Experiences Flying with Ultrasabers

[Illyiss]

Okay, I know what TSA's official website says, and the part that has me concerned is the bit about the individual agent has final say.  I am leaving out Sat, early AM, to spend two months with a friend.  I want to take a couple of sabers to practice drills and such, and am just nervous about flying with them.  So, I am looking to you, forum of like minded persons, what are your experiences.  Checked luggage?  Carry on?  Any hassles?  Any real problems?  All I have are stunt sabers, with standard dry cells (AAA batteries), so the batteries aren't a separate concern.  I don't fly much at all (second flying trip in over ten years), so I am not super at ease with the procedures, and am hoping you all can help allay my anxieties.

Thanks!!!

[Infinit01]

I've recently taken one as a carry on and the TSA agent took a few seconds of silence before asking if it was a lightsaber and got all giddy when I let him ignite it.  They let you bring them on, just make sure that it'll fit in the overhead compartment

[Ultra]

I've never tried to carry one on, but I have checked quite a few without any issues. I mean, you can check firearms, swords, bows, golf clubs, baseball bats, rocks, sharp sticks, etc, so no one should bat an eye at a lightsaber, lol.

[Illyiss]

I've recently taken one as a carry on and the TSA agent took a few seconds of silence before asking if it was a lightsaber and got all giddy when I let him ignite it.  They let you bring them on, just make sure that it'll fit in the overhead compartment

Did you stow the blades separate, or leave it attached?  I've seen some recommendations to put the blades in checked, and carry on the hilts.

[Musashi Padawan]

I always bring an ultra saber on vacation! Sword forms on the beach at night is one of my favorite things to do. I always put with my checked bags. Probably flown at least ten times, most international and never once had a problem. You will be fine.

[Infinit01]

Did you stow the blades separate, or leave it attached?  I've seen some recommendations to put the blades in checked, and carry on the hilts.

I left it attached. The first time, I added a rubber walker tip to try and mask it but they didn't care.  After that, I just bring it with me as a carry on

[Ken at Sunrise]

I left it attached. The first time, I added a rubber walker tip to try and mask it but they didn't care.  After that, I just bring it with me as a carry on

How does the saber with the blade attached fit as carry on? What case are you using and how did they stow it?

[Infinit01]

How does the saber with the blade attached fit as carry on? What case are you using and how did they stow it?

I carried it as a carry one by itself.  Once I was on the plane, I just placed it in the overhead compartment

[Ultra]

I carried it as a carry one by itself.  Once I was on the plane, I just placed it in the overhead compartment

Ok, I'm going to have to try that.

[Lady Revan]

I've brought on carryon more than once with no issues. Remove batteries and blades when going through security and explain before it goes through the machine what it is (demonstrate if they ask). I also always have the TSA lightsabers page pulled up on my phone just in case.

[Infinit01]

I also always have the TSA lightsabers page pulled up on my phone just in case.

Good idea, LR

[Lady Revan]

Good idea, LR

Better safe than sorry!

[Infinit01]

Better safe than sorry!

This is true.

[Illyiss]

So, flight to destination went without a hitch (in this regard).  Had batteries out, put it in tray, and told the guy "Toy lightsaber".  He smiled and chuckled just a bit and said, "You're good."

[janx]

So, flight to destination went without a hitch (in this regard).  Had batteries out, put it in tray, and told the guy "Toy lightsaber".  He smiled and chuckled just a bit and said, "You're good."

Next time, just say "adult toy" and wink.