So I'm flying out to LA in May for the Star Wars Episode III charity premier, and I want to bring my handy-dandy light saber. Non-functional, of course, and I'll even leave the Indiglo "blade" at home... it's basically a lightweight aluminum tube and looks like this:

Saber Image

I don't want to check it, and my only other option seems to be mailing it to a friend in LA. Will the TSA let me bring this through security? I'm guessing "no," but I figured I'd ask our resident TSA staffers their opinions (realizing, of course, that screeners at DCA and LAX may have other opinions on my days of travel)

Looks at least as dangerous as a bookmark . . .

"Your powers are complete..."

Looks like a bomb to me

This is sure to get you a strip search secondary.

My thoughts are that they will either try to act like it's a pipe bomb, or claim it's a bludgeon and not let it aboard... but in actuality, my questions aren't in jest at the TSA's policies, as I do want to take it with me to LA

mail it

I agree... ship it to a friend or to a hotel if you're staying at one. It looks like something they would consider to be a threat.

Off Topic:

Why are these questions asked so much on this board.

You have both TSA personal and passengers who say the same thing every single time, depends on the airport.

Does it take batteries? IF it does, take them out. If it doesnt, I say it will go. It is not a replica of a real weapon. Doesnt appear to have any wires or such sticking out of it. It is for all intents and purposes, a toy.

exerda,

Not knowing the configuration of your airport, here is what I recommend:

If possible, go to the checkpoint first before checking your luggage in. Ask to speak to a TSA supervisor and show him or her your light saber. If the supervisor sees no problem with it, then you have your answer. Otherwise, you can tuck it inside your baggage before you check it in.

If it were me making the call, I'd let you take it with you as carry-on.

One last thing, when you process through the checkpoint (assuming the supervisor gives you the go-ahead), remove your saber from the carry-on bag and run it through the x-ray separately. This will allow the x-ray screener a clear view of your saber as opposed to seeing it inside of a bag which may make it appear as something else.

Good luck,

May the Force be with you.

I like this strategy. Out of curiousity, would this approach prevent someone from getting fined if they innocently go up to the checkpoint and ask permission before presenting an item for screening?

"Mr. Screener, is this cheese slicer allowed through, or should I check it?" = NO FINE

Cheese slicer in carryon bag placed on belt = POSSIBLE FINE

I thought it was going to be a picture of a pair of shoes.

Unless I am way behind, I don't think that a lightsabre is a replica of a real weapon. I'd go ahead and try to carry it on, and keep a small fedex box and filled out airbill handy in case the TSA is lacking in good judgment.

Assuming your question is a serious one, the answer is simple: no, you will not be fined. You have not yet entered the checkpoint and the item was not detected as a result of screening. You voluntarily offered it prior to screening for a determination.

The only thing that would make you liable to a fine would be if you had a clearly illegal weapon or item. Not trying to be flippant here, but if you came up to the checkpoint with a pipe bomb, of course you'll be fined. You'll also be arrested immediately and charged. But a cheese slicer? No, all you're doing is trying to find out if it is permitted in carry-on or if it is more appropriate in checked baggage.

Once you pass through the walk-thru metal detector and/or have an item placed in the x-ray machine, all bets are off and you then assume full responsibility for your actions, your property and anything that is found by a security screener in the performance of his or her official duties.

Sound reasonable?

Let me clarify my previous post: I do not see any reason why it should be prohibited. However, my point was that the internal configuration of the light saber as seen through the x-ray machine tucked inside your typically cluttered carry-on bag may give it the appearance of an IED or stun gun. Placing it in x-ray separately will help screeners clearly identify it as a non-threat item.

As for the "saber" label; it's nothing more than what would otherwise be described as a toy.