The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Defense and Tactics => Topic started by: mkm on March 12, 2011, 10:40:07 PM
-
I did a quick search and found a little information, but I figured I would ask anyway.
I have to fly to DC for business in a few weeks; so, the gun has to stay home. :'( I also can't take a knife because I don't plan on checking luggage and have no idea where all I'm going once there. :( This pretty much leaves me with my Surefire 6PX Pro. http://www.surefire.com/6PX-Pro (http://www.surefire.com/6PX-Pro) I don't have a lot of flying experience since I've only ever made one trip that required it. Am I likely to have any problems dropping the light in a carry on? I don't want to donate my new light to TSA.
Also, do yall have any more suggestions for while I'm there besides pay attention and avoid sketchy people? Is it possible to avoid sketchy people in DC? I've never been there.
Thanks ahead of time for the help.
-
Washington has one of the worst crime rates in America. Do like all the other white people do. Leave before it gets dark.
-
I fly a lot, 107000 air miles last year. I carry a similar sized light in my carry on and never have had any issue. In two years of flying weekly it has been flagged once when they ran it through the x-ray and all they did was pull it out of my bag to see what it was.
-
Good Luck mkm!
I have been flying more and more for business, and dealing with the ever changing rules and regulations is the biggest challenge. On the positive side, the constant changes in what I have for tools has honed my awareness and mental alertness not only on the trips but in everyday life.
Personally I always have at least one bag to check, so I always drop the light along with knife in that bag. The only bag I will carry on is my computer if I need it.
Last night was a prime reason I hate people that refuse to check their bags. I sat next to two large women who carried large purses and carry on bags that someone had to help them squeeze into the overhead. I am large enough myself to be uncomfortable in a plane seat, but then put me next to a woman that refused to adjust and try to make us all comfortable. Then she insists on having her "purse" up and down the entire trip doing who knows what.
Go ahead and take carry on bags, but to everyone that flies remember that you aren't the only person on the flight! And in my case I not only pay the same price for my ticket as you, but I also pay to check my bags so I will not crowd you with them.
Rant off
-
This pretty much leaves me with my Surefire 6PX Pro. http://www.surefire.com/6PX-Pro (http://www.surefire.com/6PX-Pro) I don't have a lot of flying experience since I've only ever made one trip that required it. Am I likely to have any problems dropping the light in a carry on? I don't want to donate my new light to TSA.
When I flly I always carry a G2 and a 6P (original) in carry on luggage. Since your light and mine don't have a "striking" bezel it has never been a problem for me - shouldn't be for you either.
Enjoy your trip!
-
Flying operationally engrained two things. ALWAYS have a light ON YOU, and know where the exits, structure, and be able to get there.
I usually put a light in my carry on while going through security then put it in my pocket while airborne. As much as I'd like to also have a multi-tool too, that isn't happening now.
As far as in DC, it depends on where your headed. Are you staying in DC proper or headed soemwhere else? Which airport are you going into? The area around Dulles isn'd bad, I'm up there all the time for work. National has a few decent places close in but pretty much sucks after about 6PM. Traffic BLOWS. The Beltway can be a bit confusing but look on the bright side, if you miss your exit it will come back around eventually.
-
It's been since the mid-90's that I flew into Dulles, but here around and about I carry on one of the Tenergy CRE lights with striker bezel. 200-230 lumens depending on which one, two CR123's and I'm good to go and never have had a problem getting in and out of the airport with carry on. I will try to orient it up and down in baggage so it's not so easy to see the bezel so that when they pull it out they are looking to confirm what it is rather than see what that striker bezel is....once they see flashlight their brain goes off and off I go.
Someone here on the forum turned me on to www.all-battery.com and it has really worked out for me. I like the prices and products and I will say to go to the website frequently as they rotate "specials" like the T60 going for $28...a great light for the price...if they take it from me it won't be a lot of money lost.
And...I keep a can of deviled ham with me as well which never, never raises an eyebrow; the pop top folded in half makes a nice improvised cutting surface. Plus it is pork....
-
I never had a problem flying with a flashlight into BWI or Dulles.
-
Good Luck mkm!
I have been flying more and more for business, and dealing with the ever changing rules and regulations is the biggest challenge. On the positive side, the constant changes in what I have for tools has honed my awareness and mental alertness not only on the trips but in everyday life.
Personally I always have at least one bag to check, so I always drop the light along with knife in that bag. The only bag I will carry on is my computer if I need it.
Last night was a prime reason I hate people that refuse to check their bags. I sat next to two large women who carried large purses and carry on bags that someone had to help them squeeze into the overhead. I am large enough myself to be uncomfortable in a plane seat, but then put me next to a woman that refused to adjust and try to make us all comfortable. Then she insists on having her "purse" up and down the entire trip doing who knows what.
Go ahead and take carry on bags, but to everyone that flies remember that you aren't the only person on the flight! And in my case I not only pay the same price for my ticket as you, but I also pay to check my bags so I will not crowd you with them.
Rant off
Always take a carry on bag when traveling by bus or plane. Put in it any thing you MUST have at your destination, Change of clothes, medications, any paperwork you may need etc. I don't travel that often but the rate of late, or misdirected checked bags is about 50% in my experience. Don't check anything you "must have" or you stand the chance of making the trip for nothing and looking incompetent.
-
Always take a carry on bag when traveling by bus or plane. Put in it any thing you MUST have at your destination, Change of clothes, medications, any paperwork you may need etc. I don't travel that often but the rate of late, or misdirected checked bags is about 50% in my experience. Don't check anything you "must have" or you stand the chance of making the trip for nothing and looking incompetent.
That is where I am lucky. If it weren't for the puter I can carry all my must have in my pockets. Cellphone, aspirin, decongestant of some type, and ID and a credit card. A week's worth of clothes, especially suits and dress shirts, aren't going to fit in carry on, so baggage carousel is always a stop for me.
I have one of those little key ring lights in the watch pocket of my pants for an emergency.
-
Thanks guys, I knew yall would be helpful.
M58, I get what you're saying about carry ons/annoying people. I'll keep it in mind, but I'm packing pretty light and small for this trip and would prefer to keep my stuff with me this time. Besides, I didn't pay for my ticket; yall did. ;)
Even if I could get a knife up there, I'm still not sure what kind of security I'm going to have to deal with once there. I also have a feeling most of the folks in the group will not be pro-armed. I'm afraid I'm going to have to be lead around like the rest of the sheep for 2 days. My goal is to at least be the "black sheep" of the group.
Flying operationally engrained two things. ALWAYS have a light ON YOU, and know where the exits, structure, and be able to get there.
I usually put a light in my carry on while going through security then put it in my pocket while airborne. As much as I'd like to also have a multi-tool too, that isn't happening now.
As far as in DC, it depends on where your headed. Are you staying in DC proper or headed soemwhere else? Which airport are you going into? The area around Dulles isn'd bad, I'm up there all the time for work. National has a few decent places close in but pretty much sucks after about 6PM. Traffic BLOWS. The Beltway can be a bit confusing but look on the bright side, if you miss your exit it will come back around eventually.
That's a good idea; I'll stick it in my pocket after I get through security.
I'll probably fly into Reagan, maybe Dulles. If mapquest is right, I'll be staying about 1000 meters, straight line, from the White house. I won't be doing any driving.
-
Look for a cheap folding knife or small kitchen knife for while you are there, Some dollar store special that you can through in the trash before you leave.
-
Look for a cheap folding knife or small kitchen knife for while you are there, Some dollar store special that you can through in the trash before you leave.
+1...excellent advice here.
Let's face it, those cheap 7-11 'grab-bag' knife specials (aka 'one-cut wonders') in the little plastic bucket by the register for $5 are perfect for this situation.
Buy two as soon as you leave the airport, one for each pocket.
You shouldn't need it to slice a 1" hemp rope, shave with, or tunnel through a wall.......you just need something on you, just in case you have to alleviate someone's gripping ability or in a worst case scenario, emancipate his guts.
Like Tom said, when it's time to go home, then toss it (after wiping prints, of course) before going into the airport.
(now that sounded paranoid, didn't it?)
;)
-
Remember if you go sight seeing in DC all the museums have metal detectors and bag x-rays.
-
One thing not mentioned that I always have with me, is my cane. I have two, one from WoodenSteel and another that I made myself out of a stockmans cane. It is hickory and very solid. I have never been questioned at the airport or the Train Station. I carry it everywhere. It may be a better weapon than a knife.
-
One thing not mentioned that I always have with me, is my cane. I have two, one from WoodenSteel and another that I made myself out of a stockmans cane. It is hickory and very solid. I have never been questioned at the airport or the Train Station. I carry it everywhere. It may be a better weapon than a knife.
+10
-
The cheap knife is a good idea. I'll have to see what I can find once I get on the ground.
One thing not mentioned that I always have with me, is my cane. I have two, one from WoodenSteel and another that I made myself out of a stockmans cane. It is hickory and very solid. I have never been questioned at the airport or the Train Station. I carry it everywhere. It may be a better weapon than a knife.
I agree that it would be very effective and probably better than a knife, but I don't know if I could pull it off without being questioned. I'm a bit on the young side for the typical cane user and haven't developed a good enough "pimp walk" to smoothly work it into my daily ensemble. I can picture myself running through the airport with my luggage in one hand and a cane in the other. Plus, it would be something else to get in m58's way on the plane. Definitely a good idea for those that can carry one unquestioned though.
I'd also have to order one between now and then. (not that that's a legitimate excuse when it comes to self-defense)
-
The cheap knife is a good idea. I'll have to see what I can find once I get on the ground.
I agree that it would be very effective and probably better than a knife, but I don't know if I could pull it off without being questioned. I'm a bit on the young side for the typical cane user and haven't developed a good enough "pimp walk" to smoothly work it into my daily ensemble. I can picture myself running through the airport with my luggage in one hand and a cane in the other. Plus, it would be something else to get in m58's way on the plane. Definitely a good idea for those that can carry one unquestioned though.
I'd also have to order one between now and then. (not that that's a legitimate excuse when it comes to self-defense)
I have no problem with canes, crutches or other necessaries. It is the week's laundry and library that drives me nuts.
I had actually thought of suggesting you develop a limp between now and then, but my rant distracted me.
-
Trick knee, it only bothers me when it goes out. ::)
-
You really don't have to have a limp, I don't. They are restrained from asking about it because of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Just be sure you are not carrying a War Hammer with points sticking out all over. A cane with a crook is just fine and if you watch Janich's cd on Cane self defense you will be just fine. A young guy like you can learn some other awesome self defense moves with a cane that us "slightly" older guys can no longer master.