Transit through US with a machete
Replies: 11 - Last Post: Sep 6, 2012 5:49 PM Last Post By: JoanR
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Transit through US with a machete
The subject my provoke strong reactions but I genuineky need to know if there will be problems carrying a decorative machete gift in my hold luggage when I fly from Guatemala to UK via Miami. I have just found out that all bags go through customs on transit in US. Would I be utterly stupid to leave the item in my bag and face a grilling from the authorities.According to this website machetes are not viewed as weapons but agricultural tools. Of course they might be a little biased!
http://www.machetespecialists.com/aremailgutoo.html
I would greatly appreciate any advice and if possible any website or evidence to back it up.
Thanks all
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If I were you, I would contact the Guatemala airport, and maybe the U.S. Customs, to discuss it with them.Many years ago (before Sept. 11, which is when things became much more restrictive), I brought a decorative machete home from the Dominican Republic. I asked at the time, and was told that as long as it was not sharpened (mine wasn't), it was fine to put in your luggage.
I think the worst that would happen is that they would take it away, and maybe ask you a few questions. (I assume it looks like a souvenir, so I can't imagine anyone making a big deal about it.)
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As far as airline baggage is concerned, I went to the US TSA web site and used the "Can I Bring…?" tool. You fill in the blank after "Can I Bring..?" I got this boilerplate:In general, you are prohibited from traveling with sharp objects in your carry-on baggage; please pack these items in your checked baggage. Scissors smaller than 4 inches, small needles carried for special medical needs, and other sharp objects that do not contain a blade may be placed in carry-on baggage.
Any sharp objects placed in carry-on or checked baggage should be properly sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to TSOs and baggage handlers.
Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.
Make sure the dang thing is clean and free of dirt. US agriculture rules are strict about soil. (Hint, clean your shoes as much as you can.) Wrap it in cardboard, even if it's not sharp.
Watch out for those endangered species issues.
Make sure you are otherwise spotless. No fruit or veggies or anything of the living plant persuasion, such as flowers or seeds--unless you declare them. If you declare them, they may be confiscated if on a prohibited list.
That includes coffee. Roasted coffee is not an issue; green beans might be.
No meat products of any kind. Rules on what is OK and what is not (even canned meat) are so complex that it's not worth coping.
It goes without saying--nothing that the US or the UK definitely considers illegal. You know what I mean.
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I always take sharp implements in my checked luggage when going to and from Guat. More menacing than a souvenir machete. (most of which seem to be made in El Salvador). Never had a problem. Wrap it securely. I could careless about it slicing some pedo from the TSA but if it rattles in your luggage you might find shredded shirts. Just don't make wise cracks about it. Probably shouldn't have it engraved Allah Akbhar.7
I never leave home without my machete (Nicaraguan) when going to the tropics, snakes and thieves everywhere...9
"I never leave home without my machete (Nicaraguan) when going to the tropics, snakes and thieves everywhere... "Since you are in Chicago that should apply to going to the local grocery store. I never go off the mountain unarmed. Stockton is essentially third world... just a lower literacy rate.
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Streets of westside Chicago AK47 is best, especially around the area that Obama did his 'Community Organizing & Activism"....he didnt build squat there....other than a ponzi land scheme at tax payers expense for some cronies...http://directorblue.blogspot.com/2008/07/photo-gallery-results-of-obamas.html
