TSA after RAP

AnemoneBay · Mar 27, 2019

Hello! I’m going to RAP Cali in April, from RI. I know TSA allows live fish if they’re swimming after inspection, but what about corals? Do I need to get a document from RAP that allows me to bring live corals through TSA? I know my airline allows them too. And no, I’m not buying one of those stupid $30 frag containers if you’re going to recommend that.

dylana407 · Mar 27, 2019

You can carry on.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/live-coral

Eggs · Mar 28, 2019

There’s another post with a lengthy discussion on the same topic.
One poster mentioned he was denied by TSA from bringing MACNA frags last year in Vegas. Seems to be mixed results with TSA agents at the checkpoints.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reefapalooza-buying-frags-airplane-ride.575355/

dylana407 · Mar 28, 2019

At the bottom of the TSA post, it said it is up to the agent discretion. I would say e nice and polite, have the link ready to show the agent. Worse case scenario, ask to speak to the supervisor. Have receipt to show the agent. Good luck.
I know 1 person who put the box of corals in the check-in luggage. It travelled safely to the destination.

Eggs · Mar 29, 2019

When I was moving from Ohio to Florida I brought two corals with me in checked luggage when I was going back and forth. Left a note on the containers explaining what it was because they do scan those bags. I’ve traveled places and sometimes will bring home multiple jars of bbq sauce or something similar. They do search your bags when they see something like that.
But there seems to lack consistency with TSA at various airports.

ReeferBean · Apr 4, 2019

I hope your going to Orlando this weekend and not Cali!

RAP Cali is August 17th & 18th!

I've brought corals on a plane in specimen cups under the liquid volume limit, as well as put a cooler in my checked back. I don't think you are technically supposed to put them in your checked luggage though. I also brought clownfish home in a larger bag via carry on... I got violated during screening and frisking and several weird looks, but I was able to get through.

dylana407 · Apr 4, 2019

ReeferBean said:
I hope your going to Orlando this weekend and not Cali! RAP Cali is August 17th & 18th!

I've brought corals on a plane in specimen cups under the liquid volume limit, as well as put a cooler in my checked back. I don't think you are technically supposed to put them in your checked luggage though. I also brought clownfish home in a larger bag via carry on... I got violated during screening and frisking and several weird looks, but I was able to get through.

So you can have multiple cups as long as the volume of each cup within the limit?

ReeferBean · Apr 4, 2019

dylana407 said:
So you can have multiple cups as long as the volume of each cup within the limit?

I have before, although its not like I had a giant box full. So exercise some restraint LOL I know it will be hard. Like others said you may get that one TSA guy or supervisor that hassles you and your corals go in the garbage.

Shipping to yourself is also an option, but yes that would be additional $$$$.