Rules You Should Follow
Whether you are a frequent traveler, adventure lover or work on a job that requires you to travel to potentially dangerous destinations, personal safety would be on top of your mind. Ballistic protection makes a part of your packing checklist but you may not be sure about the permissibility of bulletproof vests. The good thing is that you need not write it off because most airports allow you to carry one despite the tight security. Still, there is no one-size-fits-all norm that will apply to every destination across the globe. There are some rules that you will need to understand and follow. Let us explain them in detail,
Know the legalities at your destination
When it comes to carrying or wearing safety armor, there are country-specific legalities that you need to know about. To start with, you need to ensure that the civilians in the country you are visiting are allowed to wear body armor without restrictions (unless they are convicted felons). The UK, for example, currently has no restrictions while prior authorization is needed to possess it in certain territories in Australia. Some Canadian provinces also require civilians to obtain body armor license to wear it legitimately. Be sure to do your homework so that you don’t end up with unnecessary delays or legal hassles in a strange country.
Decide whether you can carry it in hand luggage
It is important to know whether you will be allowed to carry the vest in your hand luggage or have to pack it in the checked luggage. Packing it in the checked luggage elevates the risk of loss or theft. On the other hand, wearing it or carrying it in hand has its own set of problems. You may end up triggering the metal detectors, which is the last thing any traveler wants to happen. Additionally, you cannot ignore the bulk factor if there’s a long-distance flight scheduled. If your vest is made of Kevlar, it will probably pass the detectors without triggering alarms and wouldn’t be too bulky as well. Still, it makes sense to carry rather than wear the protective vest while traveling. Moreover, there is hardly a chance of violence aboard.
Be prepared
While there’s nothing dangerous about ballistic protection, it is still likely to be a red flag for the authorities. So you need to be prepared with satisfactory answers you will need to give the authorities if they happen to find a bulletproof vest on you or in your luggage. Arriving at the airport early is a good idea as it will give you plenty of time to deal with complications if they do arise. It would be wise to carry the relevant professional credentials that allow you to carry ballistic protection if you have them. This will alleviate stress if you are questioned by security.
While traveling with body armor is meant to make you feel safe at your destination, it is much more complicated than it sounds. If you have any doubts about carrying it, you should get in touch with the airline and the airport authorities before your flight.
Pinstripe Magazine Staff
Online Men’s Lifestyle Magazine on Gear, Grooming, Girls, Gadgets
