user667: I'm flying out for vacation, and I want to take some of my half-done arduino projects with me to work on.  I'm concerned that aiprort security might mistake my devices for something sinister or at bare minimum 'suspicious' and be confiscated.  
Has anyone ever had any negative experiences taking arduino-esque wiring projects through airport security?  

user27312: Real world example:
I have just flown from  JFK - New York to GRU - Sao Paulo (Brazil) (October 2016) with this 'RIAspire UNO R3 Master Beginner Starter Kit for Arduino DIY Discovery - 25 Sensors with RFID, Ultrasonic, Temperature, HC 05 Bluetooth, ESP8266 Wifi' on my hand luggage.
There were a lot of wires, detectors and everything.
Nothing happened.

user1566: It will depend on your particular country of course. Check the rules on cabin baggage.
In Australia, Arduino boards should pose no problem. It is best to not take any batteries or tools with edges (screwdrivers) or heavy tools (wrenches). In case they do want to have a look, place the boards at the top of your bag for easy access.
I have traveled to Europe from Australia with half a suitcase full of large PCBs with no problem. The only time my bag was opened was when I was carrying a tea pot stand, which was in the shape of a tea pot. Apparently it looked like a gun. 

user220: I personally haven't taken my Arduino through security, but here are a few things I'd look at before flying:

International flights might be more secure, so keep that in mind.
(Like already mentioned) check your bags whenever possible
Go extra early in case you do have to explain to the TSA (or equivalent). You don't want to miss your flight!
Take it out of your bag so it doesn't look like you're hiding anything. The more open you are about it, the less suspicious they'll be.
Bring any original packaging for your Arduino/parts.

A few other things I've read to do:

Take tickets if going to some event like a Maker Faire, especially if they can look it up online. If they seem skeptical, you could always pull it up on your phone.
Don't make it look like a bomb (i.e. don't be stupid!)
Don't take tools unless needed
Be patient and calm if they stop you. You have nothing to hide from them (Right? Right?)


user3144: I don't think that is a problem. I have taken my arduino several times with me when I travel by plane and have never had any problems. I have even carried an oscilloscope and I only was warned about the pointy probes. I have taken international flights with it without any problems. However, always verify the airline baggage restrictioins.

667: <p>I'm flying out for vacation, and I want to take some of my half-done arduino projects with me to work on.  I'm concerned that aiprort security might mistake my devices for something sinister or at bare minimum 'suspicious' and be confiscated.  </p>

<p>Has anyone ever had any negative experiences taking arduino-esque wiring projects through airport security?  </p>
 27312: <p>Real world example:</p>

<p>I have just flown from  JFK - New York to GRU - Sao Paulo (Brazil) (October 2016) with this 'RIAspire UNO R3 Master Beginner Starter Kit for Arduino DIY Discovery - 25 Sensors with RFID, Ultrasonic, Temperature, HC 05 Bluetooth, ESP8266 Wifi' on my hand luggage.</p>

<p>There were a lot of wires, detectors and everything.</p>

<p>Nothing happened.</p>
 1566: <p>It will depend on your particular country of course. Check the rules on cabin baggage.</p>

<p>In Australia, Arduino boards should pose no problem. It is best to not take any batteries or tools with edges (screwdrivers) or heavy tools (wrenches). In case they do want to have a look, place the boards at the top of your bag for easy access.</p>

<p>I have traveled to Europe from Australia with half a suitcase full of large PCBs with no problem. The only time my bag was opened was when I was carrying a tea pot stand, which was in the shape of a tea pot. Apparently it looked like a gun. </p>
 220: <p>I personally haven't taken my Arduino through security, but here are a few things I'd look at before flying:</p>

<ul>
<li>International flights might be more secure, so keep that in mind.</li>
<li>(Like already mentioned) check your bags whenever possible</li>
<li>Go extra early in case you do have to explain to the TSA (or equivalent). You don't want to miss your flight!</li>
<li>Take it out of your bag so it doesn't look like you're hiding anything. The more open you are about it, the less suspicious they'll be.</li>
<li>Bring any original packaging for your Arduino/parts.</li>
</ul>

<p>A few other things I've read to do:</p>

<ul>
<li>Take tickets if going to some event like a Maker Faire, especially if they can look it up online. If they seem skeptical, you could always pull it up on your phone.</li>
<li>Don't make <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Explosive-Alarm-Clock/" rel="nofollow">it look like a bomb</a> (i.e. <strong>don't be stupid!</strong>)</li>
<li>Don't take tools unless needed</li>
<li>Be patient and calm if they stop you. You have nothing to hide from them (Right? <strong><em>Right?</em></strong>)</li>
</ul>
 3144: <p>I don't think that is a problem. I have taken my arduino several times with me when I travel by plane and have never had any problems. I have even carried an oscilloscope and I only was warned about the pointy probes. I have taken international flights with it without any problems. However, always verify the airline baggage restrictioins.</p>
