Can You Bring a Bluetooth Speaker on a Plane?

Willem Grobler | October 22, 2024

Looking For The Loudest Bluetooth Speaker?

Yes, you can bring a Bluetooth speaker in both carry-on and checked luggage, as long as the battery capacity does not exceed 160 Wh. Ensure it is properly packed according to TSA guidelines, and verify any specific airline regulations before flying

Bluetooth speakers have become such an integral part of how we enjoy our music that it’s not a surprise that many people want to take them wherever they go or travel. If you plan to travel by plane, there are a few things to understand and consider though. You must understand both the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations and individual airline regulations. There are also practical considerations that might prevent you from taking your speaker on a plane.

What Are The TSA Regulations for Bringing a Bluetooth Speaker on a Plane?

Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage

Bluetooth speakers are allowed in carry-on luggage. This is most likely the safest way to transport your speaker as it remains under your control and you mitigate the risk of damage to your device. All electronic devices, including speakers, may be screened separately at the security checkpoint so pack them in a way that they remain accessible.

You can check your speaker with your check-in luggage as well. If the speaker has a lithium-ion battery, especially a larger battery, placing it in checked luggage could lead to additional scrutiny or potential restrictions. (TSA: Speakers)

Battery Restrictions

Most modern Bluetooth speakers have a lithium-ion battery. The TSA has placed specific restrictions on these batteries. These restrictions are based on the size (Watt-Hour or Wh) of a device.

If your Bluetooth speaker’s battery is under 100 watt-hours (Wh), it can be packed in both carry-on and checked luggage. This typically covers most consumer-grade Bluetooth speakers.

  • If your Bluetooth speaker’s battery is under 100 watt-hours (Wh), it can be packed in both carry-on and checked luggage. This typically covers most consumer-grade Bluetooth speakers. (TSA: <100Wh Batteries)
  • If the battery is between 100 Wh and 160 Wh, you are still allowed to bring them, but you must have airline approval. These are more common in larger or professional-grade speakers. (TSA: >100Wh Batteries)
  • Batteries exceeding 160 Wh are generally not permitted on passenger aircraft.

What about spare batteries? If you have spare batteries, they must be packed in your carry-on luggage. You are allowed to bring up to two spare batteries between 100 and 160 Wh with airline approval. TSA

See also: FAA Regulations on Portable Electronic Devices containing Lithium-Ion batteries.

Common Bluetooth Speaker Battery Size Reference Table

Here’s a table of 22 common and popular Bluetooth speakers, with information on battery capacity and whether they can be checked or need to be carried on according to TSA and airline regulations. While not an exhaustive list by any standard it should give you a good frame of reference.

Bluetooth SpeakerBattery Capacity (Wh)Carry-On or Checked
JBL Flip 617.28 WhCarry-On, Checked
JBL Charge 527 WhCarry-On, Checked
Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II12.6 WhCarry-On, Checked
Ultimate Ears Boom 37.2 WhCarry-On, Checked
Anker Soundcore 218.72 WhCarry-On, Checked
Sony SRS-XB3318.5 WhCarry-On, Checked
Sonos Roam18 WhCarry-On, Checked
Marshall Emberton10.05 WhCarry-On, Checked
Bose SoundLink Mini II18.4 WhCarry-On, Checked
Tribit StormBox Micro7.4 WhCarry-On, Checked
JBL Xtreme 336.3 WhCarry-On, Checked
Sony SRS-XG50056.32 WhCarry-On Only
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom86.4 WhCarry-On Only
JBL PartyBox 31072.96 WhCarry-On, Checked
JBL PartyBox 71081.3 WhCarry-On Only
Anker Soundcore Flare7.4 WhCarry-On, Checked
LG XBOOM Go PL719.24 WhCarry-On, Checked
Tribit MaxSound Plus7.4 WhCarry-On, Checked
Bose Portable Smart Speaker18.72 WhCarry-On, Checked
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 722.2 WhCarry-On, Checked
Sony SRS-XB4323.4 WhCarry-On, Checked

Airline Specific Regulations on Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Besides the TSA regulations above, you need to be aware that most airlines also have their own regulations on lithium-ion batteries which could impact whether you can bring your speaker onto the plane. Here’s a table of the most popular U.S. domestic airlines with links to their pages containing information specifically related to Bluetooth speakers or lithium-ion batteries on flights:

AirlineRelevant Information Page
Delta AirlinesBattery or Fuel-Powered Items
American AirlinesRestricted Items – Batteries
United AirlinesBatteries and Electronics
Southwest AirlinesBatteries and Electronic Devices
JetBlue AirwaysDangerous Goods – Batteries
Alaska AirlinesBatteries on Flights
Hawaiian AirlinesProhibited Items – Batteries
Spirit AirlinesBatteries and Portable Electronic Devices
Frontier AirlinesDangerous Goods – Batteries

Separate Security Screening Process

At the security checkpoint, all electronic devices larger than a cell phone, including Bluetooth speakers, must be removed from your bag and placed in a bin for separate screening.

TSA officers may ask you to power on your Bluetooth speaker to prove it is functional. This is part of general security screening for electronic devices to ensure they are not being used to conceal dangerous items.

In-Flight Usage Restrictions

While you can bring a Bluetooth speaker onto a plane, you cannot use it during a flight. Besides the annoyance factor for fellow passengers, it is also deemed necessary as it may interfere with the flight navigation system. Your speakers’ wireless functions have to be turned off for the duration of the flight.

Some Practical Considerations

Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should. Even if your speaker complies with the battery limitations set by the TSA and airlines, you must consider whether it is practical to take it on the plane. Large, heavy speakers can seriously impede your mobility and cause a disproportionate amount of discomfort to yourself and your fellow travelers. Opt for a smaller, more portable speaker as a travel companion.

Pack your speaker in a protective case if you have one, especially if you plan to check it in with your luggage, and remember to turn off the speaker so it doesn’t accidentally activate in your luggage causing a security concern.

Pro Tip: If you are taking your speaker as hand luggage, make sure it is chargeed as security could request you activate and switch it on.

Conclusion

It is fairly easy to travel with a Bluetooth speaker as the only real limitation is based on the battery size, and that’s easy enough to verify beforehand. In a nutshell, ensure that our speaker battery size does not exceed 160 Wh, and check the airline-specific regulations for the carrier you’ll travel on. Pack your speaker safely, we recommend in your carry-on luggage, and be prepared to see it treated by security as they would any other electronic portable device.

Resources:

TSA (Transportation Security Administration):

  • This is the primary authority for U.S. airport security guidelines. It offers comprehensive lists of permitted and prohibited items, including rules on electronic devices and batteries.
  • TSA What Can I Bring?

FAA (Federal Aviation Administration):

  • The FAA provides additional guidance on hazardous materials, including lithium-ion batteries and other electronic devices, ensuring passenger safety.
  • FAA Pack Safe Guide

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Author: Willem Grobler

Willem is an audio enthusiast who's office and home is cluttered with Bluetooth speakers and headphones. He appreciates honest speakers which delivers on their design and marketing promises. His go to speaker when traveling with his family is a JBL Flip 6, but as he loves the outdoors makes no secret of his love for the Turtlebox Gen 2.

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Originally Published: October 22, 2024

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