I hope this hasn't been asked and answered... Forgive me if it has.
It is a rare occasion when I travel by air. But, on Friday, I'm taking the family to Walt Disney World on vaca. I'll most likely take my Tank007 TK-703 in my pocket. While its a pretty cheap light, I'd hate to give it to the TSA. Ive checked TSAs web site and seen nothing that would indicate that small flashlights are prohibited items.
Does any of the frequent flyers here ever have any trouble EDC a small flashlight through airport security?
I am a frequent flyer and even though I agree with the advice above, the reality is that - unless you have specific, mandatory and binding rules on your side that you can point to (which most civilians really don't, except when flying with a what the TSA refer to as a "special item", ie. in most cases firearms and/or ammunition), you're pretty much at the mercy of the TSA folks manning the checkpoint.
You can always ask for a supervisor and you're free to sue them (TSA "officers" are not sworn law enforcement officers and it appears, they need to be reminded of that fact frequently) but the reality is that when you get a choice between taking a stand, possibly being arrested in front of your family and most definitely missing your flight or giving up whatever the security theater police deem "too dangerous" (tm) for you to have, you'll have to toss it in the bag and no amount of arguing is going to change that.
I haven't had them confiscate a flashlight yet (knock on wood), but I've heard horror stories from close friends - most of whom have served this country and in some cases still are. But then again, that's the TSA for ya. They'd rather harrass a 87 year-old medal of honor recipient than appear politically incorrect. There's a reason why the TSA is even more despised than the IRS.
My advice is don't bring anything you're not prepared to lose and if in doubt, do film everything (Phil Mocek did and it's why he won). MCO is pretty much hit-or-miss. At times, it's a nightmare but for the most part, it's okayish. I've found that it's often a lot easier to use the USPS if there's any chance that the TSA might break stuff, which is of course entirely legal, unless you're mailing a prohibited item.
In all honesty, I’m prepared to part with my little flashlight and have my junk felt up. I hate that I can’t carry my 1 inch blade keychain knife which would be great for opening the in- flight peanuts. Nor can I concealed carry my Ruger LCP to defend my family or the flight if necessary.
I feel like a lamb going to the slaughter of giving up all rights just to get to Florida in 3 hours instead of 14 hours. I expect the worst from TSA but I won’t be the guy to make a point. Go along to get along.
Why this country is so afraid of the p word when it comes to flight security baffles me. Profiling has little to do with race and nationality (but uncomfortably, it does factor in). But it is much more efficient and effective than our current system. We could learn from El Al in that respect.
Sorry for the tangent. Back to budget lights. Absolutely love THIS flashlight forum!
It is actually an excellent light. - and comes with a more sane bezel. I really regret losing this one. The spiky bezel was memorably described as the "Klingon Bezel" It seriously messes up the beam.
I am a frequent flyer and have never had any questions about the flashlights I travel with. Once in France I had my computer bag gone through with a fine tooth comb, but when they came to the flashlight all they did was ask me to turn it on. Once they saw it light up that was all they cared about. In the US I have never had a TSA agent ask about my multiple flashlights in my bag. That includes the L2P with an 18650 in it.
