Max width for TSA X-ray scanner?
 

Hi.

Can I fit a case with a min width of 25.5'' through the TSA xray scanner? I can't find the answer anywhere on the internets.

A related but separate topic about traveling with my brompton using the SKB 2222-12 hard case. Since I can gate check for free, I'd rather not have to arrive at the airport at least 45 minutes in advance (I commute weekly, small airports, etc.), so I'd rather send the hard case right through the TSA xray scanners and then since the luggage size is too big for a carry-on, I'd gate check it. Right now, it's either just stick the bike on the scanner and send it through (this can be done) or put it in the hard case and send it through.

I'm not terribly interested in check-in options. Thanks, guys.

Most TSA scanners are designed to handle items up to 24 inches wide and 16 inches high when laying on the belt. On some scanners, the metal opening plate at the X-ray entrance can be flipped up to allow slightly larger items to be scanned. However, any given scanner could be different, so I suggest contacting TSA at the airport where you expect to board.

Question answered!! Thank you so much! I’ll follow-up this morning with TSA at the two airports as I walk through the security clearance this morning. :)Edit: The skb lineup has a 3119 that fits through the scanners and has a 19.5” internal width and 22” external width....but is way ovee the 62 linear inch reqt. :(

I have the B&W hard case. It is the standard for Brompton and has always made it through TSA. and has the space. It is slightly over the size limit but no one has measured it yet. They airlines always weight it.

Right! I should have clarified - I’m interested in taking the bike through the carry-on scanners and gate checking it so it doesn’t experience the harsh automated baggage handlers.

If I were to check it, I would indeed go with the multitude of solutions shared on this site (soft cases, hard cases, etc.). Thank you!

This could actually be it's own thread but in well north of 200 flights with my folder checked in, only once did the bike suffer damage and that was a broken spoke from a TSA inspector not putting everything back properly. It is way easier to drop the bike in its case at the counter and walk to the plane with a light backpack. I'd be curious how many out there had damage out of how many trips.

Thanks for your experienced response. I decided to forego the gate check and instead go with the regular check-in approach. Getting to the airport 40 min early is, well, doable enough! My SKB box is en route.

Is your checked bike luggage within the 62 linear inch size limit of most airlines? And has any airline person asked to measure it?

I have 2 cases for 2 folders, a 20 inch and a 24 inch. Both oversized. Never been measured but always under 50 pounds. My experience is if it's under the weight nothing happens. I usually arrive under an hour before my flight drop it at the counter and precheck through security. Boarding is 30 minutes before the flight time, so dropping it off around the 45 minute mark puts me at the gate right at boarding time.

If you want to take it as carry on you just take it through unbagged. TSA does not care. You need a bag or covering when you get to the gate. You can take it in on larger jets and store it in the overhead. If something goes wrong, then gate check. I know people who do this but I prefer to check it as luggage.

That's good to know that people generally like to check things as opposed to bring it on the plane even if they have the opportunity. I fly in small planes so I'll never get it in the overhead.

I'm following in your footsteps! And you have a ton of experience doing this, which is awesome. hanks for the confidence that they won't check the actual measurements of the bag. I just got in the SKB case. While it's only 64 linear inches, due to the square shape and the weight (~20lbs - with the Brompton I expect it to be 47lbs-ish), it feels gargantuan.