1) Carry-on luggage - Unless you've built yourself a sturdy shipping crate (most likely from plywood) you'll want to take your models as carry-on. This at least ensures that you'll be able to prove to security that what you're carrying isn't harmful or a dangerous weapon. It also allows you to "gently" transport your models, minimizing the chance of breakage. Large helicopter rotors can be transported by removing them from the model (assuming this is possible) and sandwiched between sheets of cardboard. I might be larger than the carry-on limits, but if you explain it to the flight attendant, they'll almost certainly let it onboard. Think of it like an umbrella. It doesn't weight much, it doesn't fit the size limits, but it still isn't considered a problem. Above all else, check with your airline as to their carry-on requirements. There are federal laws dealing with the size and number of carry-on items per person. As of the time I wrote this article, the legal size in Canada was 10x16x22 inches and 20lbs.

2) Checked luggage - Let's assume you're a risk taker and choose to check your models. Remember there's an old saying with baggage smashers… I mean handlers - "Its only fragile once!" Don't be surprised if all you get back, is a flattened cardboard box, and some tiny plastic chunks. But what if you really need to transport your 1/48th scale C-130 or a full-length semi-tractor and trailer. In these cases, build or buy a sturdy, shipping crate made from plywood. This will have to be shipped as cargo and you will be required to pay the air freight costs - not always cheap. Most likely you'll have to deliver the package to the airline at least 1 day prior to you flight - check with your airline. Last year I did ship several model kits (unbuilt) that I'd purchased as checked luggage. They were wrapped in a cardboard box, taped along all seams and around all the sides. When I arrived at the counter I asked for a fragile sticker, explaining what I had inside. Two hours, and 1500 kilometers later they arrived safety. So now, we've decided what we're doing, but lets make our visit through security as painless as possible.

3) Plan ahead with your packing - For a weekend trip I'll usually take two things, my clothes bag, and my camera bag. While I can't stuff too much into my camera bag, I can rearrange my clothes bag to accommodate at least some models. Figure out everything that you're going to need for the weekend. Do you really need the hairdryer? Let's be honest. So we've got two pairs of clothes, our toiletries and our models. Carefully squeeze everything into one bag. Since we generally don't visit model contests in suits, don't be afraid to roll clothes so you can squeeze into the extra little spaces. Above all else, don't forget to place your model box and electronic equipment at the top of the bag. This way you'll have ready access to them if security asks. But what if you're staying longer, traveling with kids, etc? Check your clothes bag at the check-in counter. Clothes are far less delicate than models, all but defeating the baggage handlers. This leaves you free to carry only your model box through the line up.

4) Plan ahead at security - So now we're in line for security, at this stage it's all about your state of mind. Realize that you've got a 95% chance of being stopped and searched, so don't sweat it. You've packed your models within quick and easy reach, so that you're not taking a long time to prove your models as harmless.

5) Tell security what they're looking at - Every time I place something on the x-ray machine, I tell the operator what they're looking at. That way there's not surprised to see cameras, electric razors, or little airplanes on their TV screens, remember these are regular people, and they don't like being surprised. I even tell them when I'm wearing steel-toed boots.

6) Relax - So we're part of the 95% and we've been stopped, calmly answer the security officer's questions, show them your models and answer their questions. The reason you've been stopped is because they've seen something they don't recognize. If you've followed steps 4 and 5, 6 will have come as no surprise, and will flow smoothly.

7) Be patient when boarding - Take your time when boarding the airplane. I've never understood why people are in such a hurry to be the first on an airplane; it can't leave until everybody's on board.

If you're traveling by yourself, or without children, you probably don't need too much time to board. Wait until boarding is almost complete - then go. This way most people will have finished bumping into everyone else, the heavy bags will have been placed in the overhead bins. If you are bringing the kids along, use the pre-boarding to your benefit. Take the kids on board and get them settled in. But hold off placing your models in the overhead bins until everyone else has boarded and finished placing their heavy bags. Wrap your bag or model box in your jacket, this helps act as another cushion. Now place your models near the back end of the bin, and never in front of a heavy suitcase. Most shifting occurs on landing (during braking) and having your models crushed by a suitcase will definitely ruin your entire trip. Not sure about using the overhead bins? Airlines do allow you to place luggage underneath your seat, maybe this will be the better option. I personally keep my camera at my feet, and my models in the overhead bin.

8) Grab your models quickly - Even if you're not going to exit the airplane immediately, get hold of your models. It won't take much to have somebody pull their suitcase out, and pull your jacket and bag with them. I've traveled to Victoria's contest several times via the airlines, and haven't had difficulty. Even while travelling with Eduard's P-39, complete with its large metal nose weight. I was asked to open the box, they saw what it was, and let me go. The only time I've seen anybody being seriously asked was an elderly grandmother with a pre-painted, metal body car kit that she was taking to her grandson. Why was she stopped? Because the security personnel didn't know what he was looking at.