Magnifying Glass in Aeroplane hand luggage

Granite Head

Maybe a bit paranoid, but does anyone know if a magnifying glass is allowed in aeroplane hand luggage. Worried it might be considered a fire lighting tool?

Thanks in advance

Louche Lad

Don't know, but the chance of successfully focussing the sun's rays inside an aircraft cabin, without detection, would be so extremely minimal I really doubt they would ban them on these grounds. In any case, long-sighted people's glasses don't get confiscated!

One objection I can think of is if the glass could get broken up and then be used as a weapon. Another possible objection is if someone thinks a magnifying glass could be classed as a 'tool' — tradesmen's tools are generally not allowed in the cabin.

Atlantic Dawn

I'd say if the diameter is over 6 inches it may not be allowed as could be perceived as a threat if you were to break the glass and use as a weapon, other than that you should be fine. Don't think standard drinking glasses are on the prohibited list so you might be ok either way.

Gatica

If they'd consider the glass a threat then I'd be thinking they should start prohibiting beer/wine/whisky bottles, which are far more dangerous if smashed imo.
I reckon you'd be fine unless it looks like a tool, as Louche Lad suggested.