Quote Originally Posted by TxDoc View Post
Is this a joke???
You mean - we take the time to pack it safely and properly and lock the case with the airport-approved padlock and everything... and then someone opens the case and takes everything out? what for - can't they just scan the whole thing for the security check?
I took my bike to Arizona in March with no issues. TSA never even opened the case. Granted, I have an S&S coupled bike so my suitcase is standard size and only costs me $25 (extra suitcase) if I keep it underweight.

I was worried TSA would unpack, but, as I had been told to do, I put repacking instructions with photographs on top of the bike. One look at the "and then weave the handlebars through the rear wheel with the right brake around the rim and the stem between a large spoke gap" should convince anyone to work around the issue

Likewise, an S&S coupled suitcase has a net that you velcro around the bike when you pack. Theoretically, this allows the TSA to lift the bike from the box without disassembling anything.

Figure, if they want at your bike it is to swab and/or inspect the frame tubes. If you make that easy for them, they won't mess with your bike. Really, they don't want to stand there trying to put your jigsaw puzzle back together again any more than you want them to.