Can I carry on a surefire flashlight onto a flight in the US?

A

AfterDark

Joined
Apr 9, 2007
Messages
282
I have a 6p and 9p flashlight that I have. I usually have one of them on me. I have a flight to southern california in a few days. I checked TSA's website already and I didn't see that flashlights were prohibited. Does anyone regularly fly with a flashlight as a carry on? I do not want to check in any bags. If anyone knows more about this, please let me know. I appreciate all the help. Thanks again. Stay safe and happy holidays.
 
From my TSA experiences, the flashlight is OK, but Lithium batteries are a no-no. I have had security remove the batteries before. Li batts release flammable gas, which is an obvious risk. Also, I have heard several first hand accounts of flashlights exploding w/Li batts installed...think expanding gas in a watertight enviornment.
md
 
Let’s see if we can find the right forum …
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The flashlight is fine. But, unfortunately, they x-ray as a potential pipe bomb and so you can expect to be stopped for extra scrutiny.
 
Where in the US are you guys flying thru?

I travel with a surefire L4 in my pocket, an Inova or two in my daypack and 4 spare lithium c123 in a bright orange spare carrier. I've never had a hassle with this.

Flashlights are just fine on the airplane. As far as the batteries exploding - Mike, I think your firsthand accounts are leaving something else very important out of the story.
 
I fly domestically 2-3 trips a month and occasionally overseas. I always carry a Surefire A2 in my carry on and have NEVER been stopped.

Hope this helps!

Dan
 
I've consistently traveled with my SureFire 6P-Defender on various flights with various carriers and not ONCE has TSA even given it a second look.
 
RugbyJeeves said:
I've consistently traveled with my SureFire 6P-Defender on various flights with various carriers and not ONCE has TSA even given it a second look.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I also have a 6pD but I recently just carried my 9p onto the flight. I didn't want TSA to confiscate my 6pd in case they saw it as a martial arts weapon or something of that nature.
 
I've flown both domestic and international with flashlights and spare batteries and didn't get a second look.
 
I fly with my E2D Defender in my bag all the time. TSA has never taken a second look, they are more worried about my belt and shoes and going home.
 
My E2L Outdoorsman has been to Spain and back with me twice (through London Heathrow) and my G2 LED has been to Spain, Canada, and Mexico with me. Add in the numerous domestic flights and my lights have been in the air probably close to 50 times. I only had one issue and that was a TSA Agent asking me about battery life on the G2 LED compared to a regular G2. He joked about confiscating it simply so that he could take it home himself. The conversation ended with me recommending a website where he could get his own. I have never seen anyone else have a problem either.

Hope that helps!
 
Never ever been stopped for My Fenix or Nitecore Both i Carry in my Bag.
I fly 6-8 times a week between islands.
Been Stopped more for my Damn YKK zippers though:rolleyes:
 
Just an interesting note: I received an order of replacement batteries for my SureFire E1L (a 12 pack of the SF123A batteries) and a large sticker on the bottom of the package (measuring 4" x 6") states: "PRIMARY LITHIUM BATTERIES - FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT"

No yelling intentionally there, but you could read this sticker from fifteen feet away...
 
Simply put, the people righting the regs, they are crazy. I have had them confiscate the batteries in my pocket flashlight that was in the lap top case, then ignore the batteries for the lap top and also ignore the battery in my pocket camera. At the same time they let me hand carry a full size umbrella on the plane.
 
According to the FAA guidelines, you can carry on lithium batteries in a flashlight and spares.

You are not allowed to carry spares in checked baggage. They must be installed in a device.

There is nothing precluding flashlights of any size or type.

FAA regulations

TSA Prohibited Items
 
I've carried any choice of a G2, C3, L5, and a Fenix L2T with a crenelated bezel on flights out of JFK, IAD, ORD, SFO in the past year.

No problems.

-j
 
why would lithium batteries be illegal on passenger flights when it's impossible not to sit within 5 feet of one?

Lets see:
Cell Phones
iPods
Laptops
PSP
Nintendo DS (I think)

something tells me that the scare over Li-ion batteries on flights is a bit overrated.
 
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