WRM I think you're right not to risk trying to fly with it. I really wanted to bring it on this trip, since I'm visiting family, and will have plenty of down time. However, since I didn't hear from anyone saying it was ok, I didn't risk it. The last thing I wanted after all this, was it have it confiscated by some high school drop out working the metal detector at the airport.
I'm sitting at the bar at LAX, (without my laser) getting as much liquor in me as possible before my connection. [smiley=beer.gif]
So, as far as the IR filter, I was told the same thing by Boblaser, a drop in power of about 15%. Now that I think of it, I did request one with my initial order. I actually haven't thought to check for one. But uh, not to sound too stupid, on this type of laser, what exactly would an IR filter on this thing look like?
Oh, and as far as protective goggles,
I bought some off of eBAY that claim to block 450nm-540nm, AND 800nm-2000nm. So if that's true, I'm protected from the green, and whatever IR that might be spewed out.