Are we allowed to bring a flashlight in our carry on baggage?

Question

for american airlines are we?

Answer 1

Yes, flashlights ARE allowed in carry on baggage while on American Airlines.  Why do you need them anyway?

Answer 2

Yes. If you put it in checked baggage it will "disappear" immediately. The luggage inspectors seem to like flashlights. After TSA and their"don't lock your luggage" rule came into effect, I lost 2 mini-maglites before I got smart.  

Answer 3

Yes, but they will take the batteries out of it and look inside.

Answer 4

The TSA sets the rules, not the individual airlines.

I don't see flashlights specifically prohibited here:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/p...

...but I'll admit I've been wondering this.  I have a big ol' maglite about 2' long, and I'm sure you could hurt somebody pretty bad by hitting them with it - I've been thinking about taking it on my next trip (hiking on a volcano to look at lava in the dark) but I'm a little curious if they'll really let it through.