Surefire Strike Bezels on a plane?

[?uesto]

I'm sure this has been asked, but I couldn't find through any means of searching.

Are Surefires, (or any flashlight, for that matter), with a strike(?) bezel allowed on a plane? And if not on carry-on, certainly in a checked bag, no?

Thanks in advance.

[bigfoot]

It's not a "strike bezel". Just a "shroud" to see if you left your flashlight on. Throw on a SureFire diffuser and cover the sharp crenelated edges.

Since the TSA has a habit of flying by the seat of their pants, your mileage may vary. I've read of other folks not having any problems flying with them.

[?uesto]

Since the TSA has a habit of flying by the seat of their pants, your mileage may vary.

This analogy made my night. I won't easily forget this whenever I see one of them in the future. I doubt most TSA agents would have any clue as to what they're for, but do you think I'd have an easier time putting it in my pocket, (and then in the bin with wallet, keys, phone, etc.), or in my carry-on?

[bud760]

I had a solarforce with strike bezel on a couple of domestic flights. SAN to SFO and SAN to LAS with no problems. I had them in my carry-on. If you have them in your pocket and took them out to put in the basket exposing them, then I would think the TSA agents would give you a second look.

[FreestyleAssassin]

I ALWAYS fly with my E2D (carry on), domestic and international, I have had no issues, ever!

The E2D has been physically examined on several occasions and, knock on wood, I have always been given it back.

I was asked on one occasion - "what do you need this for?"

I responded - "it gets dark sometimes"

I suppose that I wouldn't have been a good idea to state that I might use it to bash the **** out of some a-hole who jumps up shouting stuff and making everyone nervous.

Also, I always fly with a tactical pen. But I'm not going to tell you that you are absolutely good to go should you elect to fly with either one or both for that matter.

You just don't know when or if there is going to be a shift in policy or if you are going to run into an "agent" who loves his job, hates his life and gets his kicks by taking it out on YOU...

My motto has always been, don't fly with anything that you aren't prepared to get confiscated!

I got a spare in my checked baggage ;)

[chrisemt]

Should not be a problem. I have flown with my E2E at least 3 times clipped to my right front pocket. Never been asked any questions. My prepared answer has always been, "To see in the dark." If they press the issue my response is ramped up to, "If the plane goes down, it will probably loose power and then I can find my way out." TSA doesn't like that kind of talk. If your flashlight is confiscated get the agents name, ask for a supervisor, and petition for it's return. You may get lucky and the airline will mail it home. Longshot but the airlines don't like TSA snafus that lead to bad reviews. I only say this because Dad is a TSA agent and he says he doesn't care about your flashlight. But then again he's got a G2 riding on his uniform belt at the checkpoint. Plus TSA looks for explosives not crenulated bezels.
-Chris

[brix]

I ALWAYS fly with my E2D (carry on), domestic and international, I have had no issues, ever!

The E2D has been physically examined on several occasions and, knock on wood, I have always been given it back.

I was asked on one occasion - "what do you need this for?"

I responded - "it gets dark sometimes"

I suppose that I wouldn't have been a good idea to state that I might use it to bash the **** out of some a-hole who jumps up shouting stuff and making everyone nervous.

Also, I always fly with a tactical pen. But I'm not going to tell you that you are absolutely good to go should you elect to fly with either one or both for that matter.

You just don't know when or if there is going to be a shift in policy or if you are going to run into an "agent" who loves his job, hates his life and gets his kicks by taking it out on YOU...

My motto has always been, don't fly with anything that you aren't prepared to get confiscated!

I got a spare in my checked baggage ;)

Never had an issue travelling with my E2D through Europe and in the states.

[?uesto]

Thank you everyone. Very useful information. I'm sticking it in my carry-on, and putting it in my pocket upon clearing the checkpoint. Worse-case scenario, it get's taken and I don't get it back; I got it on sale. :P $70 ain't cheap for a metal lamp, especially to get taken, but it beats paying full price.

Also, how likely is it that my Benchmade will get stolen or otherwise "misplaced," if it's in my checked bag?

[firemedic183]

Also, how likely is it that my Benchmade will get stolen or otherwise "misplaced," if it's in my checked bag?

Everytime I fly, I place my knife in an extra pair of shoes in my checked luggage, and if I am not carrying an extra pair of shoes, I put it in my toiletry kit with no problems. I would rate it as highly unlikely.

[bigfoot]

Agree -- I have read and heard of the stories of folks having knives and fancy stuff removed from their checked luggage -- but I've checked a Leatherman PST and various SAKs while flying and never had any stolen. I like the toiletry kit idea; going to try that on the next trip!!

Also being an owner of a SF E2DL, I was curious to see how other folks responded in this thread (haven't traveled with it yet). Like the "It's a flashlight so I can see in the dark" response. That is a good idea, too!