is it safe to bring blu-ray laser on airplane?

Hi everybody. I am taking a plane from Arizona to New York, I want to bring my 400mw blu-ray laser with me, but I am kind of worried that I might run into problems which it might end up getting confiscated from airport security. Im not quite sure what to do. Any suggestions? :undecided:

I fly monthly and I have never had an issue bringing it as a carry on. Once a TSA agent inspected my 2.7W stainless steel build and he asked what it was and I replied "it's a laser I measure distance with at work" he handed it back and said OK.

for that reason you should store the batteries out of the host incase someone thinks it's a flash light and turns it on. Hope this helps!

To be on the safe side, disassemble it, and keep the lens in a separate compartment.

Also, please make sure that if you do have any lithium batteries, you have them in a case, separately, but in your carry on. There's been a lot of noise lately about lithium batteries, and that might cause you more trouble than the laser. Avoid using words like lithium, or laser altogether if possible.

InfinitusEquitas said:

Also, please make sure that if you do have any lithium batteries, you have them in a case, separately, but in your carry on. There's been a lot of noise lately about lithium batteries, and that might cause you more trouble than the laser. Avoid using words like lithium, or laser altogether if possible.

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I Agree, I put my batteries 2x efest 18350s in the plastic container (with spacers) they came in from Illumination Supply so they are property stored.

I would also say if you can send it through with a checked bag, and either way remove the laser head, and if you have it install a flashlight head assuming it was built using a flashlight body.

Keep the expensive parts if carry on. G1 lens, diode, driver. "What are these?" "Components to lighting and measuring equipment." Ok. Vs having your bag get stopped.

take it apart If you have checked bags put it into one- and the other part in your carry on- never carry on plane w/ a battery inside the laser-- If no checked bag still take apart and put parts into seperate bags

the suggestion about storing the batteries in a plastic case is a good one- a Plane crashed and for a while Li-ions were suspected and that was when the USPS BANNED THEM -- IF you are still worried then mail the laser less batteries to NY before you fly---

IIRC the batteries were later rukled out but vthe PO still has them banned EXCEPT inside the 'intended device' so mailing a cell phone etc... is allowed... but NO lasers w/ batts
inside

ps you may want to add your location into your personal profile so other members know-- there are a few great ones in Arizona - and w/o your location.. you may never meet them..

its a long standing tradition at LPF to meter laser for other members free.

once you add your location I have a +5 rep bump for you--Len in TEXAS

Ugh NEVER put anything of value into checked luggage EVER. Lithium batteries in a carry-ons aren't usually a problem. I just flew to Phoenix a couple days ago with two extra 18650s for my flashlight. They were however in a plastic case designed for them. Maybe the screener thought they were normal batteries too. I dunno.

Honestly I don't bring lasers with me because I trust the average TSA clerk about as far as I can throw them. I am not going to have my lasers "voluntarily surrendered" (remember the TSA never confiscates anything!) because of some dimwitted clerk.
The ones at Sky Harbor tend to be some of the dimmest bulbs on the string IME. For me it's not worth the risk.

I dont think the TSA has problems with Li-ions just USPS has them banned- good Q for arythna-- Now a laser in your carry on is a diff matter especailly if you are foolish enough to carry it 'loaded'-- but there wiol be times when it impossible to NOT put valuable items in your checked bag---I can't can carry a 1W RGB projector in my carry on bag/

TSA did take issue with Li-Ion batteries too, not just USPS :undecided:

Safe Travel with Batteries and Devices | Transportation Security Administration

You can't win, its just a gamble no matter what. If you have the time take the train and or bus. That would probably be about 3 days though from Arizona to New York.:crackup:

When I was very young I went to Texas by train. Also many years ago from D.C. to Seattle by train as well as Seattle to NYC and back again by bus. These trips each took between 2 1/2 to 5 days. Not sure I would do it today, maybe by train.

Alan

JL sent me two big boxes of Li-ions with UPS
they had them rejected several times

to get the ok in China each battery had to be wrapped in plastic and taped

looked like they cut up a garbage bag for the plastic--

LighthHound is based in texas

and has a store I go to in Pearland -- the bosslady there told me they have a 'shipping agent' that makes all OK for them to get USPS/EMS from China and all they sell on-line are done too with USPS- and they also wrap them in plastic and they come that way from china.
they carry more than batts than anyone

several grades and prices of each brand and about 25% higher than on-line from greedbay- tons of spendy flashlights too

I took a LED flashlight laser build Cree chrome SS there and showed it to them- they were kinda surprized seeing 1 W of 445--and more surprized to hear about kasio PJs

I'm not sure going by train is less of a risk now days. TSA mission creep does mean that you do have fair odds of having your bags, and possibly yourself still screened by them.