Flashlights and Airports [Archive]

CanDo

01-15-2007, 07:06 PM

Just some info I thought I'd share with you:
I was recently on a flight, and though I checked everything else, I tried my luck with carrying a Streamlight TwinTask (a 2x123 size torch). I wanted a light in case of an emergency and a kubotan/fistload in case of anything else. Well BOS didn't think twice, but Fort Myers, FL took a lonngg pause. I feigned complete ignorance, and gestured that if he wanted to look inside, the tailcap twists off *here*. This worked, he was relieved, told me that was unneccessary because he thought it might classify as a kubotan. "What?" "A kubotan" "Uhh...." this satisfied him, andI was on my way...

I wouldn't be carrying a $100 torch on in the future, but its nice to know that you can at least have a good-sized metal light.

tvodrd

01-15-2007, 10:25 PM

I was "challenged" for a bladeless Leatherman yesterday, but have only once been challenged for a flashlight. I put it (small CR2 light) along with my keys/change into the trays they used to provide right at the metal detector and a TSA lady grabbed it and handed it to the guy behind her. I said "Flashlight." The TSA guy turned it on and said "Cool." I said "Thank you." I flew from LAX to Reno with the stuff below in my carry-on for the CPF Ghost Mountain get-together:
http://home.comcast.net/~tvodrd3/wsb/media/1223296/site1015.JPG
I also forgot to include the little CR2 light when I took that pic in response to a "Flying with flashlights" thread on CPF.

Larry

knightrider

01-16-2007, 12:49 AM

One light I could see getting taken away at an airport would be the SF E2D. The sharp edges on both ends would not be allowed even though it's a flashlight.

tvodrd

01-16-2007, 02:20 AM

I wouldn't attempt to go through security with my L6 pork killer! (http://darelldd.com/light/kyra.htm) ;D

EDIT: That was the first google hit I got for a link, and it's a friend of mine's daughter! Preview didn't open the link.

Larry

VWTim

01-16-2007, 01:12 PM

haven't had any problems carrying lights on the plane. I normally have my Strion in my jeans, L0P in a pocket, SL PP Lux in my carry on. And I've even been able to carry my Minimag that's wrapped in paracord with a hand loop. If anything looks like a kubaton it's that thing, but I think they just see it as a Minimag they all carry.

Stutoffee

01-16-2007, 01:20 PM

I managed to fly from Manchester to Palma, Mallorca & back again (Gawd! It made my arms REALLY tired!! ;D) with an E2D in my carry-on. Didnt get a second look! Palma is one of the most stringent security-check airports in the world, too.
I was a LITTLE worried & think that in these times of (sadly, necessary!) heightened security checks, I'll probably carry a cheap n cheerful Mini-mag & something innocent & inocuous like a small LED Lenser or my Orb Raw.

CanDo

01-16-2007, 06:05 PM

Wow, sounds like I got the exception rather than the rule for sure! This guy was most definitely not joking around, though...

Sprackin

01-16-2007, 07:05 PM

tvodrd

01-16-2007, 11:49 PM

"Kyra in Lights"

Is that your daughter? Dude, she's gonna be heart breaker. Keep a tight sight on that one when she gets older. "And why do you think you want to date my daughter? C'mon in and have a look at my new gun." >:(

Oops, just noticed it was friend's daughter. But still...

It was funny for me as I googled "L6 Porcupine" in the pictures mode and that was the first hit. She is the daughter of Daryll/ ManCow (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=75279) who is an Admin/friend on CPF, and I have met her at least once. :)

Larry

kingoftf

01-17-2007, 05:12 PM

Hello,
I had huge problems last year to get my brand new Maglite 3D with me through the Security Check at the Düsseldorf Airport, Germany.

They didn´t allowed it as hand luggage.
"With this one you can beat the Pilot" :knuppel2:
Had to bring it back to the Check In desk to put it in the suitcase.
Next customer was a profesional photographer with a huge Zoom Objetive twice the size and they let him take it onboard without any comments.....

Very strange behaviour.....

Best regards from Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Michael

Goldtanker

01-17-2007, 05:23 PM

Hi Michael-

Welcome to EDCF!

Denny

knightrider

01-17-2007, 05:45 PM

Welcome Michael!

TKC

01-17-2007, 07:14 PM

Welcome to EDCF Michael!!!

Campdavid

01-17-2007, 10:56 PM

I carry on my E2D all the time...never a problem. I even thought about putting a beam shaper on it to hide those nasty points. If ever some moron on a plane starts getting goofy, the E2D would definitely help put the smack down. :wolverine:

redskins38

01-21-2007, 02:27 PM

If i fly anytime soon i wont risk any lights over forty

mercop

01-22-2007, 01:28 PM

In the last two years I think I have flown about 7 times from a bunch of different airports and carriers. My SF E2E (now replaced with an L2) never got a second look. One time they did seem interested in my Wilderness Instructors Belt though. Perrin Pen is GTG too.

Pwallwin

01-22-2007, 06:30 PM

If ever some moron on a plane starts getting goofy, the E2D would definitely help put the smack down. :wolverine:

Defo! I wouldn't risk taking my E2d on with me though - after my experience of getting it nicked by some scummy Liverpudlians at a bar. :thumbsdown:

Security has been tight in Belfast recently, last two times I've been, everyone must take off all footwear and belts. It's so bad, I have to smuggle my Fauxton through! :laugh:

Deaths Head

01-22-2007, 09:24 PM

IMHO, I would think that most security, including airport security know what large lights like a Maglite can be used for, so anything larger than a double CR123A may give your problems. I mean really, a large, black flashlight is almost part of their uniform. Also, I too wouldn't want to take a chance of my E2D or my Huntlight (that has smaller crenelations) of being confiscated. I think an E2E or similar wouldn't give you any problems because of the shape and color. Just the overall look of the E2E is friendly.

tvodrd

01-22-2007, 09:44 PM

I didn't think to mention in the sort-of-busted with the Squirt thread that one of the lights she pulled out of my bag was a KL4 with clickie attacked to a PEU Pinapple (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=138612) body. She didn't bat an eye!

Larry

Lunal_Tic

01-23-2007, 12:33 AM

akubra

01-23-2007, 07:26 PM

The last time that Ive flown, in september 2006, was Pittsburg to Berlin/Germany, via Newark. Ive had an Surefire M6 as well as an Z2 in my carry on bag, and didnt even have to open the bag once. No problems whatsoever.

And keep in mind-that was only about 4 weeks after the big attack threat on those american flights going out of the UK.

TKC

01-24-2007, 04:24 PM

I had no problem at TF Green airport, with my SF E1e & CR2 Ion. The E1e and spare battery were in my jacket pocket, and I took the CR2 out of my watch pocket and put it in my jacket. We will see how it goes at Tampa Airport coming home.

Nor did I have trouble with the Wee Wedgie that I am wearing around my neck.

Ging

01-24-2007, 06:15 PM

I was fine in the summer flying with my G2, not that its a dangerous looking light by eye but y X-ray.... It did look a bit odd, cone with metal tube and spring/switch bit ant the end ;D It wouldn't be a problem with a metal torch.

frannek

01-24-2007, 07:21 PM

I flew about 15+ times last year and never had a problem either. I always carry my SF E1L with a F04 Beam Diffuser installed. My bag that I carry with me has been searched seveal times, and the TSA have never mentioned anything to me. Will do the same again this year.

amphipolis

01-25-2007, 07:29 AM

In Köln, the airport security, not for the terminal, but for the international gate to America, had to double check my Gatlight. They pulled it out of my bag and gave it a close look. Once they turned it on, though, they shrugged and put it back. It might not be as large as some flashlights, but it sure is unique looking.