Garmin GPS - TSA Rules
 

I am traveling from LAS to SFO & want to carry on my Garmin GPS to use in my rental car. Is anyone aware of TSA restrictions regarding this electronic device? It is not like a laptop -- you cannot "turn it on".

Due to the nature of this device, I certainly would not check it because it might "disappear".

Any help certainly appreciated.

Um, my Garmin 660 can be turned on if it's not in the car. But don't worry. Nobody is ever asked to turn on their laptop, either.

I carried mine in my carry on from LAX to SEA just a couple of weeks ago. No problems. The GPS was certainly helpful when driving in a strange city!

They may ask you to take it out of your bag but nothing more. I traveled back from Seattle with a server in my bag and all they asked was to pull it out of my bag as I did with my laptop.

I've taken mine in my carryon.

I travel frequently on business and always take my Garmin. Occasionally, my bag gets a little extra attention if TSA is training somebody new, and the trainer wants to point out what they are seeing (the experienced agent always knows). Usually it is the beanbag mount that gets the attention. However, it is certainly allowed in your carry-on. I don't ever take it out, except for the abovementioned occasions. Fear not.

Of course you can turn it on if you must, but I've never been asked to; it's just cruised through in my carry-on, no problems.

Thanks for this topic! We just bought our first GPS and are like kids on Christmas with the latest toy. Really freaked out with what it can do!

Any advice for mounting it on a rental car temporarily? We'll be in CA/OR for 2 weeks.

"Mounting temporarily" - you shouldn't. Just find a place to put it on center console or some similar place and be sure to hide all evidence of it when you park car. In many places these are significant car break bait - and even mounting strip or holder creates incentive for car break since people know where there is a mounting device, a GPS is not far away.

Agree with Gail. I haven't even mounted mine in my car. It is easier to see on the console. And it talks to you, of course!

We bought a bean bag mount and it works perfect, just lay it on the dash, it does not move. Then be sure to take the mount off or with you when finished so that it does not look like a gps is in the car.
dave

Ditto with carrying my Magellan Roadmate in carry-on..never had a problem and perhaps the TSA folks have finally figured out that turning these things on means absolutely nothing about what might be concealed inside.

As to the mount, I usually use the windshield suction cup rather than the "beanbag" dash mount (which is easier to conceal when you are parked) but a lot heavier to lug around.