So, um, does anyone else think the Zoom H4 looks kind of like a stun gun?? A friend of my pointed that out to me the other day, and now I think so too!

I am planning on taking my Zoom with me when we travel for Christmas (hopefully to record on mother's digital). I don't want to put it in checked luggage, since it might get stolen. Do you think it will get me in trouble when I go through security with the Zoom in my carry on? I guess I can put it where it's easy to remove, and maybe include the instruction manual or something!

Or am I being too paranoid?

I don't think you're being paranoid, just thinking ahead, but I think you'll be OK. Just don't crack any jokes like saying it's a detonator or something.

Funny, I was holding my Zoom H4n when I was reading your post since I was checking PW quickly before setting up to record something. It wouldn't hurt to include the instruction manual with it and maybe also be ready to play back some recordings if necessary when at airport security

We took our H4 out to Cali a couple of years ago and didn't have a problem (though for the life of me I can't remember if it was checked or not, probably not as I like to carry most electronics onto the plane with me). Just in case, make sure you have fresh batteries and a set of headphones to prove that it is just a recording device.

Cut an outline of a handgun out of aluminum foil and put it between the pages of a book. That should distract the X ray screener and he'll never notice the stun gun.

I've flown many times with my Zoom H4 in my backpack and it's never raised an alarm. Maybe the security guards were too busy removing my shaving cream! (Darn, I always forget to pack the smaller size. :))

Yeah, I guess I'll just make sure I have the memory there, with headphones and then it asked I can at least demonstrate what it is. I always carry my sheet music in my carry-on (I have my priorities!!) so that will help. Hopefully it won't attract any attention, but if it does, as long as I am prepared and ready to take some extra time, it should be ok. It's such a hassle to travel these days!

MarkL, I hope you won't mind if I don't take your suggestion!