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Six Letters Re: A Contingency Bag for Frequent Air Travelers
Hey, Jim:
I think we need some more collective thought on this. I’ve got more time in the air than most people–4,000+ hours as an Army helicopter pilot (where we wore a cleverly-stocked survival vest; alas, a lot of the contents would not pass TSA scrutiny), 2 million+ miles on Delta, and about that many more on defunct airlines (especially Eastern and TWA). Getting stuck somewhere could happen to me on a trip. Here’s some of my thinking (and I still need some help):
It seems to me that anything important should be in the carry-on bag, not checked. Most frequent-flyers will avoid checking a bag, unless going on vacation with spouse/family. So, that says we need ideas and separate strategies for carry-on and checked bags.
I’ve thought a bit about what I might be able to do in a hijack situation. I am much more realistic about this now than when I was young, buff, and a bit more foolish. I have read about various strategies for sneaking illegal devices, substances, and gadgets through security, but the downside seems too severe for me, especially when one’s livelihood depends on being able to fly (getting caught a time or two will earn a slot on the “no-fly” list). Here’s at least a partial solution:
In the carry-on bag, include three rolls of coins–one each of Walking Liberty [silver] halves, pre-’65 [silver] quarters, and Mercury dimes. This is $25 face value of silver. At today’s silver price and value (per www.coinflation.com), that’s about $350-worth, if I did the math right. That should be enough for a domestic SHTF situation/stranding. If you think you need more, I would carry the gold coins in my wallet/purse. Also in the carry-on bag–along with your athletic shoes (if they’re not on your feet)–will go a rolled up pair of tube socks. I think the combination of the Walkers and a tube sock could come in pretty handy, if needed (swing hard).
Beyond that, I have no idea. Space blanket? Disposable poncho? Water purification straw? Why don’t we put this out for suggestions and ideas? Or, have you plowed this ground before and I missed it? – AAA (Another Army Aviator)
Sir,
As someone who spent several years asking people if they packed their own bag, and did it contain any of the following items (while pointing at the dangerous goods poster). I would like to mention that at my locale the matches, magnesium and entire fire group would have been removed from the bag, as would any complete MREs. (The MRE eater pack is a no-no, and knowing which ones have heaters was not something any of us were likely to know.)
I would recommend anyone, as you said, to check with The airlines policy, Government agency (FAA, TC, etc) and airport security. If any one of them says no, don’t bring it. Fortunately this information is all usually on the web these days. – Dave W.
Hi,
I would caution TR from North Carolina against packing flammable/combustible materials in checked baggage, no matter how it’s packaged (especially matches).
Source: http://www.survivalblog.com/2013/12/six-letters-re-a-contingency-bag-for-frequent-air-travelers.html
