TSA's Important Guidelines To Bring A Flashlight Through Airport Security

A flashlight might not seem like a travel essential, but at some point, you may find yourself packing one for a trip. Maybe you're heading out on a tent camping adventure, or perhaps you're going on a hiking excursion in a remote locale. Regardless of the reason, a flashlight can come in handy on your next vacation.

If you plan to fly to reach your destination, you'll want to follow the packing rules set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). According to the TSA's website, flashlights are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage but with some important restrictions. First, large flashlights could be viewed as a weapon and may get confiscated at the airport security checkpoint. Flashlights 7 inches or shorter in length are generally acceptable — anything larger should be placed in your checked bag or left at home.

Your flashlight also shouldn't be combined with self-defense mechanisms, such as blades or strike bezels. If it is, it likely won't be allowed in the plane cabin, so keep it in your checked luggage. Similarly, tactical flashlights that could pose a threat to other passengers' safety may not be permitted through airport security.

Many types of flashlights require lithium batteries, which come with their own set of rules when flying. The Federal Aviation Administration requires devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries to be kept in carry-on luggage, rather than placed in a checked bag. This rule is in place because the batteries have the potential to overheat or short-circuit, which could cause them to smoke or even explode in the plane's baggage hold compartment.

If your batteries can be removed from the flashlight, the flashlight may be placed in your checked luggage, while the batteries should be kept with you during the flight. If you choose to keep both items in your carry-on bag, remove the batteries from the flashlight and keep them in a separate bag or pocket. When going through security, avoid getting flagged by TSA by removing the flashlight and batteries from your bag and placing them where they're easy to see in the conveyor belt bins.

Laser pointers are a bit different from your typical flashlight, but they're also allowed in carry-on and checked luggage, according to the TSA. Just like with regular ol' flashlights, you'll want to keep laser pointers in your carry-on bag if they contain lithium batteries. Remove the batteries if possible or keep the pointer in an "off" switch to prevent it from accidentally turning on. Remember, pointing high-powered lasers at an aircraft, or using a laser in a way that otherwise impedes aviation security, is a federal crime in many countries, including the U.S. It's crucial to avoid using laser pointers and other types of laser lights at airports, near planes, or inside an aircraft.

When packing a small laser pointer, you often won't be required to remove the light from your bag. However, TSA agents may perform additional screening to rule out safety threats. Even if TSA gives the light the okay, know that some destinations or tourist attractions have bans on laser pointers. For example, visitors traveling to the Olympics aren't allowed to bring laser pointers inside the venues.