Can I take a lightsaber on Southwest Airlines?

In short, yes you can but you have to break it down. I recently went to Disneyland and enjoyed the experience at Savi's workshop. On my way out they handed me a long slender case for my lightsaber. Fast forward a few days and my wife and I are packing for the return trip home. I google it and find others were able to take their lightsabers on the plane just fine as a personal item. When I get to the LAX airport I am quickly told that I would have to check in my lightsaber since their policy doesn't allow them to be stowed overhead anymore. I wait to see if I will be told a second time. Sure enough, someone spots my carrying case and points it out to the gentleman that is helping me. He states I would have to check it in. I mention to the gentleman I can break it down and put it in my backpack.

"You can do that?" He says surprised.

"Yeah, the hilt and the blade detach." I say calmly. "I'll do it in front of you..." It takes my about 30 seconds to disassemble it and shove the carrying case into my backpack and I leave the blade sticking out.

I was able to successfully move through TSA as their policy has no restrictions on lightsabers.