flying with flash bulbs

[LtDave]

i might be making a quick international flight from the US to Europe. i do NOT intend to take my entire (digital) photo kit if i go because its not going to be a long stay but i WOULD like to take my Crown Graphic (either 4x5 or 2x3). i would like to also take my flashgun with me (you know the flash handles that are now going for 10s or 100s times more than originally because people are trying to cash in on the Star Wars prop thing and make 'light sabers' out of them) and finding flash bulbs might be a bit problematic with a short trip.

i looked on the TSA website and a) theyre not listed by name b) they dont come up in a search

does anyone have any experience flying with them? i would only take sealed packages (i have then in 12-count blister packs) and they would be in carry-on luggage because i wont check bags unless im staying more than a week.

i have TSA pre-check and would have them available for hand checking, but dont want to get there, already to be helpful and they say i cant take them...

 

[Levina de Ruijter]

A flashgun could be problematic in an airplane?

 

[pcs]

I think he's talking about the old type(single use) flash bulbs/flash cubes containing Mg and O2 so possible explosion hazard.

 

[LtDave]

I think he's talking about the old type(single use) flash bulbs/flash cubes containing Mg and O2 so possible explosion hazard.

yes these

in a blister pack like this also

 

[Capn Jack]

i might be making a quick international flight from the US to Europe. i do NOT intend to take my entire (digital) photo kit if i go because its not going to be a long stay but i WOULD like to take my Crown Graphic (either 4x5 or 2x3). i would like to also take my flashgun with me (you know the flash handles that are now going for 10s or 100s times more than originally because people are trying to cash in on the Star Wars prop thing and make 'light sabers' out of them) and finding flash bulbs might be a bit problematic with a short trip.

i looked on the TSA website and a) theyre not listed by name b) they dont come up in a search

does anyone have any experience flying with them? i would only take sealed packages (i have then in 12-count blister packs) and they would be in carry-on luggage because i wont check bags unless im staying more than a week.

i have TSA pre-check and would have them available for hand checking, but dont want to get there, already to be helpful and they say i cant take them...

Maybe you can ask them directly- some of their contacts allow images:

Customer Service | Transportation Security Administration

TSA provides a variety of digital and in-person customer service resources to assist with traveler questions or concerns.

www.tsa.gov

The picture you posted look like they would be fine. They are packaged and look like lightbulbs.

 

[Levina de Ruijter]

I think he's talking about the old type(single use) flash bulbs/flash cubes containing Mg and O2 so possible explosion hazard.

yes these

in a blister pack like this also

View attachment 54523

I was thinking of those cube bulbs I had for my old Ricoh SLR. They seemed innocent enough although maybe also weren’t.

 

[pcs]

I don"t know if they are likely to go off spontaniously or easy to break(and I've no experience with flying so can't answer OP question) but the flash in those bulbs is just a very quick burning of magnesium exposed to air(oxygen). As long as this is contained to the bulb no problem.

 

[LtDave]

I don"t know if they are likely to go off spontaniously or easy to break(and I've no experience with flying so can't answer OP question) but the flash in those bulbs is just a very quick burning of magnesium exposed to air(oxygen). As long as this is contained to the bulb no problem.

old time warnings were to keep them in their packaging until ready to use because static electricity (it would take a LOT of s.e.) could set them off. all of the blue bulbs ive ever used have the blue as a coating that doesnt do much more than sort of blister a little when fired. the coating works almost like the plastic coating on the old(er) fluorescent tubes that had the safety sleeves