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 Speaker | Battery Capacity (Wh) | Carry-On or Checked |
---|---|---|
JBL Flip 6 | 17.28 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
JBL Charge 5 | 27 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II | 12.6 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 | 7.2 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
Anker Soundcore 2 | 18.72 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
Sony SRS-XB33 | 18.5 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
Sonos Roam | 18 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
Marshall Emberton | 10.05 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
Bose SoundLink Mini II | 18.4 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
Tribit StormBox Micro | 7.4 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
JBL Xtreme 3 | 36.3 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
Sony SRS-XG500 | 56.32 Wh | Carry-On Only |
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom | 86.4 Wh | Carry-On Only |
JBL PartyBox 310 | 72.96 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
JBL PartyBox 710 | 81.3 Wh | Carry-On Only |
Anker Soundcore Flare | 7.4 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
LG XBOOM Go PL7 | 19.24 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
Tribit MaxSound Plus | 7.4 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
Bose Portable Smart Speaker | 18.72 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 | 22.2 Wh | Carry-On, Checked |
Sony SRS-XB43 | 23.4 Wh | Carry-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:
Airline | Relevant Information Page |
---|---|
Delta Airlines | Battery or Fuel-Powered Items |
American Airlines | Restricted Items – Batteries |
United Airlines | Batteries and Electronics |
Southwest Airlines | Batteries and Electronic Devices |
JetBlue Airways | Dangerous Goods – Batteries |
Alaska Airlines | Batteries on Flights |
Hawaiian Airlines | Prohibited Items – Batteries |
Spirit Airlines | Batteries and Portable Electronic Devices |
Frontier Airlines | Dangerous 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