( CNN ) -- May the force be with you , even in the airport . We all know that 's not always the case , especially when we 're carrying something that raises concerns from the Transportation Security Administration . The 7-foot-2-inch tall actor Peter Mayhew , best known for playing Chewbacca in the Star Wars movies , ran into a security line delay last week when he was stopped for his lightsaber inspired cane . Mayhew , 69 , was heading home from Denver Comic Con when his movie-inspired cane provoked a second look by TSA agents . Mayhew travels regularly to different conventions , meeting fans and tweeting photos . Next stop is London 's Film and Comic Con in July . Mayhew quickly took to his Twitter account to protest the inspection of his cane , and credits Twitter for its speedy release . He 's seen in a Twitter photo sitting in a wheelchair , which he says he 's also using because of a bum knee . One Chewie tweet : `` Magic words to TSA are not 'please ' or 'thank you'.. It 's 'Twitter'.. cane released to go home . '' The cane was not detained , says the TSA , which e-mailed CNN.com this statement : `` Because of the unusual weight of the passenger 's cane , a security officer alerted a supervisor . Less than five minutes later , the passenger and cane were cleared to travel . '' A check of the TSA 's `` prohibited items '' list revealed this information about lightsabers : . `` Sadly , the technology does n't currently exist to create a real light saber . However , you can pack a toy light saber in your carry-on or checked bag . May the force be with you . '' ( The TSA spells it `` light saber . '' ) `` Even if an item is generally permitted , it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process , appears to have been tampered with , or poses other security concerns . The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane . '' `` Star Wars '' fans had a field day on Twitter . `` @ TheWookieeRoars @ TSA Just learned Star Wars lesson # 1 : 'Let the Wookie Win , ' `` wrote astronomer Ray Sanders . Wrote â€ .
Chewbacca II 's lightsaber - themed cane required extra TSA checks . The TSA check took less than five minutes , the agency says . The airline allows the lightsabers in carry - on and checked luggage , a spokesperson said .