Roll of duct tape - OK in carry on luggage?

[RSD]

Thought that I had better check on this one before I do it - is airport security likely to get upset about a roll of duct tape in carry on luggage? Have to tape up a box that will be going checked luggage and so want to put the remainder of the roll in my carry on rather than bin it.

 

[luckypierre]

Thought that I had better check on this one before I do it - is airport security likely to get upset about a roll of duct tape in carry on luggage? Have to tape up a box that will be going checked luggage and so want to put the remainder of the roll in my carry on rather than bin it.

Years ago a colleague had a couple of rolls of Electrical Insulation tape confiscated at an Australian airport. Take it and be prepared to lose it.

 

[kelvedon]

Thought that I had better check on this one before I do it - is airport security likely to get upset about a roll of duct tape in carry on luggage? Have to tape up a box that will be going checked luggage and so want to put the remainder of the roll in my carry on rather than bin it.

Just tell them your an aircraft engineer

 

[NM]

I suggest that you exchange the "duct tape" for a more suitable packaging tape product. Duct Tape, and Gaffer Tape, are less effective for cardboard box sealing than many other tape products that are designed for sealing cardboard packaging boxes. The adhesive on duct tape (and gaffer tape) grabs the very outer layer of the cardboard and then is "saturated" by the fibres of the cardboard and has no depth of stick, and after a very short time and with just a little force it just gives away.

I use proper gaff tape (Nashua 357) for a lot of things, including tasks such as repairing jazz shoes before daughter's performances, and I buy the stuff by the carton so its always on hand, but never use it for closing cardboard packaging boxes because it just does not work well and cheap packaging tape does a better job.

You will likely get a better packaging result with a $2 roll of packaging tape than with duct tape. And if security folks don't like the left over roll of packaging tape, then its a $2 throw away if confiscated. You can buy a 2-roll pack of packaging tape from office/stationery supply outlets for under $3 - tape one to the airport and keep the other at home for next time. For $1.50, toss the left-over in the bin at the airport of concerned.

However, I very much doubt any type of tape will cause a concern at a security screening checkpoint.

 

[luxury-lizard]

I've had a roll of duct tape (or some sort of packing tape) confiscated at a Singapore security check - I was very surprised.

 

[RSD]

Many thanks for all of the replies - will work out another way of doing things, and NM - you are officially appointed as the Forum Sticky Tape Guru!

 

[clifford]

I've had small rolls of electrical insulation tape queried at CBR a few times in the past, but nothing in recent times.

I find this type of tape to be very versatile, despite its humble look.

 

[zig]

Can I ask the dumb question. Why is this tape being confiscated?

 

[RooFlyer]

Can I ask the dumb question. Why is this tape being confiscated?

Presumably because it could be used to immobilise crew.

 

[zig]

Presumably because it could be used to immobilise crew.

Aaahh... Obviously I lack the imagination to consider such uses

 

[Stealthflyer]

Presumably because it could be used to immobilise crew.

I had packing tape confiscated once. I’ve always tried to imagine how a small lady would do any harm with half a roll of packing tape.

Curiously, I went through MEL international last Friday with some strapping tape for my ankle. They were going to take it from me on the basis of the scan (thinking it was gaffer I suppose), but when they saw the box they waved me through. So, strapping tape: fine, packing tape: danger.

 

[tdimdad]

I had packing tape confiscated once. I’ve always tried to imagine how a small lady would do any harm with half a roll of packing tape.

In the eyes of the security, you could be a well chosen courier for someone onboard who has plans for the tape.

I had similar questions about the swabs: why did I get them done every second time going through the security checks pre-pandemic? Surely, I don't look like a prime suspect of carrying illicit goods (or, I hope I look pretty normal).

 

[serfty]

I had a roll of tape confiscated in CNS domestic about 20 years ago. I had bought the roll to seal a small foam esky of chilled seafood.

 

[Gremlin]

I had packing tape confiscated once. I’ve always tried to imagine how a small lady would do any harm with half a roll of packing tape.

Curiously, I went through MEL international last Friday with some strapping tape for my ankle. They were going to take it from me on the basis of the scan (thinking it was gaffer I suppose), but when they saw the box they waved me through. So, strapping tape: fine, packing tape: danger.

I've got a dodgy shoulder (and ankle and other ankle and...) and I once had strapping tape confiscated.

 

[Happy Dude]

I had packing tape confiscated once. I’ve always tried to imagine how a small lady would do any harm with half a roll of packing tape.

I've had a (yes, singular) 10cm plastic cable tie confiscated. Imagine the carnage a decent sized dude could cause if that got onboard!

 

[pyffii]

I had a roll of duct tape confiscated at BNE last month on a domestic flight to Melbourne ...Grr

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

In the eyes of the security, you could be a well chosen courier for someone onboard who has plans for the tape.

I had similar questions about the swabs: why did I get them done every second time going through the security checks pre-pandemic? Surely, I don't look like a prime suspect of carrying illicit goods (or, I hope I look pretty normal).

The swab test on dom flights is to test for *omb residue.
But they used to pick 5 pax to do on, how do they know which pax it is that has the positive result, is always what I wanted to know, but never asked... never instigate anything that might hold me up, tho, maybe its the fear in me.
Same as int flights, if its done by sec, its for *omb residue.
If its done by ABF, then the swabs are for drugs.

 

[Tiki]

I just buy the cheapest possible roll of packing tape and use the whole thing on the box, even if I double or triple wrap it.

 

[fly2earth]

Can I ask the dumb question. Why is this tape being confiscated?

because Breaking BAg?

Post automatically merged: Jun 15, 2024

Just tell them your an aircraft engineer

View attachment 390204

Please tell me what airline it is I will not ever pay safety tax to fly on that airline again

 

[RooFlyer]

But they used to pick 5 pax to do on, how do they know which pax it is that has the positive result, is always what I wanted to know, but never asked...

If they get a +ve result, they will then re-test everyone in that group, individually.

If they don't get many +ves during a day (and you'd expect that was the case), then its a quicker way for them to screen more people.