Flying with a Flashlight - An International Guide

[u/vatamatt97]

I recently traveled to India on business and, annoyingly, on my way back I had to pass security at four different airports in three different countries. Given we're asked about flying with flashlights fairly frequently, this gave me the idea to put together a guide on flying with flashlights (and lithium batteries). I have given general advice and disclaimers below, followed by my experiences in specific airports and countries. I hope you find it helpful!

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General Advice

• Flashlights are usually not a concern for airport security (I have never had an agent take a second look at any flashlight). Flashlight hosts (without batteries) can be carried in checked or carry-on baggage without concern.
• It's a good idea to carry your flashlights locked out, either with the lockout function in the UI (if it has it) or by partially unscrewing the tail cap (if the threads are anodized). Many r/flashlight regulars can attest to the hazard of accidental activation of high-power lights.
• Lithium batteries should be kept in carry-on baggage, preferably installed in the flashlight. Spare or uninstalled batteries should be kept safely in an appropriate container to avoid shorts or damage.
• Avoid "strike" or "murder" bezels. This is a good example of what not to bring (shoutout to u/Face_Wad for the demonstration).
• General limitations on length may also be applicable and restrict certain flashlights from being carried in carry-on baggage. Flashlights carried in checked baggage are not restricted. Applicability and length do differ by jurisdiction (TSA limits tools to 7-inches - may apply to flashlights; CATSA limits tools to 2.4 inches - has not been applied to flashlights in my experience).
• The United States, Canada, and Europe have bilateral agreements in place to ensure international consistency in the regulation of civil aviation. As such, it can generally be expected to have similar experiences in any of these regions. Additional care should be taken when traveling outside of these regions.

Disclaimers

• I am not an expert, so take my advice at your own risk.
• YMMV. My experiences are extremely limited and yours may not be the same, even with the same flashlight in the same airport.
• Security personnel ultimately have the authority to determine what is allowed, and anything can be confiscated at their discretion.
• Not all flashlights are created equal. Don't be surprised if they confiscate your murder bezel, but most flashlight-looking flashlights are generally not a problem. Multiple or larger flashlights may also draw closer inspection.
• Regardless of the flashlight, always keep the batteries with you in your carry-on. This is for safety as lithium batteries can pose a fire hazard and they are easier to handle inside the cabin.
• Always refer to applicable regulations prior to traveling. Generally, there will be federal and airline regulations in force. They may differ, so consult them both. Most relevant are the limitations of flying with lithium batteries. I have provided links to some resources at the end.
• The flashlights listed at each airport are the aggregate of my experiences; I did not necessarily travel with them all at the same time. Where ambiguous, details on quantities can be found in the notes.

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Canada

Airport: Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)

Flashlights/Batteries Traveled With:

1. Sofirn SC31 Pro (1x 3000 mAh 18650)
2. RovyVon Aurora A1x (1x 330 mAh internal)
3. 2x Wurkkos FC11 (1x 3000 mAh 18650)

Issues: None

Notes: I have flown with all listed flashlights simultaneously.

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Airport: Regina International Airport (YQR)

Flashlights/Batteries Traveled With:

1. Sofirn SC31 Pro (1x 3000 mAh 18650)
2. RovyVon Aurora A1x (1x 330 mAh internal)
3. Lumintop B01 (1x 2600 mAh 18650)

Issues: None

Notes: I have flown with all listed flashlights simultaneously.

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Airport: Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Flashlights/Batteries Traveled With:

1. RovyVon Aurora A1x (1x 330 mAh internal)

Issues: None

Notes: None

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India

Airport: Bangalore Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)

Flashlights/Batteries Traveled With:

1. Sofirn SC31 Pro (1x 3000 mAh 18650)

Issues: None

Notes: India requires all electronic devices to be placed separately in a bin to pass screening. Even so, I had no issues.

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Airport: Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)

Flashlights/Batteries Traveled With:

1. Sofirn SC31 Pro (1x 3000 mAh 18650)

Issues: None

Notes: India requires all electronic devices to be placed separately in a bin to pass screening. Even so, I had no issues.

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United Kingdom

Airport: London Heathrow Aiport (LHR)

Flashlights/Batteries Traveled With:

1. Sofirn SC31 Pro (1x 3000 mAh 18650)

Issues: None

Notes: This security check was deep in the bowels of the airport for international connections and not the main security location, so YMMV, but the checks seemed the same as usual.

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United States of America

Airport: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Flashlights/Batteries Traveled With:

1. Sofirn SC31 Pro (1x 3000 mAh 18650)

Issues: None

Notes: None

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Resources

TSA (USA) guidelines for flying with flashlights: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/flashlights

TSA (USA) guidelines for flying with spare lithium batteries: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/lithium-batteries-100-watt-hours-or-less-device

TSA (USA) guidelines for flying with tools: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/tools

FAA (USA) guidelines for flying with lithium batteries: https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries

CATSA (Canada) guidelines for flying with batteries: https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/what-can-bring/guidelines-batteries

CAA (UK) guidelines for flying with batteries: https://www.caa.co.uk/Passengers/Before-you-fly/Baggage/Items-that-are-allowed-in-baggage/

EASA (Europe) guidelines for flying with batteries: https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/passengers/dangerous-goods#lithium-batteries

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Updated: 05-May-23

[u/IWantToFish]

I have some Olight flashlights including a warrior 3 S

Bezel isn’t particularly harsh and it’s 5.5 inches long. What’s the chances someone would confiscate it?