Good idea. I think this rule is one reason that national events are drawing fewer entries than in the past. When you contact the gov, remind them that THOUSANDS of pool players fly to tournaments every year.
Carrying cues on a plane!
- Thread starter jay helfert
- Start date
In the political world (with Legislators,congressman etc ) a letter from one person is considered as equivalent to Two Hundred Votes.
Seems like a perfect thing for the BCA to tackle. Maybe they will get involved and cause some Change :rotflmao1:
My 2 cents...little rant in here too.
I wrote a few letters, emails and made phone calls to my congressman over the years about this. I really miss being able to travel with my cue and enjoying the feeling that it's going to be reliably in my possession when I land at my destination. I'm glad they allow us to check all the stuff they deem dangerous but it's not like my cue took up that much room in the overhead compartment and it's not like there was any reason to get it mid-flight if I could even with all the bags on top of it. The only time prior to the list, I ever checked my cue in a bigger suitcase was when I wasn't traveling light and I had more bags then allowed if I hadn't placed it in another bag. From what I hear on here, I got lucky my cue was still there and my bags were put on the right plane.
The response from my congressman has been that they aren't that high a danger item compared to other items on the list but the possibility still exists that someone could cause harm with one so they will remain on the list for the time being.
My point is that to someone who is demented enough, creative enough and so motivated, I'm sure just about anything could be made to be dangerous to others whether brought on the plan or found there. What's next, people aren't going to be allowed because we can think of ways to use things as they might not be intended? What about people with combat training? I would hate to see our military hero's, police and anyone who's martial arts trained not be allowed to fly for having skills the general public may not have.
True story... I was attacked on a rainy day while walking to work, when I lived in Buffalo, by someone violent trying to rob me at knife point and I beat the living crap out of him with a closed midsize umbrella. Wasn't even a metal point golf umbrella. Now THAT would have been serious weaponry!
I'm pretty happy the TSA didn't go further than they did with their list and include umbrellas, house keys, laptops, or any of the other things the average traveler may need with them.
I'll continue to write my congressman to get pool cues off the list. I hope someday soon we can enjoy that privilege again.
I wrote a few letters, emails and made phone calls to my congressman over the years about this. I really miss being able to travel with my cue and enjoying the feeling that it's going to be reliably in my possession when I land at my destination. I'm glad they allow us to check all the stuff they deem dangerous but it's not like my cue took up that much room in the overhead compartment and it's not like there was any reason to get it mid-flight if I could even with all the bags on top of it. The only time prior to the list, I ever checked my cue in a bigger suitcase was when I wasn't traveling light and I had more bags then allowed if I hadn't placed it in another bag. From what I hear on here, I got lucky my cue was still there and my bags were put on the right plane.
The response from my congressman has been that they aren't that high a danger item compared to other items on the list but the possibility still exists that someone could cause harm with one so they will remain on the list for the time being.
My point is that to someone who is demented enough, creative enough and so motivated, I'm sure just about anything could be made to be dangerous to others whether brought on the plan or found there. What's next, people aren't going to be allowed because we can think of ways to use things as they might not be intended? What about people with combat training? I would hate to see our military hero's, police and anyone who's martial arts trained not be allowed to fly for having skills the general public may not have.
True story... I was attacked on a rainy day while walking to work, when I lived in Buffalo, by someone violent trying to rob me at knife point and I beat the living crap out of him with a closed midsize umbrella. Wasn't even a metal point golf umbrella. Now THAT would have been serious weaponry!
I'm pretty happy the TSA didn't go further than they did with their list and include umbrellas, house keys, laptops, or any of the other things the average traveler may need with them.
I'll continue to write my congressman to get pool cues off the list. I hope someday soon we can enjoy that privilege again.
Umbrellas ARE serious weaponry. A guy I know once beat a man to death with an umbrella.
Just curious on how many attacks occurred on flights with a pool cue prior to 9/11. I tried to look for any instances but couldnt find any. I also find it amusing that the TSA (according to their list) groups a pool cue in the same class as a spear-gun.
If I may offer a suggestion. May have already been offered. Handwrite letters and have one person hand deliver them to a senator. There is a senator here who I don't know directly but have met and I can deliver. We honestly need a few hundred letters and a nice long petition would be nice also.
If anyone wants to hand write a letter about the loss, theft, damage , shipping costs of a cue I'll hand deliver.
Was told once while emails get read it's viewed ad much stronger for hand written letters.
If anyone wants to hand write a letter about the loss, theft, damage , shipping costs of a cue I'll hand deliver.
Was told once while emails get read it's viewed ad much stronger for hand written letters.
This is one of the best posts and ideas that i've read in a long time. Thanks Jay for this thread and idea to help traveling pool players protect their cues from airline baggage damage and theft!
James
Cues on airplanes as "Carry-On"
Great idea Jay.... In the meantime here is how I do it: I pack my cue case w/cues in a case designed to transport a rifle/shotgun. It gets special handling before and after flight. When you arrive at your destination, it is hand delivered to you at baggage department.
Great idea Jay.... In the meantime here is how I do it: I pack my cue case w/cues in a case designed to transport a rifle/shotgun. It gets special handling before and after flight. When you arrive at your destination, it is hand delivered to you at baggage department.
I've checked one in a Fellini 1x2 inside a regurlar suitcase but the thought makes me cringe. It did then, too. I went from South Carolina to New York State.
Great Idea Jay! Thanks.
It was very easy to do, Jay.
Thanks a lot.
Regards,
Lock N Load.
It was very easy to do, Jay.
Thanks a lot.
Regards,
Lock N Load.
I don't like doing it; however, I have checked my cues in the cue case (not in a suitcase) several times and have had no issues. One time it did get "lost" for a little while, but it showed up later so it was only a minor issue.
I do worry every time I do it though and will be worrying this Sunday when I do it again on my way to Vegas.
I also go to Valley Forge every year and bought a 2nd (4th actually) cue to leave with my best friend. Therefore, I can avoid it when I go back to Baltimore for vacation or go to my once a year pilgrimige to Valley Forge.
I have thought about going the Fed Ex route and think that is a good option. However, given my experience with the airlines, I do have some faith in them.
Now yer probably going to tell us that they also banned Snakes on a Plane too, right?