Newark airport ok with radios/scanners?

[K2NEC]

I will be going to Newark airport in about a month and want to know if they (or any other airport) would have problems with me bringing my radio or a scanner into the airport (just into check in and baggage claim) as I want to listen to FDNY or maybe the tower. Anyone had any experience with that or do the security/TSA not like it?

 

[Analogrules]

I have brought my analog scanner to all of the area airports via "carry on baggage" and never once even a second glance. I always make sure antenna is detached when going through security (not sure if that makes a difference) and I even listen to it via headphones at the gate while waiting to board without any problems.

However, just to play it safe, I would not bring an expensive digital scanner with you just in case the very small possibility it does get confiscated. Also never bring any type of scanner or walky talky on a cruise (just in case that is your final destination)

 

[K2NEC]

I should have probably specified that I will not be going through security just dropping off/picking up a relative. I would just be listening to the radio as I walk around the airport at a low level. Don't know if they would have a problem with that or not.

 

[Analogrules]

Bring your earphones in that case, and I highly doubt anyone would bother you or even notice. You may get harrassed if you have your scanner on without earphones though.

 

[PACNWDude]

Outside of security, and using the scanner, it is always best to use an earpiece. The more "official" looking or the most hidden and discrete the better. When I go to airports, I just use cell phone applications and an earpiece. A cell phone gets virtually zero attention in an airport.

 

[AlexC]

I have never had them care and I've logged 200K+ miles bringing at least one radio if not more with me. Always carry them on. Never had a single issue, including in and out of foreign countries. I've had people make comments like "Do your batteries work better than ours" before or ask what I do mostly because they seem curious. Remember they are people too and may ask to ask and not in an investigative way. Treat them like you want to be treated if they ask and you should not run in to any problems.

 

[K2NEC]

I have never had them care and I've logged 200K+ miles bringing at least one radio if not more with me. Always carry them on. Never had a single issue, including in and out of foreign countries. I've had people make comments like "Do your batteries work better than ours" before or ask what I do mostly because they seem curious. Remember they are people too and may ask to ask and not in an investigative way. Treat them like you want to be treated if they ask and you should not run in to any problems.

You make a very good point. They could just be asking because they are curious or want to know more about what you do.

 

[RadioChief55]

I have taken scanner through security check in and used the scanner on the plan with ear phones to see what I picked up. I heard a structure fire one time flying over someplace in the Midwest. I have also brought a scanner, handheld marine radio and FRS/GMRS portables on at least 3 different cruses. The last one was 4 years ago, I don't know if anything has changed.

 

[K2NEC]

I have heard of people bringing Nextel phones on cruises since they can talk on Direct Talk mode and they have had no problems since they look like cell phones. And 900mhz operates better on cruises than FRS/GMRS because it goes through metal better. I have yet to go on a cruise but if I did then that is probably what I would bring