scanner on planes?

[N8DRC]

Hi.
Can you take a radio scanner on an air plane? I would like to take my 296 to Florida with me but don't want to get in trouble at the air ports if I have it..Thanks.

 

[SMbaugh]

Scanner on airplanes

I don't think there is anything to prevent you from carrying your scanner on the plane but cannot use it during takeoff and landing much like all electronics.

 

[K5MAR]

Hi.
Can you take a radio scanner on an air plane? I would like to take my 296 to Florida with me but don't want to get in trouble at the air ports if I have it..Thanks.

You need to contact the airline and ask them if you can use it on board, some allow it, some don't, and those that do have rules about when you can turn it on, generally not until the AC is at cruising altitude. And you might want to ask the stewardess when you board to check with the captain and see if it would be alright. I actually talked to one airline captain who is a ham, and carries a 2m HT with one of those suction cup antenna mounts. He sticks it to his side window and makes contacts on long flights on 146.520 MHz simplex.

If you mean just getting through security, that shouldn't be a problem. Make sure the batteries are charged and be prepared to demonstrate that it's actually a working radio, have some local freqs programmed in that can be received in the airport. ATIS/AWOS is a good choice if your scanner receives the airband.

Mark S.

 

[BJ_NORTON]

I thought I would pipe in with an experience I had over Thanksgiving. I flew out of Las Vegas to a very tiny town. I flew with a small carrier called Scenic Airlines. There were only 5 people on the entire plane (including the pilots). There were no problems with using my DJ X-10, or Even my small Garmin GPS unit. It was the coolest thing I have ever scanned! I could litteraly hear 100's of miles away! I was listening to ATC give us directions. They would say 310, and I would see the compass on the GPS turn to 310. They would say slow to 150, and I would see the speed decrease. Altitude-same thing. One the way back I started listening to TV audio 180 miles out from Vegas.

Anyway, I would say that your chances of being able to use any radio probably are directly related to the size of the carrier. the big ones are more apt to use a blanket "no" but the smaller ones might leave it up to the captian. It never hurts to ask. the worst they will say is no.

 

[INDY72]

Correct... And as has been discussed and debated in another thread....

Carrying the scanner/listening in the airport is usually cool... but you will need to check with the stews, and see if they will allow it at cruising alt.... Generally on magor carriers- Delta etc,... you will NOT be allowed to use any "radio related device" onboard the aircraft.... There are exceptions... but these are rare these days.... Your more likely to end up with a talk to an SM (Sky Marshall), by using one airborne. Now as for lil commuter jumps and or a helicopter jump.... Things are far more lax....

Now as for that exception to the magor carrier NO rule.... I have a freind that works for Southwest, and often flies to various cities in his work.. I was lucky eneough to be flying with him and the pilot ok'ed both our scanners... He tuned the airbands, i scanned all the PS stuff.... It is amazing to be able to hear an entire state from 30,000 ft.

 

[LEH]

Scannermandan,

The airport and airplane scenario has been pretty well covered. One thing you mentioned is you are heading to FL with your scanner. Just be advised, portable scanners are pretty much illegal in FL. If you are a Ham, OK, or if you have a permit from the local gendarme. Otherwise, its a Romper Room Nono.

So I'd check before I go to far afield with it. I've had a couple of scanners with me on trips to FL, but I don't carry them in the car except to and from the airport.

 

[n4voxgill]

couldn't let this go by without comment. Portable scanners are not illegal in Florida. The only prohibition is using any scanner in a vehcile if it is connected to the car, either using electrical system, bolted to the car, or using an antenna that is connected to the car. You can use a portable with it's own antenna and battery pack all you want. If you want to "mount" the scanner then you must be a licensed ham or a law enforcement officer or work for alarm company or neighborhood watch vehicle.

 

[Mike-KC8OWL]

I have carried HT's onto planes many, many times without any problem, but I would not recommend trying to use it during flight. In fact, Continental airlines specifically prohibits their use in their in-flight magazine under the 'Electronic Devices' category. They are okay to carry on, just don't turn it on while you are on the plane.

MIke KC8OWL

 

[CORN]

You should be OK by taking your scanner in your carry-on luggage. I would, as stated earlier, check if you want to use it on board. But, if it's just transport you should be fine. Your scanner is plenty LEGAL in Florida regardless to what someone stated. You just can't use it mobile (hooked up) in the car as you drive without proper credentials as someone else kindly stated. If they were illegal how could i have enjoyed the Blue Angels airshow in Pensacola Beach last year. Bottom Line: You should be fine on both fronts.

 

[Starion]

My parents and brother brought thier cell phones onto their planes without incident.

Thanks for the information everyone. My parents and I want to go to Las Vegas from Washington D.C. I plan to bring my scanners and HTs. Of course, I'm going to bring my amateur radio license. I think I'll keep the power supplies big at home, but I'll bring the small battery chargers. I also do plan to bring some SMA and BNC antennas with me.

I'm tempted to stop by AES in Las Vegas and buy some electronic equipment. :wink:

 

[Chris-M]

Hi.
Can you take a radio scanner on an air plane? I would like to take my 296 to Florida with me but don't want to get in trouble at the air ports if I have it..Thanks.

I occasionally take a scanner or handheld ham radio HT with me. The TSA at the airport screenings have never given me any trouble. Sometimes I have both, and a digital camera, and the chargers for all of them. The only thing I've ever heard is 'you sure do have a lot of electronics in there'. 8)

This is the 'official' TSA document regarding prohibited items.

http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Permitted_Prohibited_12_18_2003.pdf
There is nothing specific relating to scanners or radios being carried on board or in checked baggage. There are restrictions as to when and where to use them. Read this topic for some good information.

http://www.radioreference.com/modul...le=viewtopic&p=64820&highlight=#64820

I wouldn't take one out of the country though unless you research that countries laws first.

A few weeks ago there were signs at the security screening point regarding NiMH batteries in camcorders, laptops and such. There was concern that in the event a rechargable battery such as a NiMH were to short out and cause a fire that the baggage compartment fire supression system would not be able to handle it. I cannot find any official links regarding that but it is something to be aware of. If you were bringing the item on board then there was no problem. Only if you had something with cetain type batteries going in the baggage compartment.

Hope that helps.

 

[STiMULi]

couldn't let this go by without comment. Portable scanners are not illegal in Florida. The only prohibition is using any scanner in a vehcile if it is connected to the car, either using electrical system, bolted to the car, or using an antenna that is connected to the car. You can use a portable with it's own antenna and battery pack all you want. If you want to "mount" the scanner then you must be a licensed ham or a law enforcement officer or work for alarm company or neighborhood watch vehicle.

Good detailed information to know!

That is alot like the insurance coverage of my goodies stolen from my truck. If it was in anyway connected to the vehicle it was not covered.


Anyway that tells ya... just get your Ham license! :lol:

 

[flyingwolf]

insurance coverage of my goodies stolen from my truck. If it was in anyway connected to the vehicle it was not covered.

Wow thats funny. Mine is the exact oppisite. If mine arent nailed down then they are not covered. I have a nice stereo system in my car and if I dont mount the speakers to the car in some fashion (as in I just put them in a box and set them in the trunk) then they will not cover the system.

 

[STiMULi]

Sorry I should have said which insurance;

My homeowners covered stuff left in my truck except...

 

[STiMULi]

I know it is elsewhere on the net but where else but here could you have a more dynamic list of what airlines and situations pertaining to air travel are you alowed to bring a scanner with you.

It would be a good thread to start...


Oh... this is one! :lol:

 

[Voyager]

I know it is elsewhere on the net but where else but here could you have a more dynamic list of what airlines and situations pertaining to air travel are you alowed to bring a scanner with you.

It would be a good thread to start...


Oh... this is one! :lol:

I don't know of ANY that will not allow a scanner to be brought onboard. There are only some that restrict its use. Maybe that's what you meant? Who will let you use it when?

It's safe to say that none will let you use it during takeoff and landing, and only some will let you use it at all.

Joe M.

 

[crayon]

Oh goodie, this topic is being talked about .. yet again.

http://members.cox.net/rr_faq/#2.1

 

[loumaag]

Oh goodie, this topic is being talked about .. yet again.

http://members.cox.net/rr_faq/#2.1

*sigh*

 

[STiMULi]

Oh goodie, this topic is being talked about .. yet again.

http://members.cox.net/rr_faq/#2.1

That link pops up and stifles discussion all over the place doesn't it?

 

[loumaag]

Oh goodie, this topic is being talked about .. yet again.

http://members.cox.net/rr_faq/#2.1

That link pops up and stifles discussion all over the place doesn't it?

Thank goodness. :wink: