Are you ready to take off but worried about taking your flashlight with you?
Whether using it as an emergency hand-held light or just needing a bright beam of LED during power outages, they provide up to 200 lumens of strong illumination while being lightweight enough to fit into even the smallest pocket.
Tactical flashlights fit perfectly in carry-on bags!
Tactical Flashlight Explained
A tactical flashlight is more than just the ordinary flashlight you keep in your kitchen and reach for during a blackout.
Tactical flashlights are specifically designed and intended to be used by people of service like the military, police, search and rescue and any other type of security or law enforcement agencies.
One of the major differences between a tactical flashlight and a regular flashlight is the high-durability, damage-resistant metal housing.
They are more compact and made of sturdy, military-grade materials to ensure maximum durability. Tactical flashlights are not just meant for shining a light in the dark; they are also ultra-bright and have longer battery life.
Pros Vs Cons List
Pros
- Brightness: High-intensity LED bulbs provide powerful and bright light output, ideal for various situations.
- Durability: Tactical flashlights are built with robust materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, making them impact-resistant and waterproof.
- Versatility: These flashlights offer multiple lighting modes, adjustable beam focus, and some even have self-defense features like a strike bezel.
- Portable: Most tactical flashlights are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around or attach to a belt or backpack.
- One-handed operation: A tail switch design allows users to operate the flashlight with one hand, which can be crucial in high-pressure situations.
- Weapon-mounting capabilities: Some models can be mounted on firearms, providing illumination during low-light shooting scenarios.
- Battery life: Many tactical flashlights have energy-efficient LEDs, ensuring longer battery life than traditional incandescent flashlights.
- Emergency use: The strobe or SOS mode can be used as a distress signal during emergency situations.
- Wide applications: Tactical flashlights are suitable for various tasks, such as self-defense, outdoor activities, and professional use by law enforcement or military personnel.
- Easy to find: With the growing popularity of tactical flashlights, they are widely available online and in physical stores.
Cons
- Cost: Tactical flashlights can be more expensive than regular flashlights due to their advanced features and durable construction.
- Battery life: High-intensity beams can drain batteries quickly, although most models offer lower brightness settings to conserve battery life.
- Complexity: The additional features and settings may be overwhelming or unnecessary for users who only need a basic flashlight for everyday use.
- Legal restrictions: In some jurisdictions, certain self-defense features like a strike bezel may be restricted or prohibited.
- Overkill: For users who don't require the added durability or features of a tactical flashlight, a regular flashlight might be more than sufficient for their needs.
- Maintenance: Some tactical flashlights may require regular maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating the threads to ensure smooth operation.
- Learning curve: The various modes and features may take some time to learn and become familiar with, especially for first-time users.
- Size and weight: While most tactical flashlights are compact, some larger models can be heavier and less convenient to carry around.
- Battery availability: Some tactical flashlights use specialized batteries, which may be harder to find or more expensive than standard batteries.
- Light pollution: The intense brightness of tactical flashlights may contribute to light pollution, especially when used in urban environments.
Can You Bring A Tactical Flashlight On A Plane
Yes, there around some guidelines you need to follow from TSA in order to bring your tactical flashlight on the airplane.
- The flashlight must be less than 7 inches in length when fully assembled.
- Your flashlight cannot be a part of a multitool with a blade.
- It cannot be a self-defense flashlight accessory.
- Pack it away properly and safely. Read to the end to see tips on how to safely pack your flashlight and lithium batteries.
- Any flashlight that can be portrayed as a weapon, cannot be taken as a carry-on. (Tactical flashlights with sharp edges)
- Any flashlight can go through checked luggage if safely packed.
- Lithium batteries cannot go through checked luggage, they must travel with you in a carry-on.
Personal Thoughts & Opinions
You shouldn't have to compromise when you are packing for a trip. Be sure to read the rules and regulations before you head to the airport to ensure you aren't stopped at TSA.
If safety and security are a top priority for you then you should always be equipped with a tactical flashlight on your person or in your vehicle. These flashlights have long been in existence and have definitely stood the test of time.
Do you still have questions about airline travel and carrying on or checking your flashlights, please read our handy FAQs section below.
Airline Tactical Flashlight FAQs
Is it illegal to shine a flashlight on a plane?
No, it is not illegal to shine a flashlight on a plane, but it's highly discouraged and can pose a significant danger to both pilots and passengers on board.
Shining a flashlight on a plane can temporarily blind a pilot, leading to disorientation and possible accidents. Moreover, it can interfere with the plane's instrumentation and communication systems, risking the safety of passengers and crew members.
If caught, individuals who engage in shining a flashlight on a plane can face serious consequences such as being charged with a federal crime and a penalty of up to $100,000 or more in fines and/or imprisonment.
What is considered a tactical flashlight?
A tactical flashlight is a practical tool that is designed for military and law enforcement purposes. It is also commonly used for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and hunting.
This type of flashlight is different from a regular flashlight, as it is specially designed to withstand extreme conditions and to provide maximum illumination with minimum power usage.
Tactical flashlights are usually made from durable materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum and have a compact, lightweight design that makes them highly portable.
They also feature multiple settings, including high, low, and strobe, which can be adjusted according to the user's needs. They also have a superior beam quality, with a focused, strong, and far-reaching beam that can illuminate up to several hundred feet.
Are rechargeable flashlights allowed in planes?
Yes, rechargeable flashlights are allowed on planes, as they are considered personal electronic devices and fall under the same regulations as other devices such as phones and laptops.
It is important to note that lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in rechargeable flashlights, are subject to restrictions for carry-on luggage due to the potential for them to catch fire. These batteries should be removed from the flashlight and stored in carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage.
Can flashlights blind pilots?
Yes, flashlights can potentially blind pilots if they are aimed directly at the cockpit of an aircraft. This could occur during takeoff and landing when the pilot's vision is crucial for safely navigating the plane. The bright and sudden light of a flashlight could cause temporary visual impairment, which could lead to disastrous consequences.
What happens if you have a lithium battery in your checked luggage?
Lithium batteries have become a popular power source for our everyday devices due to their lightweight and high-capacity nature. However, if not handled with care, they can pose a potential danger to air travel. So, what happens if you have a lithium battery in your checked luggage?
Well, it is strictly prohibited by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to pack lithium batteries in checked baggage. This is mainly done to prevent any risk of fire, as lithium batteries are known to be highly flammable and capable of causing significant damage.
So remember, the next time you are planning a trip make sure to double check all the rules and regulations with TSA before you head to the airport. You don't want to be stopped because you weren't well prepared.
Looking for some high-quality Tactical Flashlights?
We've done the research so you don't have to! To browse our Top Picks for Best Rechargeable Tactical Flashlights please click the link below!
Ryan Mattox
Your Friends,
LoveNatureReviews Team
