Is there a boundary with TSA regarding flashlights?

[peacefuljeffrey]

I plan to be flying in September, and wanted to have this light with me in my Pygmy Falcon II:

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd269/ornithoid/smallDSC01908.jpg

What I don't know is, does the TSA prohibit a 2D cell Maglite for being "too big, that it's a weapon" or anything?
I mean, there is nothing unusual about the light -- it's a standard 2D MagLED with nothing but batteries in it, no mods except for the knotted handle.
Will they be OK with it, or will they tell me, "No, you can't bring this, because it's too big. Only smaller flashlights are allowed"?

Have any of you traveled with any flashlight as big as a 2D Maglite and had no troubles getting it through security?

[LLCoolBeans]

Well, if you go to the TSA prohibited items list, there is absolutely no mention of flashlights. I have traveled with flashlights in the past including high powered lasers and have never had them bat an eye. I however have never traveled with a flashlight quite that large.

I generally always bring a copy of the prohibited items list with me when I travel, so if they give me any lip about something I can point at the list. I have never had to do that though.

I think you'll be fine, a flashlight is not considered to be a weapon by TSA.

[greenLED]

There's people on CPF reporting flying with SF M6's (about the size of a 2D light) without a glitch.

[surespyder]

I've flown internationally with a 3D in my carry-on without issue, but my flight did not originate or terminate in the US. I doubt it would be an issue though. Hilarious that you can carry a big, heavy flashlight but a small kubaton is a no go.

[peacefuljeffrey]

That's more than hilarious, it's infuriating. :rant:

I end up having to take my LCranston blue "stick that fell from space" Ti key stick off each time I fly -- FOR WHAT?!

[bigfoot]

I'd be curious what TSA says about the paracord wrap, if anything.

Maybe you can store that separate in case they question it.

[carrot]

Last I checked, the list of prohibited items includes "tools over 7 inches." I think a Mag2D is over 7 inches, but they might just ignore it.

[karlito]

My 2 cents. Why risk it? You will not have a need to illuminate the cabin during the flight, and the Maglight can be viewed as a club. Not worth the risk of possible confiscation regardless of TSA's list not covering flashlights.

[bigfoot]

Last time I flew I just took an Arc AAA with a bunny-brand lithium cell. Photon Freedom on keychain for a backup.

[jonny8642]

I wouldn't try taking a 2d flashlight on board. I would check the 2D and bring a AA size flashlight in your carry on. Less threatening and if you have a surefire, innova, or anything along those lines are more bright then the 2d and more compact. Which has came in handy more then enough times when traveling.

[Charles1198]

I read an article by Massad Ayoob a while back, and he was talking about this very topic. He suggested talking LOUDLY about SAFETY and why you might need a light to FIND YOUR WAY OUT OF THE RUBBLE if the plane were to CRASH. It appears rthe screeners are trained to not talk about such issues, and they might shuffle you through just to keep the other passengers from getting freaked out. IMO, you also risk getting a cavity search, so decide for yourself whether or not it's something you want to try. :luck:

[dowtech]

I just replaced my SF E2D with an E1B Backup for travel purposes. I get a brighter, dual function light by sacrificing the crenelated crown. Have a trip coming up, so I'll see if it works.

[CarlJ]

I read an article by Massad Ayoob a while back, and he was talking about this very topic. He suggested talking LOUDLY about SAFETY and why you might need a light to FIND YOUR WAY OUT OF THE RUBBLE if the plane were to CRASH. It appears rthe screeners are trained to not talk about such issues, and they might shuffle you through just to keep the other passengers from getting freaked out. IMO, you also risk getting a cavity search, so decide for yourself whether or not it's something you want to try. :luck:


;D I remember that article, it was (first?) published sometime before 9/11, I recall it as being a report of his actual experience, but it may have simply been a hypothetical; I believe the quote was, he was getting questioned about his flashlight, and responded, with his voice slowly rising to a cresendo, "if this plane should crash, and I, by the grace of God survive, I WILL USE THIS FLASHLIGHT TO FIND MY WAY TO SAFETY!", with the screeners doing all they could to rush him through the line in a big hurry after that.

[chriscoobs]

I know its not in the states, but i was in Hong Kong a few months back and they denied my skateboard as carry-on because it was a "blunt object". I dont know about the maglight, but like others have said, why carry it on if it could end up in the hands of a poorly informed gov't employee.

[surespyder]

I know its not in the states, but i was in Hong Kong a few months back and they denied my skateboard as carry-on because it was a "blunt object". I dont know about the maglight, but like others have said, why carry it on if it could end up in the hands of a poorly informed gov't employee.


That's interesting. I live in HK and I flew back to HK with a 3D Maglite in my carry-on duffel bag. How'd you like HK? :)

[sammyz]

I think I mentioned it in a previous thread, but I had a cool experience a few months back where I got bumped up to first class and was sitting with two of the heads of the Surefire professional training program. They were probably carrying every surefire product possible onto that flight (they temporarily blinded me with several of them...) and were wearing riggers belts, boots and cargo pants. Super cool guys, and they certainly didn't seem to get any guff from the TSA. (Though they may have had some sort of credential to help them out now that I think about it...)

[outdoorsman1911]

Ide say youll be fine as long as you dont try to take this on

http://www.knifeforums.com/uploads/med_1204343030-Pineapple_01.jpg

pic from knifeforums

[dowtech]

My new E1B Backup didn't raise any eyebrows going through airport security the other day. Perhaps the E2D wouldn't have either, but I decided not to take a chance.

[dovk0802]

I EDC a Surefire E2D & fly probably about every other month for the past few years. I've never even gotten a second glance for it, even though I seem to always face the inquisition for something.

[Corporal Punishment]

Well, if you go to the TSA prohibited items list, there is absolutely no mention of flashlights. I have traveled with flashlights in the past including high powered lasers and have never had them bat an eye. I however have never traveled with a flashlight quite that large.

I generally always bring a copy of the prohibited items list with me when I travel, so if they give me any lip about something I can point at the list. I have never had to do that though.

I think you'll be fine, a flashlight is not considered to be a weapon by TSA.

Every time I fly, I go to the TSA Prohibited Items site and print out a new one because the list changes almost weekly it seems. I also have a printed checklist of the items that I have packed (yes, I'm that organized... LOL). I put a copy of it in my bag usually right on top of my declared, unloaded weapon (in an approved gun case), so that if TSA does open my bag, it gives TSA both a helpful guideline to the contents of my bag and a subtle reminder that if anything goes missing that I will notice it.

I've had a little 1" Swisstech tool (you know the little keychain thing that folds out into pliers with 2 screw drivers for handles? and NO KNIFE blade) confiscated because it was defined as a "tool". :rolleyes: I mean what is the thinking? that I was going to dismantle the plane with this thing?? And what about the dimes, keys, beverage pull tabs, and the hundred other things I could improvise a screwdriver out of??? But then, 1 month later, they are letting tools up to 7" on board now. Huh?? So now I can bring a solid metal crescent wrench, a stubby screwdriver, needlenose pliers aboard a plane, which are not only tools but deadly weapons. To me the TSA regulations are wildly inconsistent and flawed because they show a lack of imagination.

I bring my solid aluminum Eddie Bauer flashlight (7" length) through security without a second glance, but admittedly my reason for carrying this larger thick machined aluminum body flashlight with knurled grip is specifically as a blunt weapon (to bash some terrorist mofos face in should the need arise).

To address the OP, I've never tried bringing a 2D Maglite through security yet, but I have about 2 or 3 old ones (not much used except for occasional storm blackouts) and I'm willing to risk sacrificing one to TSA next time I fly for the sake of science.... LOL.



I don't want to go off the topic too much but on the subject of TSA security.... what do Nylon stockings or synthetic socks, underwire or padded bras, belts with simple metal buckles, shirts with collars, silk scarves, shoes or boots with laces, cable luggage locks, coins (rolled or loose in a Casino cup), a plastic (acrylic) comb, disposable Bic lighter, aerosol hairspray, 10 keys and a key fob on a keyring, Listerine breath strips, a book of paper matches, mini nail clipper with file, a nylon strap from a bag or belt, a large paperclip, a pen with a metal body, a pen with a plastic body (nylon or acrylic), "Allure" perfume by Chanel, Time magazine (or any high clay weekly), aluminum Sigg water bottle (empty), "I (heart) N.Y." coffee mug, conch shell from Florida, bottle of Glen Fidditch Scotch whiskey, glass ashtray from "Fisherman's Wharf", sample rock collection from Grand Canyon, Arizona, bottle of Louisiana hot sauce from Mardi Gras, duct tape, metal Swingline stapler, powdered non-dairy creamer packets, hot pepper packets from Round Table Pizza, 6" wooden dowel (hardwood), nuts/bolts, glass marbles, packet of party poppers, small mister/sprayer bottle (empty), steel wool, cell phone, disposable camera with flash, Nikon with flash unit, Eton FR-150 AM/FM radio with solar/dynamo charger, portable CD player, travel alarm clock, 9V battery, and laptops with Ni-Cad battery packs have in common? (basically any electronic device with a rechargeable battery and/or a capacitor)

And who paid attention during chemistry class?? Aluminum (powdered), Ammonia (cleaning agent), Chlorine (disinfectant wipes), Ethanol (booze over 80 proof), Hydrogen Peroxide, Iron oxide (powdered, base ingredient of aluminothermic reaction), Magnesium (powdered), Mercury (fulminate), Naptha (mothballs), Parafin wax, Potassium Permanganate, Phosporous (red or white from matchheads), Saltpeter (KNO3), and Sulfur.


Answer: these are all potential weapons and dangerous compounds which you can for the most part commonly carry past checkpoints.

My point is (which I've made elsewhere), the only real improved security measure that would prevent another 9/11 type attack is the reinforced cockpit door and the awareness/willingness of passengers to get involved now.