Not planning to try this, just curious

November 21, 2006 6:56 AM

Has anyone taken ice through airport security? It's a solid, of course, but I wonder (idly) what the reaction would be.
posted by amtho to travel & transportation (11 comments total)

Found this, but it seems hearsay-ish.

This would be in the US.
posted by amtho at 7:01 AM on November 21, 2006

I heard that NPR story...crazy, but true, I think.
posted by lobstah at 7:09 AM on November 21, 2006

I've gotta assume they wouldn't allow something that's guaranteed to start turning into a prohibited substance, within minutes, if it stays in the passenger's possession.

In practical terms (just in case anybody else *is* thinking of trying this), I imagine it would be both prohibited and -- if you presented it as clever or a challenge -- probably interpreted as a reason to give you some extra scrutiny.
posted by allterrainbrain at 7:18 AM on November 21, 2006

So.. you try it, in a relatively small amount and if challenged discard without fuss and apologize
posted by edgeways at 7:29 AM on November 21, 2006

Also, ice (or some other chilling agent) is one of the substances required for the theoretical explosive-making that triggered this whole asinine prohibition. So - no, the TSAgents would probably be unamused.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 8:01 AM on November 21, 2006

Interesting; at least one London airport permits "Up to 2kg of dry ice for perishable goods in cabin only." (link)
posted by amtho at 8:10 AM on November 21, 2006

The NPR story is right - here's the boing boing post that links to more info:

The money quote:
"or you couldn't use ice, because that would be ... liquid."
posted by chrisamiller at 8:44 AM on November 21, 2006

Well, if ice is a liquid, what about solidified jello? According to the engineering definition of a liquid, jello post-fridge is definitely a solid. (sorry to derail)
posted by muddgirl at 8:44 AM on November 21, 2006

I suspect that you're subject to the whims of whatever TSA personnel happen to be working when you pass through.
posted by KAS at 9:05 AM on November 21, 2006

muddgirl: I cleared Heathrow security with a 1oz jar of Bonne Maman Orange Marmalade in my carry-on. Two days later, some especially diligent TSA employees at San Jose International confiscated it. I doubt they would let Jello slide either.
posted by fourstar at 9:48 AM on November 21, 2006

Interesting; at least one London airport permits "Up to 2kg of dry ice for perishable goods in cabin only." (link)

So... O.G. the wiseass says use the dry ice to keep your water ice frozen (is ice, technically, "perishable?") Then take the ice out of the cooler in the cabin and you've got water.

But of course it's thinking like that that gets O.G. the wiseass detained indefinitely. :(
posted by Opposite George at 5:59 PM on November 21, 2006