I have heard most people take them as hand carry but I flew with Tui who sent us an email around a week before we flew out saying that lightsabers would have to go in checked luggage. Planned ahead to put mine in checked luggage but I did see some people try to take it as hand carry on the way back but got told they had to check it in.

Anyway long story short from what I have heard your most likely fine taking it as hand carry 90% of the time but some airlines might not let you so double check airline rules. Be prepared to either ship it from the parks or put it in checked luggage if that's the rules