How to beat TSA

[_cpate3_]

So I was recently on a vacation to Florida, and decided to buy a small Acan colony while I was down there knowing that TSA was a pain in the butt. But here’s how I did it with no questions asked -

I bought 2x 4oz condiment containers, filled one with 2.5 oz of water and put the coral in (because of displacement it was fully submerged, and then 1.5 oz in another container. Put it in a ziplock bag, into my toiletry bag, and onto my carry on. Went through the scanner no questions asked, and then I filled the rest of the container up when I was through security

Will update you when it is in the tank and if it survived! So if anyone wanted to know how to get small coral drags through security, there you go!

 

[Homewrecker]

Bc its a live animal water limits don't really matter

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Bc its a live animal water limits don't really matter

is that a fact? I've been interested in bringing frags on a plane I have some 100ml urine sample containers for this, but I'd love to make both the frags and containers larger.

I was worried about being turned away at security, I haven't verified yet by calling the airline, but even with an ok over the phone things could change in person at security.

anyone know anything about this from experience?

 

[ReefingDreams]

Live Coral | Transportation Security Administration

Live corals in water and a clear transparent container are allowed after inspection by the TSA officer.

www.tsa.gov

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Live Coral | Transportation Security Administration

Live corals in water and a clear transparent container are allowed after inspection by the TSA officer.

www.tsa.gov

that's good and goes with what I heard about the final decision rests with the tsa officer at the check point, but it doesn't specify about the water volume allowed, probably so they can keep it open to interpretation at the check point.
I also assume domestic is easier than international.

thanks for the link though, that's good to see something in writing about coral being allowed.

 

[_cpate3_]

that's good and goes with what I heard about the final decision rests with the tsa officer at the check point, but it doesn't specify about the water volume allowed, probably so they can keep it open to interpretation at the check point.
I also assume domestic is easier than international.

thanks for the link though, that's good to see something in writing about coral being allowed.

I believe if it is carry on the water limit counts, but if you check a cooler with live animals then it doesn’t? Also corals are harder to prove theyre alive than a fish to a TSA agent who doesn’t know much about corals

 

[ReefingDreams]

I believe if it is carry on the water limit counts, but if you check a cooler with live animals then it doesn’t? Also corals are harder to prove theyre alive than a fish to a TSA agent who doesn’t know much about corals

If the water is life-sustaining for the animal, such as fish, coral, and inverts, the water doesn't count toward the carry-on liquid limit.

 

[_cpate3_]

If the water is life-sustaining for the animal, such as fish, coral, and inverts, the water doesn't count toward the carry-on liquid limit.

True, however hard to show that a closed up coral not under UV light is actually alive. A fish you can see swimming, however the coral a TSA agent might not understand

 

[KStatefan]

Reefbuilders just did a video on this. I do not know what company but one of the companies selling the containers came with a certificate from the TSA.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

I’m betting they see plenty of Corals in Florida going through the check points. The only thing I’d worry about, is a connecting flight, where you’d end up outside the Security Zone. Had that happen in LA, do to construction. Flight from DCA, to La Connecting Flight to Oahu. Was Flagged on Soundex.

 

[Doctorgori]

Agreed, TSA can be a REAL pain in the “butt” all depending on how “deep” or involved their inspection is LOL
As stated, they make a liquid exception for anything live or swimming …
Agreed I also had a small issue bringing corals, but it was a small delay

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

I was just thinking a few quick pictures of corals and tanks up and running could help ease the TSA officers mind, as sort of a reassurance of what your into and talking about.

 

[Reefing102]

Simple…buy a hermit crab to put in with it. Something moving for the TSA agent to see