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Alex-
 Within the US, the travel rules are available at www.tsa.gov (not ORG or
COM) complete and up to date. In theory a sextant cannot be allowed in
the cabin, because it might be "sporting equipment" or other goods suitable
for use as a cudgel. Well, yes, an expensive cudgel but in theory it should
not be allowed in the cabin. In practice...the $5.50 an hour inspectors
probably will be baffled, ask you to open it, and allow it on. Especially if
you plaster the case with "FRAGILE--OPTICAL INSTRUMENT" type stickers.
Seriously, stickers. The printed word impresses those types.

 In no event should it go as baggage, since optics are EXCLUDED from the
insurance in baggage. That's right, optics, electronics, etc. are at your
own risk when they are in the baggage--which cannot be locked.

 One alternative, if you are afraid to take it aboard, is to ship it insured
UPS or Fedex. More reliable than your luggage, sad to say. But I wouldn't
expect any trouble in the cabin--yet. "Airline security" is still very much
a dog and pony show here, as long as most travelers think they are being
secured, real security won't be an issue.

   

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