With growing technology, speakers have become one of the most well-liked and acquired items in the world. Who doesn’t like music? The option of bringing your favorite portable speaker on the plane and taking your tunes with you is beyond amazing. Air travel rules and TSA guidelines have laid out comprehensive regulations for all types of luggage. Are you travelling soon and wondering whether these regulations permit the carriage of speakers?
This ultimate guide will delve into this very subject and discuss whether you are allowed to bring your speaker. Keep reading to learn all the essentials before your flight.
What are the TSA Regulations Regarding Speakers
The good news is that TSA allows passengers to bring speakers in both carry-on luggage and checked baggage. However, if you are planning on taking it as a carry-on item, then said speaker must be portable and small enough to be placed in the overhead locker or under the seat.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the designated United States agency that is responsible for security screening at airports. You will find TSA officers at airport security checkpoints and see that they are tasked with preventing safety threats and catering to security concerns. In those efforts, it is the TSA’s job to determine which speakers are allowed.
Security screening
Speakers are subjected to a particular screening process at the TSA checkpoints. By being prepared, you can streamline your journey through airport security and enjoy a smooth transfer.
- They will ask you to remove electronics that are larger than an average cell phone from the carry-on bag. This applies to a Bluetooth speaker.
- You’ll be asked to place the speaker and other electrical devices in separate bins for X-ray screening.
- You’ll have to ensure that the bins are free from other items
- They may ask you to power up the speaker to ensure it’s functional
As for checked baggage, TSA regulations require you to remove the electronics from the bag and place them in a separate bin for x-ray screening. You should consider packing them on top of the bag so you won’t have to unpack much of anything else. You may be asked to power on an item to demonstrate its activity.
Remember that the officers use X-ray machines, 3d imaging tomography, and other technological devices for the screening process. At the end of the day, the final decision rests with the TSA agent and they may subject you to additional screening should anything unusual occur.
TSA Rules Regarding Electronics
Carrying electronics on a plane is a task that requires adequate consideration. If you are thinking about bringing your electronic devices, make sure to understand airline regulations, rules, and policies. It is imperative to note that there are various aspects that concern the carriage of electronics and the importance of understanding the restrictions. From passenger safety, and convenience to the possible interference with aircraft systems, there are numerous influential factors.
Speakers; whether it be wired, wireless, or Bluetooth speakers, typically fall in the category of “electronics”. Passengers must comply with TSA’s predetermined rules and airline policies about electronics in order to have a hassle-free travel experience.
While speakers are allowed to be carried, you are not allowed to use them on the plane. Fellow passengers’ comfort and the cabin crew’s convenience must be considered as well.
Speakers in Carry-on Baggage
You are allowed to pack your portable wireless speaker in hand luggage but it must be able to fit in the overhead compartment of the aircraft cabin. This size restriction ensures that passengers do not take unreasonably large-sized equipment on the plane. There is no weight restriction per se but take account of the battery restrictions.
The TSA states that you can bring a speaker with a battery under 100 wh without any specific trouble. If your speaker’s battery is somewhere between 101-160 Wh, then you will need to contact your service and acquire airline approval pre-flight. They may or may not allow it based on their safety standards and criteria. Lastly, batteries exceeding the weight of 160 are not allowed in carry-on bags.
Speakers in Checked Luggage
There are no size restrictions for carrying speakers in check-in luggage. However, the same battery requirement follows. Passengers are simply not permitted to exceed the 160 Wh limit while prior approval is necessary for batteries between 101-160 Wh. Make sure to check your speaker’s type of battery and capacity in order to comply with the TSA rules.
Other than that, one must pack their valuable and expensive items such as speakers properly. When it comes to checked baggage, the risk of damage during transit is way higher than carry-on bags. You should use protective casing, original packaging, and bubble wrap to secure your speaker.
What are Airline Policies on Speakers
Different airlines have their own set of rules and contrasting policies regarding the carriage of speakers on a plane. While some may allow it, others will place restrictions on the specific speaker and battery.
Either way, most airlines base their decision on factors such as the speaker’s battery and size. If your standard portable Bluetooth speaker complies with specific restrictions and airline guidelines, you are allowed to bring it.
Factors to Consider
Airlines have different regulations, but generally, most of them state that a lithium-ion battery can’t be over a Watt-hour rating of 100 Wh. As for lithium batteries, a lithium content of 2 grams is standard. Passengers are not allowed to recharge the speaker while they are on board.
Speakers with nonremovable batteries are also allowed, but it’s much better if you can disconnect your speaker from the power source and remove the batteries.
This is undoubtedly one of the main things that an airline considers while defining its rules. Both airports and airlines have rather strict rules about battery-powered speakers. Remember that more energy capacity means higher battery watt-hours. If your battery is between 101 and 160 Wh, there is still a chance you may be able to fly it. However, you’ll have to get airline approval beforehand.
Major airlines’ policies on speakers
It may be a good idea to check your particular airline’s official website and familiarise yourself with varying rules. You can also contact customer service to get detailed information. Remember that they are subject to change and might be updated in the future. With that in mind, here are some of the major airlines’ policies on the matter.
- American Airlines: this airline allows speakers with lithium-ion batteries in carry-on luggage but not in checked bags. They also prohibit the speaker’s use while you are on board.
- Delta Airlines: they allow Bluetooth speakers in both carry-ons and checked bags. However, in the latter’s case, you must remove the lithium batteries and carry them separately in carry-on baggage. Speakers must be packed properly and protected against accidental activation.
- Frontier Airlines: Frontier allows you to carry your speaker as a personal electronic device, but it must fit in the overhead bin or under your seat.
- Allegiant: they permit speakers in both carry-ons and checked bags but state that spare batteries and lithium batteries must go in hand luggage. They also require you to follow the battery capacity restrictions properly.
Considerations for International Flights
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) are the two organizations that work hand in hand to ensure compliance with all the rules.
The former is an international trade body that focuses on defining standards for airline operations, including safety, ticketing, baggage handling, and cargo transportation. ICAO, on the other hand, is a United Nations agency that helps countries in aligning their national aviation regulations. ICAO’s strategic objectives include safety, security, air navigation capacity, economic development, and environmental protection.
By UN standards and collective agreement, IATA and ICAO have established that portable electronic devices (PEDs) are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. You can pack items such as speakers as long as the lithium battery is removed. You should ensure that the items in checked bags are powered off rather than in sleep or hybrid mode.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also has some say in this matter. While there is no limit on the “number” of devices you can carry, unusual amounts may raise questions from TSA agents and security officers. If you suspect that you are importing electronic devices internationally, you’ll need to pay relevant taxes, etc.
Lay overs
If your itinerary consists of multiple airlines or different countries, be sure to check your airline policies on their official website and those of your final destination on their gov website.
Make sure to consider the different rules governing layovers and connecting flights so that each leg of your journey is free of stress. If you are accessing multiple airlines or your travel itinerary includes connecting flights, remember to comply with all the safety rules. Research properly each country’s and each airline’s policies to experience a smooth transfer. Remember that your luggage will be screened and the same rules will apply every time. The presentation at the security checks is also very important.
Final Thoughts
Concluding this article, we can safely say that yes, it’s allowed to bring your speaker on the plane. As long as you comply with battery restrictions, size considerations for carry-on bags, and pack it properly in checked bags, you are unlikely to face any trouble.
Regardless, it is important to understand air travel rules and specific airline policies to pass through the screening process at the airport and avoid delays. We hope this comprehensive guide helped you understand how you can take your speaker on the plane. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
Did You Like This Article About Can You Bring a Speaker on a Plane?
Sign up for our newsletter to receive more exclusive tips and insights straight to your inbox!