Transporting measurement devices

[WIM32]

Hello all,

I have a non-technical question, but since there is much experience with measurement equipment available in the forum, maybe you can help me out.
Our engineers travel around the world with measurement equipment (analyser, sensors and impact hammer). Since we do not have over-capacity in equipment, there is no time the ship the equipment to the customer's site; this is the reason the engineers carry it with them in the plane. Unfortunately we are facing increasing problems with travelling to the US, Asia and in Europe Israel. The airlines sometimes do not want to take our equipment on-board (It's one suitcase, containing all items), causing all kinds of problems and delays (as you can imagine). Do you have experience with air-plane travelling together with equipment? Any experience or comment is welcome.
Thanks,
Wim

 

[MikeyP]

The only problem I have had was obtaining temporary import licences for equipment, ie a visa which proves you are there to use the equipment rather than sell it.

M

--
Dr Michael F Platten

 

[sms]

I carry vibration equipment as checked baggage back and forth from the US to Europe all the time, and I have never had any problems at all. Even in the weeks directly after 9/11. There have been a few times that the security people will ask me what all this stuff is, and I tell them it is computer equipment. That usually is good enough. Traveling on a US passport may help though. What country are you operating out of?

Also, are you saying the airlines don't want to let you check your equipment, or they don't want to let you bring it on board as cabin baggage? I have never tried to bring it on as cabin baggage, I always check it.

 

[GregLocock]

I suggest you send your engineers first class. If they insist on taking their gear as hand luggage I am sure the airline will find a way.




Cheers

Greg Locock

 

[WIM32]

sms: We are operating out of the Netherlands. The airlines let us check the equipment, but at customs, they pick them out of the line to open the luggage and then they have to explain what is inside (sometimes, they even had to do an actual measurement of the office floor!). Most of the times, no one wants to take responsibility, so this takes an hour or so before they can pass through. And sometimes (like travelling to Israel), the equipment may not be checked in at all, only after being checked by an expert (?), who is of course unfindable, when you're from Taipei via Bangkok to Tel Aviv. I thought that there is some sort of waiver available, that can be filled out before traveling that says all is ok..?
Greg: in these rough economic times, we cannot compete with other companies when our engineers travel first class. The projects simply become unprofitable then.
thanks though
rgrds
Wim