RENFE luggage scanning/restrictions
 

We're flying out to Alicante in February and then going on by train from Alicante Terminal. I've never used the trains in Spain before so have been reading all I can.


I hadn't realised that luggage is scanned at the stations. One Tripadviser review said a fruit knife was taken off them. We are taking a CHAINSAW !! It is brand new, unused and still boxed: we checked with the airline (Flybe) and they are OK with it.


Does anyone have experience of luggage scanning at RENFE stations?


Many thanks.

Re: RENFE luggage scanning/restrictions
 

When I used RENFE it was similar to airport check in. Please note

Re: RENFE luggage scanning/restrictions
 

Oh thanks Missile. I had been looking for something like that but could only find that liquids etc were ok. Hmmmm, re-think needed :(

Re: RENFE luggage scanning/restrictions
 

Yes they scan at Alicante and other mainline stations but not at provincial ones which is a bit crazy as potential terrorists (not suggesting you are one) would just get on at a small station!

Re: RENFE luggage scanning/restrictions
 

I sent them an email. Received a standard reply, including: *Instrumentos de trabajo.Los instrumentos de trabajo que sean cortantes, punzantes o contundentes,podrán transportarse debidamente embalados, por el personal que acredite documentalmente su profesión.


It worries us that it's a matter of interpretation. And with Spanish officialdom, could be a problem ?

Re: RENFE luggage scanning/restrictions
 

Empty it of oil and fuel. Take the bar off. Leave chain at home and buy one at your destination.

I have had problems taking specialised vehicle tools on planes. Leeds were upset about a 500ml oil syringe for diff and gearbox refills. that was brand new with receipt.

Re: RENFE luggage scanning/restrictions
 

Thanks olivefarmer, you've given us an idea. No problem with the oil/fuel as it's brand new and never been used. The airline required that it be either brand new and unused OR professionally 'purged' with certificate to prove it -to avoid the possibility of fumes.


But we're thinking now if RENFE have a problem, they can confiscate just the chain rather than the chain saw itself? Nothing sharp or pointed or forceful about the body?
.

Re: RENFE luggage scanning/restrictions
 

Not sure RENFE would go to the trouble of stripping it down to remove the chain easier just to confiscate whole thing for them so I would have the chain blade yourself.

Re: RENFE luggage scanning/restrictions
 

Sorry, didn't make myself clear. Yes, we had planned to remove the chain in advance! As olivefarmer suggested, take the chain off - but instead of leaving it behind, we thought perhaps we could take it but have it separate from the body. Confiscation of the chain would be preferable to losing the entire machine.

Re: RENFE luggage scanning/restrictions
 

That sounds best solution to me Fran, sorry I miss read your earlier post.

Re: RENFE luggage scanning/restrictions
 

You should be able to send it by www.interparcel.com for less than £20 if you take the bar off , send it as a power tool, it must be completely dry, no oil or fuel at all.

Re: RENFE luggage scanning/restrictions
 

Can't do courier deliveries as we have no postal address and NO-ONE ever find us. Also Correos Lista service won't sign for couriers, only accepts postal parcels which cost a fortune to send (we know, we've done it. £60 as opposed to £10 by courier).


HOWEVER, just learned that a London based acquaintance is coming out to Castellon airport a few weeks after us so he's going to bring it out and we'll pick it up from him - it's only 30 minutes from us (we have a car in Spain). Shame we paid for extra hold luggage to bring it with us and now have to pay again, but this is our best bet we think.


Thanks for all the info though. It's been helpful in other ways too, for us and our future visitors.

Re: RENFE luggage scanning/restrictions
 

So you are sorted , RE Couriers , if you live in the campo you can always collect parcels from the couriers office , Ive done it many times, just be sure to put a Spanish mobile number on the parcel when you book it and they will call you when its in.

Re: RENFE luggage scanning/restrictions
 

Rotor, there are a couple of click and collect locations near to us, but it's often not an option when ordering. What if the courier doesn't have an office near our very small town? They might be in Madrid for all we know! Can you let me have more info?

Re: RENFE luggage scanning/restrictions
 

You need to do your homework , ask your nearest couriers who they carry for, that's what the Spanish do otherwise some could not use mail order, alternatively use someone else's office / house for deliveries.