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Here is a picture of what I am trying to bring onto the plane. I thought since it is wooden, it might pose a threat. I'd really appreciate any help.

Flying from LGA, NYC, and I do not have any checked in baggage because it is Basic Economy flight.

enter image description here

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    The security rules and limits you'll face depend on several factors: the location of the departing airport, the flight's destination, and the identity of the carrier. As asked, it's impossible to answer. OTOH, given that this object is large enough to be wielded as a weapon, I think it's unlikely to be accepted as a carry-on. Put it in checked baggage, or leave it home.
    – DavidRecallsMonica
    Dec 14, 2018 at 17:46
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    @David: The tsa tag suggests that the poster is flying in the US, or at least departing from there. In the US, security rules are mainly set by the TSA and are pretty uniform across airlines. So I think this should be answerable.
    – Nate Eldredge
    Dec 14, 2018 at 18:37
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    Even with Basic Economy you can still check bags - you just have to pay, same as for regular economy tickets. So you get to decide whether it's worth $25 or whatever to bring this with you, or if it's better to leave it behind, ship it to your destination, etc.
    – Nate Eldredge
    Dec 14, 2018 at 18:39
  • @NateEldredge You're right, I glossed right over that info. OTOH, others who view this page might find it useful to be reminded that the rules under circumstances X may be difference from those under circumstances Y.
    – DavidRecallsMonica
    Dec 14, 2018 at 19:02
  • FWIW, some destinations may also have regulations regarding importing wooden items. If you're flying from LGA to Australia, for example, you'll probably at least have to declare the item and be prepared to submit it for inspection upon arriving.
    – A C
    Dec 15, 2018 at 4:01

3 Answers 3

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I asked https://www.facebook.com/AskTSA and they've told me that it is not allowed in carry-on bags.

(12:44:55 PM) Ask TSA: We're glad you asked! Rolling pins must be packed in checked bags. Safe travels! -Kirsey

(12:46:42 PM) 可买: So I cannot bring them onto the plane with my carry-on luggage? (I don't have any checked in luggage)

(12:53:15 PM) Ask TSA: That's correct.. Rolling pins aren't allowrd in carry-on bags. - Kirsey

(12:53:24 PM) 可买: Thank you Kirsey!

enter image description here

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    If you've answered your own question and there is no better answer, you should accept your answer.
    – tomasz
    Dec 16, 2018 at 15:53
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    I wanted to add an update, I successfully got through TSA in EWR with the rolling pin. However, I still don't suggest trying it, I think I was lucky and I only did it because this (second) time, I actually had a chance to check in my bag and if TSA refused, I was going to go back and check in.
    – Kemal Tezer Dilsiz
    Dec 23, 2018 at 23:46
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If you don't mind risking losing it I would take it with you anyway. The worst they are likely to do is confiscate it. If they decide that is what they want to do accept it to avoid further escalation.

I once flew with a piece of 1-inch diameter steel bar stock a foot long out of Stansted, London, UK, as I was going to see a friend in Spain who had a lathe and I didn't want the hassle of obtaining the item at my destination.

I was upfront about it: I placed my bag in the tray for the scanner, with the bar unpacked beside it. The tray was inevitably selected for further inspection. The security guy politely asked me why I was carrying the item. Convinced by my story and my non-threatening demeanor he called his supervisor. After the further pleasant conversation, they allowed me to keep the item, for which I thanked them.

I'm sure if I asked an official advice line if that kind of item were allowed they would tell me no. But I got lucky on the day. For a low-value item, it can be worth taking the risk.

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Since rolling pins are not listed specifically on the list on TSA's list of What Can I Bring?...

The most similar item listed seems to be Nunchucks which are prohibited in carry-on bags. Images of nunchucks.

I'd say, from experience, the odds of it passing through the terminal entrance are 20%, and that would be if the screener didn't really notice it.

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    They don't really look all that similar to me.
    – kasperd
    Dec 14, 2018 at 23:09
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    @Johns-305 nunchucks have the key property of being two lengths of rounded wood, joined with a rope. They do not look the same (much smaller diameter) and they are not wielded the same in a fight. Except for material, there’s essentially no comparison, they’re certainly not ”very similar”...
    – Tim
    Dec 15, 2018 at 0:31
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    @Tim To be clear, I did not describe them as 'very similar'. I said 'most similar item listed'. Please re-read the Answer. I also made no mention of their use since that is hardly relevant (please provide the relevant quote), only their physical similarity to a rolling pin. Given this misunderstanding, I'd ask you remove the unwarranted Downvote, if you cast it.
    – DTRT
    Dec 15, 2018 at 0:42
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    +1 I would say they we similar if not exactly the same items.The rolling pin would be covered by the comment under baseball bats that 'club like' objects are not allowed as carry ones.
    – Sarriesfan
    Dec 15, 2018 at 2:02
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    Yup, @Sarriesfan beat me to it but baseball bats are a lot closer, and to quote the TSA site, "Sports equipment that can be used as a bludgeon (such as bats and clubs) is prohibited in the cabin of the plane and must be transported in your checked baggage." See also cricket bats, billy clubs, golf clubs...
    – A C
    Dec 15, 2018 at 3:57

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