How Does The TSA "Magic Flashlight" Work?
 

I was at DFW yesterday and I showed them my New York State driver's license. The ID checker shined some kind of light on it for a second or two before letting me go.

The passenger before me, however, had shown an EU (French) passort which got the same "magic flashlight" go over.

What is this light? How is it supposed to work?

It's a black light that makes any holograms on the document easy to see.

Most valid forms of identification have security features that are visible when illuminated with ultra-violet light.

Hmm.

Most hand-held UV lights I've seen looked like blue flourescent tubes.

They make both incandescent and fluorescent black lights. And LED based ones too, I think.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_light

Black light is "soft" UV light - just a bit of UVA and nothing over 400 nm wavelength.

In any case, FlyinHawaiian and I were saying pretty much the same thing. :)

TSA magic flashlight instrcutions:

1. scan ID with magic flashlight
2. pretend you do not see any hologram, hold ID at various angles
3. stare at potential terrorist-passenger for 3 seconds
4. grunt and let them proceed to shoe carnival

i'm telling!!!!-what you just told the public was ssi :D

Sadly self-evident ignorance?

Step zero for the truly brave: Write "KHIAI" in black light ink on the edge of the ID first. If they ask, explain that it stands for Kip Hawley is an Inspiration and it's a new secret admiration society and aren't they members yet?!?

I might get in trouble for this one
 

Is that Inspiration like thoes handicap kids on the jerry lewis telethon
ah heck i am going to hell now;)

Passenger instructions:
1. Try not to laugh, it might get you a retaliatory secondary (especially at AUS).

Guilty until proven innocent SSI department
 

When did we get the status upgrade? I thought passengers were all "terrorists--potential non-terrorists". :rolleyes:

Wait, this seems very familiar.

Is this checklist right next to the one for "examining" women pax with underwire bras? :D

This, my friends, is comedy gold.

Serious question - while inadvisable, is "Step 0" actually illegal? Could I be subject for arrest for "Tampering with a REAL ID" or some such "offense"? And, if so, is that a state or Federal crime?

It wouldn't be federal, but modifying an official document could get you in trouble. You'll have to figure out what the rules are for your state. Something to research....

Is it okay to modify my official Wonder Woman fan club membership card? It does have my picture on it and it is laminated. :p

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Magic batteries :D I couldnt resist. UV features on the IDs will illuminate under the light. My FCC and FAA license have them also.

Good idea. But mine says "KHIAFI"? How should I explain this?

Where the idea came from
 

You are correct. The "magic flashlights" work on the magic principle. According to his unofficial bio, Kip Hawley received an "A+" in "Viewing Invisible Ancient Runes" class his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Apparition Wizardry. Unfortunately for us, that same year he also got a "D-" in "Explosive Potions of Everyday Water."

Hmm. KHIAFI, Gaddafi, it all sounds very terroristic to me - you're busted! ;)

And, yes, uv flashlights are nothing new - you can even use a filter on a light source to render UV only. I have used an underwater uv flashlight for years for night dives - some critters are easier to find (like scorpions in the desert as well) and it is easier to discern healthy form dead coral. (One provider.)

Now they can have their fun, too. And we can say "I've been ultraviolated." ;)

Substitute "Fabulous" for the originally intended adjective. Oh! You meant "fabulous" in the first place? How about, uh ... wait for it ... let's try "floobelgasterous"! Yeah that's it - just tell 'em it's kinda like "horrific" but in a good way.