Transporting a Light Saber

As I've told so many people, this year, all my costumes turned into Star Wars. And that will be the case for my hall costumes for Interaction. Since there will be a lot of back and forth in the evening between convention center and the F hotel where all the parties are, I thought it would be fun to take the electroluminescnet lightsaber as well. It looks good and goes with the costume. The blade can be put out of everyone's way in a long pocket in the robe and the hilt goes on the belt and I have a PVC pipe for transport that fits into one of my checked bags.

BUT, how antsy is luggage screening? Will they think the hilt of the lightsaber (which has the electronics in it) is a pipe bomb? Will they confiscate it? Will they want proof that it works? It only uses one D battery for power.

And I am thinking about getting it into Scotland and BACK into the U.S., too. It's a fun part of the costume, but not necessary; if there's any chance of a problem, it can easily stay home.

Henry Osier
In my opinion, and mild experience, let your airline know now that it will be packed in your luggage. They might ask you to bring it in ahead of your flight to inspect it. If they do not want to see it ahead of time, ask if you should inform the people at the check-in desk about it. It almost falls into the masquerade rule of "Do not suprise the Masq Director or masq Staff."

Do not suprise the airline or the staff. They are your friends. I learned this line of thinking regarding air travel and odd things years ago from an article I read in American Rifleman about flying with firearms. Ten years ago, my sister lived in Kansas City. I saw a billboard for a gun show and persuaded my brother-in-law to take me. I almost bought a cap-and-ball carbine, which my brother-in-law asked me "How would you get it home?" because I flew to KC. I told him that I would take apart the rifle, pack the various bits in two different suit cases, and call the airline immediately. I only bought ammo, and they didn't have much problem with that when I checked in for my flight and told them then.

But I digress. Call the airline and talk to them. They will help you.

JoAnne
I would agree with this. Recently a gang of us (Seattle Sawshbucklers) went to a gig across country, complete with our swords and faux pistols. (We were careful to call these "props" and not "weapons.") We were even somewhat piratically attired for the occasion. We carried all weapons (oops -- "props") in airline approved gun cases (all of them went into two cases), and we were happy to meet as a group, ahead of time, so that we could put all our luggage through the special inspection ritual. All was jovial and passed with alacrity.

The return trip, however, some of us had to leave at different times and had some problems. In particular, one member tried having her fake pistols in her luggage. Not only was she taken out of the line and practically strip searched, every inch of her luggage inspected, they tried to insist that the faux weapons (carved wood with cast metal bits) were potentially able to be drilled and fired -- even if packed in the baggage department! Lesson learned!

Randall White
These days, it's best to assume your luggage will be opened in any case. My suitcase searched was last week, and I was just carrying cheese and homemade salsa.

To the X-ray guys, a brick of cheese might look like a pack of plastique and a criminal could have put incendiaries into a mason jar. Of course, Mom's salsa isn't nearly that hot.

The Final Word

Pack the hilt in your checked luggage without the battery. This will looke like a tool, or oversize electric toothbrush. It won't be "scarry" looking since it won't have a battery in it. Also pack all your tools and costuming repair items in your checked bags as well.

Always include a picture of yourself in costume with any props or unusual costuming items. If you include a picture of you in your Stormtrooper armor, with helmet on and off, inside the crate with the armor, it is easier for the screener to understand what they are looking at if they have to open your luggage.

Remember, be honest with any screeners or customs staff: you are a harmless Sci-Fi costumer and everyone on earth has heard of Star Wars. If they haven't... you don't want to travel there. I would not recommend travel through Communist countries.

Editor Note: This information was correct as of July 2005.

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