hello all ... i've been a lurker for a while, every time i've had a question so far i've come up with more than enough info to answer my basic questions so i just sit back and search and absorb. but i do have a question now that i couldn't find any info on.

it's kind of a crazy question, but i was just wondering if anyone has taken a mint amp through airport security recently, and if so, did you have any problems? i'm pretty seriously thinking about trying to contact one of the head-fi guys that builds them (i'd damage myself and any boards if i tried to build one myself ... heh) and getting one, but the thought just crossed my mind that a goofy looking electronic device inside a mint tin might look suspicious to the sometimes over-zealous security checkpoints? i don't fly that often, so i'll probably end up ordering one for other travel use, but just kind of curious to see if anyone has had any experience here. thanks in advance for any info!

<EDIT>edited the topic to make it appear as a question, not an experience</EDIT>

to me the mint tin makes it look like youre trying to hide it, i personally would get it in a different case.
WELCOME TO HEAD-FI SORRY ABOUT YOURE WALLET

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azwr,

I just happen to be at this internet kiosk (100 yen / 10 min!) in the gate area and got my mint thorugh with no problem. It did not show on the x-ray since they never took it out of the cloth bag that I had it in along with my iPod and ety. They are very thorough here at Narita and ran my carry on through three times, taking out some metal that I had in there. When I checked in my bags they did a search of one of the two that I had. Kind of a pain, but when you think about it you feel safer that "everyone" is going through it.

Take care,
fractus

I wouldn't think it would be much of a problem as long as you can prove what it is. Make sure you have cans and music along, as well as contact info of where the security person can get their own

The longest delays I have had at airports have been due to my traveling setup. However, it has not been for what you think. It was due to the inspectors wanting to look at it and write down website info. The worse place was Orlando, the guy who looked at it called over three of his friends. They were amazed at the packaging and one wanted to listen. Lucky for me I had the EM-7s along on that trip. Just throw it in a bag and send it through xray and you should not have a problem.

thanks for all the info guys ... i was betting that as long as i could demonstrate what it was it wouldn't be too much of a problem, especially if it was in a bag with my pcdp and earbuds.

and yeah, my wallet is already starting to feel lighter and i'm only beggining my headphone craze. good thing i've got a decent job this summer between semesters ... the problem is i'm also a home recording nut so my wallet is being pulled in too many directions . thanks again for the info

It's really not a problem. I've been through many airports many times with a JMT-built CHA47 Altoids amp. It will be hand checked since (of course) you will be taking it with you on the flight as a carry on item! I also have a JMT-built META42 that doesn't look so suspicious. Maybe they can tell I'm an audio nut when they see a couple of pcdp's in my Headroom travel bag, or perhaps it's the carrying case stuffed with 208 CDs that gives me away?

Never had a mint amp, which I can see might be a bit more suspicious, but I've gone through security with a super mini and a portable Meta and have no problems.

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What, with the knobs and switches and jacks and blinking lights sticking out of it? Hide? It calls attention to itself!

I don't have any experience with this kind of thing (I haven't flown with an amp yet), but it seems to me that you should be okay. A mint tin amp is small and mostly harmless looking; sure, it's a curiosity, and of course it will draw some attention now and then, but it's hard to get scared of a mint tin with two batteries and a bit of circuitry in it. The fact that you can open the lid is a great help here.

Now, a big DIY amp in an opaque case....that might be a little too scary for the screeners. Even if you prove to them that it amplifies music, they could still wonder if there isn't something else besides an amplifier in there.