Traveling Overseas with Flashlights: Advice Needed on Airplane Security and Best Choices for Travel Lights

[whelmFlash]

You should have no issues traveling with a flashlight as long as it's in your checked luggage. Batteries should be separated and protected against short circuits. TSA generally allows flashlights in carry-on as well, but it's always good to double-check with the airline.

 

[TPA]

The only time I've ever had an issue with flashlights / batteries was departing Panama City / Tocumen. No problem with the initial security checks. At the gate they performed additional screenings and one of the local guards took great offense at the 20+ NiMH AA batteries I had in a pouch. Fortunately, the purser for the flight was nearby and noticed this and intervened. My eneloops were good to go.

 

[IMA SOL MAN]

The only time I've ever had an issue with flashlights / batteries was departing Panama City / Tocumen. No problem with the initial security checks. At the gate they performed additional screenings and one of the local guards took great offense at the 20+ NiMH AA batteries I had in a pouch. Fortunately, the purser for the flight was nearby and noticed this and intervened. My eneloops were good to go.

Any idea what the heartburn was all about?

 

[TPA]

The secondary security check was to comply with TSA/DOT regs. The confusion was over loose cells. The security guard was treating them as if they were loose lithium cells. He wasn't taking it from me, even though I showed him the DOT regs in English and Spanish. The Delta purser was able to convince him that the airline didn't have a problem with it.