Traveling with a lightsaber?

[Jenny]

So, I'm sure that some of you attend conventions, and no doubt, some of you fly to those conventions. I'm curious how you bring your lightsabers along. Do you pack them in checked luggage? Does that make you worry about lithium battery issues? Do you carry them on the plane with you? Has anyone ever mistaken one for a pipe bomb? What issues have you had with the TSA?

[Forgetful Jedi Knight]

The BEST way I have found is to carry it on with you, in it's own "case" and print a piece of paper (to be easily viewable upon opening of said case) that says "Star Wars Prop Lightsaber". Many TSA have seen enough of these over time to recognize them. Make sure you have a blade plug in it, because they may ask you to turn it on.

[rlobrecht]

And make sure you have charged batteries, so it can be turned on.

[Whosle]

Is there a flight ban on Lithium batteries? Or only certain products (hoverboard)?

I was wondering for Christmas gifts. I like the Idea of putting a printed piece of paper in it, like Forgettful Jedi mentioned.

If it is a canon saber, maybe include a screenshot! And instructions on how to turn on (kill key removal).

The shape of the saber would be pretty alarming to Canadian TSA agents the xray tech will definately ask for a superior. Maybe point out the case and tell them first before it scans.

[rlobrecht]

I went to look up the lithium restrictions, and TSA has lightsabers listed specifically. Batteries for our sabers are allowed in checked or carry on baggage. Really big batteries aren't allowed in checked baggage.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/printable

[jbkuma]

I always take it out of my bag and tell the agent what it is. I keep it in a nice padded sock to keep it from getting scratched up and do it looks innocuous.

[Whosle]

Lol Rlobrecht,

Is that the real page? That is pretty awesome. They say toy sabers, maybe plastic is encountered often.

They let you on with a cell phone or laptop with lithium cells, it'd be strange to ban the lithium batteries. I just know that alot of large mail carriers weren't flying them.

[Avidgrant]

here is the actual language-
Light Saber
Sadly, the technology doesn't currently exist to create a real lightsaber. However, you can pack a toy lightsaber in your carry-on or checked bag. May the force be with you.

Awesome!!!!

[Jenny]

Thanks for all the awesome, informative responses, gang!

[Forgetful Jedi Knight]

Is there a flight ban on Lithium batteries? Or only certain products (hoverboard)?

I was wondering for Christmas gifts. I like the Idea of putting a printed piece of paper in it, like Forgettful Jedi mentioned.

If it is a canon saber, maybe include a screenshot! And instructions on how to turn on (kill key removal).

The shape of the saber would be pretty alarming to Canadian TSA agents the xray tech will definately ask for a superior. Maybe point out the case and tell them first before it scans.

If it is already installed, the TSA will allow it. If it is "loose, then maybe not.

[Avidgrant]

got to be honest - glad this topic was revised..... I'm traveling as well- with 4 sabers (Disney halloween cruise in a month)- and am planning on jedi costumes for the halloween party- thus requiring lightsabers...... so.......

[Sevinzol]

This is from that TSA page

Flashlights
Flashlights longer than 7 inches (measured from end to end when assembled) are prohibited in carry-on bags; these items must be packed in your checked bags.
They might use this to require you to check the bag. It probably won't happen but be prepared.

[jshannonhill]

I have traveled / flown with my sabers a few times. I recommend putting them in checked baggage for convenience and safety. It is just easier than having one more thing to worry about when boarding and figuring out where to put it -- especially if traveling with children. I recommend purchasing a padded rifle case and keeping the saber-blades IN the sabers. This way, it is easy to demonstrate what they are and what they do and why you would want to travel with them. I leave the kill-keys in place so they don't accidentally activate during boarding. When checking in, they may ask to see the contents, but will sometimes avoid it, even if you tell them it is not a weapon. And I DO print a paper to go in the case explaining what they are and how to operate them for any inspectors.

I find that I get NO harassment this way, and it is actually treated with WAY more respect than any of the other luggage. The case is a respectful way of saying, "Treat me with caution, I am potentially dangerous." I have never had a problem with this method and recommend it for anything long and that you want to protect -- I have used it for swords, bokken, and knife collections. They will x-ray and see, but I always tell them ahead of time what the contents are before they ask. But they don't pass that information along, so the general workers just treat it with a lot of respect. BTW, I have TSA approved locks I use and open them for the agents when I check my bags, but they are locked the entire trip, to my knowledge. DO be aware you will need to ASK for the rifle case / saber(s) at the end of your trip --they won't put them out on the luggage carousel / conveyors.

[Ridire Fíréan]

DO be aware you will need to ASK for the rifle case / saber(s) at the end of your trip --they won't put them out on the luggage carousel / conveyors.

Jey @jshannonhill ! Have you asked if that's because of the LENGTH of the rifle case, or BECAUSE it's a rifle case?

[Avidgrant]

well..... Finally flying with these guys this weekend..... fingers crossed.15831 15836

[Avidgrant]

Well- security was np. Guy at x ray said--- lightsabers? I replied yep... he commented - cool and gave me the thumbs up. So.....at least at PIT- traveling with them is cool.