It might be worth mentioning that retractable batons are considered "weapons" in some US jurisdiction, and unless they're visible on your person they're considered "concealed weapons". The piece of paper that allows an individual to carry a firearm onto a flight deck does not necessarily clear that individual to pack around a retractable baton.
I'm not sure what New York's laws are on this, but you certainly don't want to get popped carrying one in, say, California any more than you would a knife of a certain length.