Air Travel Survival Kit

Clearly the TSA would not like some of the items in the Curiously Useful Survival Kit (Vaseline makes them queasy these days). Here’s how to modify your kit for air travel (for your carry-on baggage).

NOTE: This is my opinion and interpretation of TSA rules as they stand today and is subject to change with little or no notice. It also may be dependent the interpretations of individual security personnel. Make this kit and fly with it at your own risk.

Follow the instructions for the Curiously Useful Survival Kit with the following exceptions:

1. If you can get a pair that will fit in the kit, include a small pair of scissors like those found in first aid kits. Current regulations allow for scissors with sharp edges <4” in length. I once had an instructor at the US Army jungle school who swore that scissors were as or more valuable than a knife in a survival situation given that you would mostly need them for cutting cordage or cloth and shouldn't be cutting large sticks and such anyway during survival. He carried a pair of surgical scissors in a homemade nylon web sheath on his belt.


2. Create the match sandwich with regular kitchen matches instead of strike anywhere matches. DO NOT make or include Minute Matches.


3. Include a small tea candle in the kit. First remove the metal container and shave off the bottom 1/2 of the candle to shorten it. I’ve not tried this but you also might be able to use small birthday candles instead.


4. Follow Option B for closing as a security guard might require you to open the kit. You could also tape the scissors on the outside of the tin so that they can be easily shown to an inspector.

Good luck (luck favors the prepared)!