TSA approved self defense items?

[toonerfrank]

I have LONG used a cane that was originally sold by Cold Steel. Looks like a normal cane. Made out of some kind of resin and seems to be indestructible. Long used it when walking the dogs. Works VERY well many a time to dissuade an aggressive dog. Have not flown with it but I am sure it would make it past the TSA.

what a great idea! and can be had for not a lot of $$$.

i've looked over a few and like the CS "lucky dragon" in red, but probably shouldn't draw attention to it huh?

 

[Provincial]

Back when Nixon was President, I accompanied my mother back to New York for my older brother's college graduation. Afterwards, she was flying home and I was helping my brother drive the Model A Ford he had bought there back home to Oregon. Since I was the mechanic, my carry-on for the flight in a United Boeing 720 (short range version of a 707) was a gym bag with 40 pounds of tools.

No one paid any attention to my heavy carry-on. What would they have thought about it in those days? "Take me to Cuba or I'll unbolt the wings!"

 

[FourTeeFive]

After 2001 when I was flying quite a bit, and the TSA was even more strict with what you could carry, I'd always ask for an entire can of soda which they always gave me. It's pretty easy to tear it open, creating a pretty sharp cutting object. I was always amazed at the (improvised weapons) stuff they'd give you on a flight.

They're back to giving you metal cutlery in First Class. It's not particularly sharp, but that could be fixed. And nobody wants to get forked...

 

[wired]

They're back to giving you metal cutlery in First Class. It's not particularly sharp, but that could be fixed. And nobody wants to get forked...

They still give you plastic knives in the Outback restaurant in the Atlanta airport. Ever tried to cut a dairy cow steak with a plastic knife?

 

[nwslopoke]

They still give you plastic knives in the Outback restaurant in the Atlanta airport. Ever tried to cut a dairy cow steak with a plastic knife?

The Euro airlines use a lot of wood forks and sporks. I don't like it because I actually believe it affects the taste of the food and they break too easily.

 

[foxface]

When i travelled alot, ( which i don't now) i used to carry a first aid kit in the bottom of my carry on back pack, blood pressure kit, Tourniquet. as far as a weapon,, depending on which model plane and how old it is, there are several items that can be torn off of interior and used as a stabbing instrument. there are also items in the terminal once you clear security that could be used as weapons.

The last line is the best line. Scout the overpriced shops on your way to your gate.

 

[Elderlion]

Well said

 

[TLOwens]

What do you all carry on your person when flying? Obviously we are limited when on a plane but that doesn't mean bad sh!t can't happen in the air. I've always carried a handheld flash light and a TQ on a plane (along with being situationally aware). What else do you carry that is approved by TSA? Obviously the end result is at the discretion of the TSA officer but I am curious if there is anything else I could add when flying since a gun and blade are obviously out of the equation.

Being locked in an enclosed tube with a bunch of unpredictable humans is not my favorite thing in the world.

These are things I never would have considered. Thanks for making me plane aware. As I pack my go bag, I am thinking perhaps, my laptop could knock someone out, pens. Hmm, can you take zip ties with you? Duct tape?

 

[FourTeeFive]

"Tactical" pens are likely to get confiscated, especially if flying international. Obviously plastic/composite ones less so than metal.

A nice heavy metal pen that doesn't scream tacticool is a good idea. I've had them in my carryon bags for decades.

The old Rotring pens are nice but getting expensive. I think this is the only heavy one they still make:

Amazon.com

I've also traveled extensivly with a kubotan-size flashlight and never had an issue. Very handy to carry at night when not at home as well.

 

[Nick Burkhardt]

My Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA flashlight flew to Texas with us in my carryon laptop bag no problem.

On a side note: my Kore CCW click belt which set off the Boise airport walk through metal detector and got me additional "random" screening last year, did not set off the PDX, George Bush Intercontinental Airport or Benton-Franklin County Fair detectors this year.

 

[Tillamuk]

What do you all carry on your person when flying? Obviously we are limited when on a plane but that doesn't mean bad sh!t can't happen in the air. I've always carried a handheld flash light and a TQ on a plane (along with being situationally aware). What else do you carry that is approved by TSA? Obviously the end result is at the discretion of the TSA officer but I am curious if there is anything else I could add when flying since a gun and blade are obviously out of the equation.

Being locked in an enclosed tube with a bunch of unpredictable humans is not my favorite thing in the world.

One of those pointy self defense key chains. Flew 23 times last year, never had a problem.