portable headphone amp and the TSA

[bjw]

Hey all,

I am flying this afternoon and am planning on bringing my portable headphone amp in my carry on bag. I won't have any full size cans, just my IEMs with me (which might make explaining what it is even harder). Has anyone had problems getting through security with one? It does look rather odd if you don't know what it is, especially when tethered to my ipod and there is a LOD between them.

[boomana]

Zero problem, even when I've had multiple portables with me, like when I traveled to the MOA meet.

[thrice]

I've never had a problem either. But some folks have.... Texas airports seem to be the worst. At least that's what I remember from seeing threads on HF about it. I've flown in and out of Reagan, Dulles and BWI near DC and never had a problem.

[n_maher]

Just go preparing to have to calmly explain what it is, what it does and why they should treat it the same as an Ipod. It may be aggravating but I think your attitude about it will go a long way towards whether or not there's a problem. My guess is that if it's in carry-on luggage they may take a look at it but that's about it.

[Fungi]

Start talking about the amazing sonic qualities of opamps and capacitors and overwhelm them with geek power. Maybe throw in an aside about the current portable market and USB DACs.

[Voltron]

I have flown many times with amps, often two of them at a time, and they have asked me what the amp was one time. No discussion, just asked.