Flying to DC

[mkm]

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  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.

[tombogan03884]

Washington has one of the worst crime rates in America. Do like all the other white people do. Leave before it gets dark.

[droggsey]

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.

[MikeBjerum]

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

[kmitch200]

This pretty much leaves me with my Surefire 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!

[Sponsor]

[jnevis]

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.

[Rastus]

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....

[ratcatcher55]

I never had a problem flying with a flashlight into BWI or Dulles.

[tombogan03884]

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.

[MikeBjerum]

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.