consensus was to check it. I wrapped mine in bubble wrap and packed it in my suitcase with clothes. No problem at all.

danmac

Not sure, but TSA could see that as a weapon due to it's pointed probe.  Best call ahead to be sure, don't want to end up loosing the pen or in jail.

NPHuskerFL

The pusification of America. Sadly ya... I'd check it. 

ChrisgrillsSTLMO

DMW said:

I asked this about a year ago and the consensus was to check it. I wrapped mine in bubble wrap and packed it in my suitcase with clothes. No problem at all.

Ok, thanks for the information. I will check it. Hopefully I can convince them to buy one and have it one site for our next visit.

fljoemon

Its got a pointed tip .. so safe to assume that they'll take it if they open up your carry-on bag. I had some rubs 2 weeks ago in my carry-on and they opened up my bag and took my 5oz shaving cream .. the rubs were fine but showed up as something weird on Xray.

ChillyWillis

Check it. You wouldn't want to have to leave a $100 thermometer with your friendly neighborhood TSA agent. 

bigalsworth

I can't imagine being able to bring a 5 inch stabby onto the plane but maybe.  Also they do not seem fragile to me I would tuck it between some clothes in checked luggage without hesitation.

XC242

Sounds like your parents need a gift. Backlit Thermapens are on sale. Just order one and have it delivered to them. They'll appreciate the gesture. 

DMW

fljoemon said:

Its got a pointed tip .. so safe to assume that they'll take it if they open up your carry-on bag. I had some rubs 2 weeks ago in my carry-on and they opened up my bag and took my 5oz shaving cream .. the rubs were fine but showed up as something weird on Xray.

Yep, I brought a bunch of rubs with me to Salado. Made it through security in Philly no problem. On the way back in Killeen it showed up on the Xray and they had to take a look. They told me they show up weird, next time get them out like you would a laptop. Apparently it has happened there before.

jtcBoynton

According to TSA:  "Knitting needles are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage."
The pointy tip of a Thermapen doesn't seem any more of a threat than knitting needles. No guarantee, but I suspect that it would make it through.  

On the other hand TSA says: "Sharp fishing tackle that may be considered dangerous, such as large fish hooks, should be sheathed, securely wrapped, and packed in your checked luggage."  
Fishing hooks are dangerous, but knitting needles are not??

DaveRichardson

And they'll give a 3x over with a total knee or hip replacement.....  Love is you can use that as a weapon. 

From working with the TSA in years past setting up Orthopaedic Protocold for travelers with plates, screws, and joint replacements, check it. It'll me much easier. Bubble wrap and put in a shoe....

RRP

Check it through! Why risk getting a newbie wanting to be a hot shot manual reader! I just don't get questioning the risk! I mean you might get thru the next person won't.

Jstroke

Hey personally i dont trust grannies with knitting needles. Past experience is that they are excellent persuaders

theyolksonyou

If you're checking a bag anyway, why risk it?  You planning to check the it of the attendants?

Carolina Q

Buy your folks a thermopop. $30-ish. Leave your pen at home.

caliking

+1 to the idea of gifting a thermopop or thermapen to your folks. I travel with the TW "fun size thermometer" in case I end up cooking while travelling. it stays in my carry-on and has not been a problem yet.

ChrisgrillsSTLMO

Thanks again for all of the ideas and suggestions! I will work on getting something sent to them for our next trip, the Thermapen will be in the checked luggage this time. Love this forum and the people who add great information

Cheers,

nolaegghead

You will be dragged to gitmo and waterboarded, and if you ever make it out, you'll be on a terrorist watch list for perpetuity.  Check it. 

pescadorzih

fljoemon said:

Its got a pointed tip .. so safe to assume that they'll take it if they open up your carry-on bag. I had some rubs 2 weeks ago in my carry-on and they opened up my bag and took my 5oz shaving cream .. the rubs were fine but showed up as something weird on Xray.

Same thing happened to me on my way home from Charlotte last week. I picked up some DP rubs in Hickory NC and they had to check my bag. The TSA agent REALLY examined my rubs. I thought for sure he was gonna take them. He swabbed them all over. I guess he didn't know what they were. Apparently not an egger. LOL

Foghorn

I've checked mine many times and will do it again tomorrow.  Thanks for reminding me that I need to pack it!

JethroVA

If you were running in the aisle with an unsheathed thermopen in hand, you could trip and poke someone's eye out.  

fishlessman

i havent taken a carry on to the airport for a long time, last time they tried to take my size 26 fishing hooks, a size 26 is to small to bait a flea.

TexanOfTheNorth

JethroVA said:

If you were running in the aisle with an unsheathed thermopen in hand, you could trip and poke someone's eye out.  

I here what you're saying; but there was a time when we did not consider box cutters a lethal weapon. You may recall that, after 9/11, you could not even carry nail clippers on the plane.

I'd put the thermapen in my checked bag rather than take a chance that it would be confiscated.

ChrisgrillsSTLMO

Did check it through, no issues either way. My father is purchasing one today on the Thermoworks site so should be the only time I had to do this. Thanks again!

Cheers,