How to fly with chips (5 Viewers)

[sup_squidy]

Hey folks long time no chat but always lurking... Question for the forum here. How do I safely travel with a chip set for a weekend bachelor trip in Puerto Rico?
I'm sure you guys fly around with sets for meet up games all the time. Tips tricks and advice? I don't want to have any issues traveling where this looks like money laundering or something that looks like money unclaimed and have problems with airport security. I wasn't gonna pack the whole apache case but rather just throw some Paulson cardboard boxes in my bag maybe a 400-500 chip bank for our tiny stakes. Let me know if it would be better to travel with the apache case, buy a lock ect. Any advice would be helpful thank you!

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Carry-on Versa case is the perfect use for this. I've been stopped because the chips look suspicious on the X-ray but this is easy enough to open and show. I also like keeping my cards/dealer buttons/everything I need in the box, if I'm only bringing 500 chips. That's all you need for a cash set.

https://www.amazon.com/Versa-Games-600pc-Deluxe-Carrier/dp/B07XYGD2XR

If you're going to lock the case use a TSA approved lock or they may cut it. Alternatively you could definitely throw some boxes into your backpack but I would be careful traveling and may worry about chucking my backpack somewhere.

 

[cpac54]

Carry-on in an Apache-style hard case. Be prepared to open up whatever you carry the chips in and show them at security - they will want to inspect them.

 

[ekricket]

I never never never check my chips. I carry them with me at all times.

The same AI tech they use in the carry in screenings is the same one that looks at your checked bags thru xray. Once they are flagged, and they will be, they will be opened and inspected and who knows what else when you aren’t around and they are in the back room of the luggage sorting wharehouse.

I’d rather they do that inspection in front of me do I can see what happens with my chips.

 

[Kam]

I’ve travelled domestically last year and internationally this week, both with Apache’s.

First time they opened the case, did the swab test - pulled out one rack and TSA agent said, ‘cool set bro’:

Just travelled internationally with another Apache case full with 11 racks, didn’t get stopped at security and zero questions:

I don’t think the case matters, but if it’s going to have to go through X-Ray or get stuffed in overhead luggage etc, I’d recommend a hardsided case vs backpack. Unless you have justin racks that’ll protect the chips, but then you’ll likely want to put painters tape to hold the racks together.

I also got thick elastic bands to hold my justin racks together, but it’s a bit overkill in the apache:

Apache cases can be down to $25-$30 in harbor freight. I prefer them to the versa since the padding is more custom and holds everything tight regardless if the case is on it’s side /flat etc. Plus the apache is designed to be knocked around a little more compared to the versa, the construction isn’t as robust.

My versa case (the style below) I wouldn’t take on an airplane since it has to stay vertical otherwise the chips/racks go flying:

I put a small TSA padlock on the apache, but not needed really since it was carry on and always with me.

GL!

 

[Rieguy]

I wasn't gonna pack the whole apache case but rather just throw some Paulson cardboard boxes in my bag maybe a 400-500 chip bank for our tiny stakes.

I had my entire Apache decked out and ready to go, but it was clunky/heavy, so I moved everything to my CPC cardboard boxes (better to use for this than warneke if you have them) and carried them in a regular/nice overnight bag that had a shoulder-strap. It was perfect and was 100% the right decision when doing carry-on (which you should do like ekricket said). The only way your chips are getting real damage when packed like that is if the plane goes down.

As for security, this was my experience and was fine:

Getting these through TSA and the airport was quite an experience. Out of Texas the security went balls deep through every box and piece I brought. Out of Cali (after it getting flagged) the guy said "cool bro" in the most idgaf-voice possible and sent me on my way after roughly 5-10 seconds. 10/10 would do it again.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

I’ve travelled domestically last year and internationally this week, both with Apache’s.

First time they opened the case, did the swab test - pulled out one rack and TSA agent said, ‘cool set bro’:

View attachment 1647677
View attachment 1647679

Just travelled internationally with another Apache case full with 11 racks, didn’t get stopped at security and zero questions:
View attachment 1647682

I don’t think the case matters, but if it’s going to have to go through X-Ray or get stuffed in overhead luggage etc, I’d recommend a hardsided case vs backpack. Unless you have justin racks that’ll protect the chips, but then you’ll likely want to put painters tape to hold the racks together.

I also got thick elastic bands to hold my justin racks together, but it’s a bit overkill in the apache:
View attachment 1647686

Apache cases can be down to $25-$30 in harbor freight. I prefer them to the versa since the padding is more custom and holds everything tight regardless if the case is on it’s side /flat etc. Plus the apache is designed to be knocked around a little more compared to the versa, the construction isn’t as robust.

My versa case (the style below) I wouldn’t take on an airplane since it has to stay vertical otherwise the chips/racks go flying:

View attachment 1647684
View attachment 1647685

I put a small TSA padlock on the apache, but not needed really since it was carry on and always with me.

GL!

Lol the cool set bro. I got stopped and one of the TSA guys said "Na this guy's a professional, no normal poker player is going to be traveling with a set like this!".....and it was my no mold tinas with 2 racks of nickels. Didn't want to disappoint him, I'm just a weirdo.

The only way your chips are getting real damage when packed like that is if the plane goes down.

I would just add I like a hard case for a bachelor party away from home. I don't want to worry about any spills on my bag or anything and its easier to pack it all away. Something amazing about everything being in one tough case that I don't have to worry about, perfection.

 

[Rieguy]

I would just add I like a hard case for a bachelor party away from home. I don't want to worry about any spills on my bag or anything and its easier to pack it all away.

WaB ain't all that different lol. If you're worried, bring Tina's.

 

[BarrieJ3]

WaB ain't all that different lol. If you're worried, bring Tina's.

 

[JMC9389]

Buy an Apache case from Harbor Freight and get some Matsui/Justin racks and carry it on with you as your personal item.

 

[BarrieJ3]

You got a lil cash set there? Just put in a case and carry it on, supes simple they just quick check.

OR, if it's a tourney set or ratrod set, even easier, those are perfectly fine with checked in luggage.

YMMV.

 

[sup_squidy]

Alright perfect thanks for easing my concerns I'll bring my apache case setup carry on and call it a day. 600 chips we may run two tables. Thanks for the extremely thorough and helpful responses you guys are the best!
Chip pics for the boys Paris $1 have been milled & relabeled by @Gear

 

[BEANO52]

Buy an Apache case from Harbor Freight and get some Matsui/Justin racks and carry it on with you as your personal item.

2800 with 7 "justin/tina" racks is perfect for a $8000+ bank. (100/160/300/100/40) @RocAFella1

TSA will check it.

 

[ekricket]

I moved everything to my CPC cardboard boxes (better to use for this than warneke if you have them) and carried them in a regular/nice overnight bag that had a shoulder-strap.

This is exactly what I do. Secure the boxes with rubber bands so it’s easy for tsa to open and keeps them secure.

 

[RocAFella1]

 

[RocAFella1]

TSA agent said, ‘cool set bro’:

TSA asked if I was a professional when I told him they’re poker chips - I lol’d

 

[curlyhead44]

Just flew with chips last weekend on a golf trip, brought the bare minumum amount (200 chips) for not a full table of small stakes, in justin racks just taped closed in my backpack, used cheaper / non clay chips. Got stopped by TSA all 3 times through security. Never even played poker xD ended up going out each night

 

[sup_squidy]

Just flew with chips last weekend on a golf trip, brought the bare minumum amount (200 chips) for not a full table of small stakes, in justin racks just taped closed in my backpack, used cheaper / non clay chips. Got stopped by TSA all 3 times through security. Never even played poker xD ended up going out each night

Its a golf & fishing trip primarily so this might also be exactly what ends up happening with bars at night lol. I know some guys haven't allotted to do all the scheduled activities during the day this will give them an additional option for something to do if they opt out. I'm packing the chips primary so if anyone else wants to bail on clubbing/night life we can have a blast at the villa still. A loud night club is good for one thing in my humble opinion which for me makes it a complete waste of time and energy as a married man. I'd rather lose a good bar tab punting at a water front villa to my boys. I have a feeling there will be a few of us in the same boat not into going out with an early T-time/ Charter boat next morning.

 

[FordPickup92]

I use the semi hard cases from Jack's poker. Has a shoulder sling. Much more comfortable to carry than those hard cases, and they are equally as secure for the chips, as far as any damage potential would go. I can get pics later when I get home

 

[curlyhead44]

It’s nice to have them just in case.
I’m surprised we didn’t end up playing, but other fun stuff kept coming up, is what it is

 

[Sprouty]

The first time I flew with chips they checked my butthole.

 

[BEANO52]

TSA opens my Apache and says, «whooo, it's going down somewhere"

 

[Poker Zombie]

+1 for the Apache style case. I've flown many times with chips, carried in both aluminum cases and Apache cases. Never had an issue, but allow for extra time as they usually swab the case and chips (never leaving Vegas, but every other airport). While both cases flew safely, I recognize the fact that I took an extra risk with the aluminum case, because humans are 2 chromosomes away from being chimpanzees.

...but that guy with an oversized carry-on, that thinks it will fit into the overhead bin with your chips if he just pushes hard enough... maybe 1.

 

[Tonysquander]

Carry-on, however you can do it. Anything else is madness.

 

[Rakrul]

So an uninteresting story for you. I had a trip to NY and Vegas and to avoid expensive shipping and taxes I've asked for the chips to be delivered to my hotel in NY. After some panic-induced incidents, I finally got a hold of the chips before I left for Norway and packed them in my checked in luggage. They were in the standard 100pcs cardboard boxes in my checked-in luggage and in Oslo, I picked them up and went for the customs.

So in Norway we have very strict alchohol and tobacco quotas as well as alcohol and tobacco taxes so the duty free is a lot cheaper so people tend to bring in bottle or two extra (or extra tobacco). It's a quite funny experience going through customs because everyone is talking and relaxed walking up to the custom zone, and then everyone tenses up, go completly silent and it's as if they're trying to Tom & Jerry tiptoe past the custom agents.

Anyways, I had been on a long flight without sleep, tired and I had chips way past the allowed limit (cost related) so I didn't bring any extra. As I was walking through the custom zone, I was close to the wall and there wasn't really space for anyone to pass between me and the wall. The wall was also the furthest away from the customs agents and with the crowd moving though there, we were 4 people wide going past the agents. As this was happening, some annoying guy was trying to squeeze past me on the left which is unusual because absolutely everyone is walking the exact same speed to not stand out. He was semi-pushing me and his body was 90 degrees to mine as he was trying to squeeze between me and the wall.
We're quite big on personal spaces in Norway so I figured he was trying to use me as a shield to "hide" from the agents, drawing attention to me as well. Feeling grumpy, I flat out hockey-tackled him to wall, shoving my shoulder into his chest which in turn went into the wall, getting a good "Ooof!" out of him. He said "I'm sorry" and again, we're a herd of 40 people, trying to tip-toe unnoticed past the agents so noone was speaking either, "but could I check your luggage?" as he held out his custom badge.

I later realized they had flagged my bag when they scanned on entry, because of the chips. Then lost me in the crowd moving to Customs and he desperately was trying to catch up to me before I left the airport. They x-rayed the bag in front of me and pointed to the x-rayed image of my chips in the bag and went "what the hell IS that?" (acting like it was a random check) and I told them it was poker chips I bought at a souvenir shop in Vegas.
"Oh, how much did it cost?"
"I dunno, around $100 or something?"
"Ah ok. Well, thank you. Sorry about the inconvenience."

I think it was like 800 CPC chips, so I tiptoed out to the train with my best poker face.

 

[Kam]

I had chips way past the allowed limit (cost related) so I didn't bring any extra.

There is, eh - a cost limit? @LeGold was SUSPICIOUSLY quiet about that…

Also, current view at Oslo airport:

 

[Rakrul]

So you can only bring values of $600 through customs but it's for new items, like an iPhone 19 Pro Ultra Super Max sealed in the box or Gucci handbag with the tag on, etc. Obviously noone here thinks poker chips are worth more than the dice chips you buy at the local dollar store.

Looks like you got some de-icing ahead of you.

Have a safe trip and hope you had a good time in Norway!

Edit: Also, just $1 of narcotics can get you in trouble.

 

[RocAFella1]

There is, eh - a cost limit? @LeGold was SUSPICIOUSLY quiet about that…

Also, current view at Oslo airport:

 

[cpiaaq]

I'm late, but can't miss the chance to post this pic

 

[dizzyChipper]

Leaving Vegas they swabbed every chip before I’m like “dude” and they’re all “ok it’s enough.” But they did say, as others showed in this thread, clay chips are black on xray so do expect to get stopped non-stop. If in carry on they can’t see through them.

Also want to mention the Apache 1800 fits 3 Justin racks very well and given its small size is fairly lightweight. Not perfect for op who wants to support two tables but a nice little case for air travel.



Pic from here:
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/thre...-chips-fit-in-apache-1800.105144/post-2472061

I have put larger Apache’s inside wheeled luggage and it’s not terrible to but expect to have to dismantle it at airport. For driving to and checking into a hotel it was fine though.