Flashlight in a carry-on bag?
#46
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: FrostByte Falls, Mn
Programs: Holiday Inn Plat NW gold AA gold
Posts: 2,157
Imagine how we feel, with folks who "think" they know what they are talking about. Demanding rights that dont exist. And we deal with them by the thousands every day, whereas you get to suffer through what concerns you so much, what, once a week or so? You will of course understand if I give your concerns the level of drama, that I think they deserve.
As to my travel arrangements, that's none of your concern. As to the 'DRAMA' I recall reading one of your posts that you made the statement (paraphrased) 'that you were more American than others, because you served.' Would you expand on that statement, please. Want to know how to identify the Uber Americans in our midst.
#47
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,195
Ronnie, part of the problem is that TSA apparatchiks can and often do, make up rules and regulations on the spot in order to retaliate against passengers knowing their rights and standing up for them. Especially, from passengers who TSA hirelings deem as not being respectful enough.
Wholesale terminations of the folks with these issues is not the answer. Any cooperate management course will tell you that. Teaching them how to deal without making them ineffectual at their duties is the problem, and TSA (in my experience) is not so good at this. I have always had issues with the lack of management training for its frontline supervisors. The training class they DO get teaches them how to run a checkpoint, but not how to supervise people.
The thing that I realize that you and others here dont, is that makes the TSA no different than just about every other government agency and more than 90% of the civilian companies around the planet. Lots of training on how to get the job done, but little to no training for dealing with their subordinates. Sad, but its what we have.
#48
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: FrostByte Falls, Mn
Programs: Holiday Inn Plat NW gold AA gold
Posts: 2,157
The thing that I realize that you and others here dont, is that makes the TSA no different than just about every other government agency and more than 90% of the civilian companies around the planet. Lots of training on how to get the job done, but little to no training for dealing with their subordinates. Sad, but its what we have.
I've dealt with vendors on multimillion dollar contracts, engineering staff, government contracts officers, DCASMA, end users, equipment operators, company owners, etc. and never found the level of unprofessionalism in any of those areas to be what it is within TSA.
#49
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,195
I am one man, and I cannot hold a wrench that big.
Never? Ever been realistic, in your entire life?
Didnt think so.
Didnt think so.
#50
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: FrostByte Falls, Mn
Programs: Holiday Inn Plat NW gold AA gold
Posts: 2,157
It begins with peer presure to change coworkers attitudes.
Oh, there were some unpleasant moments, but nothing like the nearly continuous SNAFUS caused by TSA employees.
Never? Ever been realistic, in your entire life?
Didnt think so.
Didnt think so.
#51
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: USA
Programs: UA/CO(1K-PLT), AA(PLT), QR, EK, Marriott(PLT), Hilton(DMND)
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Oh Come On TSORon! WTH! Do you think Rosa Parks said "Oh, I'll be a good little so and so and go to the back of the bus"? No! She did the right thing and stood her ground. Now, she wouldn't have had to go through all that bs if the bus drivers had gotten together beforehand and decided they would let people sit wherever they pleased because it was the right thing to do, and white supremacy be damned. Wouldn't you feel better if you attempted to change the system from the inside?
#52
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: NY Metro Area
Programs: AA 2MM Yay!, UA MM, Costco General Member
Posts: 48,919
A while ago there was a thread on flashlights in the technology forum. I used to travel with 3 or 4 flashlights, now, since I am trying to pack lighter and lighter I just carry something like this or a Surefire light. Never had a problem with TSOs or their equivalent in a wide range of countries in North America, Asia, Africa, Europe or Australia. Flashlights are actually required on planes, and I have been on a commercial flight where they needed them for an in air emergency (before I carried one myself).
#53
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1
Hi folks,
I was wondering if a palm-sized metal-body LED emergency flashlights is acceptable in carry-on luggage such as my laptop bag. I checked the TSA site and flashlights aren't even mentioned.
Ed
I was wondering if a palm-sized metal-body LED emergency flashlights is acceptable in carry-on luggage such as my laptop bag. I checked the TSA site and flashlights aren't even mentioned.
Ed
I Just got back from AK....Had the Surefire L4 in my pocket both ways...no issues.
#54
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 76
#55
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: BOS
Posts: 3,534
I carry a small Petzl headlamp. Uses AAA batteries, is light and non-descript, allows for easy hands-free operation, and has never been stopped at a checkpoint (yet). I did just dig out my old AA mini-Maglight which appears to be working just fine. Either is cheap enough that I probably wouldn't have a raving fit if it were randomly confiscated at a checkpoint.
#57
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: CLT
Programs: Choice Hotels/FFOCUS
Posts: 7,256
#58
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 569
Problem? Ultrafire C1 tactical flashlight?
Would I be okay carrying this in my carryon?
I know that there's no definitive answer to this, given that the SOP can change on a whim... But does anyone have any consistent experience traveling with this device?
I know that there's no definitive answer to this, given that the SOP can change on a whim... But does anyone have any consistent experience traveling with this device?
#59
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,728
Up until last year, I never had any trouble with an Inova X0 in my pocket. Under today's mishmash of stuff made up by the DSOs on the line, I wouldn't bet on getting through without it being either questioned or stolen.
#60
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 855
I think the metal attachment with the various tool profiles is likely to cause the entire item to be confiscated, because it's jagged and sharp. The TSA might even get a bit hysterical over it. Personally, I wouldn't risk losing my flashlight over that sort of drama.