Packing panniers to avoid airport problems
 

I'm leaving for Europe soon and want to avoid trouble with airport security concerning items they may consider offensive such as alcohol stove, tent pegs, tools, et al.

Right now I'm planning to check both panniers and the bike and just carry on my handlebar bag with passport, cards, music, camera and other valuables.

I'm not carrying matches or stove fuel. I've washed out the stove so it smells of Mr Clean (M. Net). How do they know if I'm carrying something that is banned once I check my baggage? The only thing I've seen being searched is the carry on.

They will x-ray and search checked baggage - It may be a random procedure, I don't know.

Some airlines will not let you carry a used stove - cleaned out or not -but it hasn't happened to me. I have also heard weird tales of items like tube patch glue being confiscated.

I haven't had any problems on my last two trans Atlantic flights, I made sure all my tools, cutlery, camping equipment was in my checked baggage and carried travel documents, camera etc in my carry on.

When are you leaving?

They x-ray, or "scan" everything nowadays. If you fly out of smaller airports, you can see them doing it, due to the lack of "behind the scene" space. Heck, in Istanbul they scan/x-ray everything rite at the entrance to the terminal, before you get in. They probably check again behind the scenes there.

They also use a swab on the inside of bags-I assume checking for chemicals. I've no idea what they're specifically checking (ie for drugs, volotiles, or "bomb" residue) , nor what cross-reacts (giving false readings) with they're swab. It may be a good idea to double wrap an absolutely clean stove in double ziplocks, inside your bag.

I'm sure they also randomly open and physically search through bags that didn't flag on the scan, or swab.

Flying for a tour, I take one pannier and my handlebar bag as carryons. The rest of my gear goes in a big duffle bag, with the other empty panniers flat on the bottom. I've plenty of space to pack my helmet/saddle+seatpost/pedals, plus other stuff I don't normally put in panniers like my tent/bag/pad.

I'd think it works out easier for them to search (if need be), and then re-pack. Also, I lay a big sign ontop (inside) the duffle which reads something like: "cycling/trekking gear for Xmonth trip, no fuel or contraband. Please list anything taken". I tape a pen to the sign as well. None of my stuffs been bothered (yet**) over 2 tours and a trek-post 9/11. Our stuff has to look weird on a scanner (tools, pedals, stove etc).

**I've only flown with canister type stoves (sans canister), which don't have the residual odor problem.

[edit] Adding: If you're concerned about your stove or other stuff being confiscated/scrutinized, you can mail it to yourself if you've the time. I mailed some fuel cannisters, and MACE spray to myself for the trek. I wasn't sure I'd be able to buy them at my destination. I sent them ground transport per UPS guidelines at the time (summer '02). I e-mailed the hostel I was staying at to see if they'd mind holding the package for me-no problem.