Introduction
Can you bring a flashlight on a plane? The quick answer is that most small flashlights are allowed as long as they’re under 7 inches and not a “tactical” type. What is a tactical type? Well, it didn’t take much for my “tactical” flashlight to be confiscated.
With many TSA answers, you’ll find that the individual screening officer makes a lot of the determination at the checkpoint. There are also a few things to know about the batteries. Read below to find out more!
Traveling by air can be both exciting and stressful, especially when it comes to packing. One of the biggest concerns for travelers is knowing what items they can and cannot bring with them on board the aircraft. With so many rules and regulations from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), knowing what’s allowed in your carry-on baggage or personal items and what needs to be packed in your checked luggage can be confusing.
We’ll cover topics such as spare batteries, lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable flashlights, additional screening, and different rules for different airlines. We’ll also touch on the TSA guidelines for other portable electronic devices, such as cell phones and power banks, and give you the detailed information you need to make the best decision for your travel needs. So, let’s get started!
Here are some of the best travel flashlights:
TSA: Can You Bring A Flashlight On A Plane?
Here’s the info from the TSA website, followed by some of their Twitter posts on the matter.
| According to the TSA, Flashlights are allowed in both Carry-On Bags and Checked Bags. But this note is important: The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. |
The TSA website is missing a note regarding the TSA’s rules about flashlight size, which aren’t published there. This tweet indicates that the size and weight determine if it’s a threat, and it’s up to the individual screening officer to make that determination. Even though that size isn’t listed on their website, they have said in older tweets that a length of 7″ or less is fine.
See this older (2018) tweet referencing the 7″ rule:
Tactical Flashlight TSA Questions
While tactical flashlights (self-defense flashlights) and similar devices aren’t specifically mentioned on the TSA website, they answered this question on Twitter.
While they don’t say yes or no, they leave it up to the discretion of the TSA officer on duty. I have had a “tactical” type flashlight without sharp edges, similar to the one in this picture, taken by TSA. So your best bet is to leave such items behind, especially if they’re high-quality (expensive) flashlights!
And another response here.
Check-in Process: Carry-On Baggage and Flashlights
The TSA regulations state that travelers can bring a carry-on bag and a personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag, on board the aircraft. The carry-on bag must meet the size and weight requirements set by the airline and fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Flashlights, including metal flashlights, are allowed in carry-on luggage, but there are some rules to remember.
If your flashlight has removable or non-removable lithium batteries, it’s allowed in your carry-on bag, along with any spare batteries you may need. To avoid a short circuit, you should keep these batteries away from other metal things.
In conclusion, flashlights are a useful thing to bring with you when you travel, and they are allowed in carry-on bags. However, it’s important to remember the rules about batteries that can be removed and those that can’t. By understanding the TSA regulations, you can travel with peace of mind and avoid any complications at the airport.
Best Traveling Flashlights
Click here for some of the best travel-friendly flashlights on Amazon.
Spare Battery
If you’re traveling longer, it’s always a good idea to bring extra batteries for your flashlight. After all, the last thing you want is to be in the dark without a way to see! The TSA regulations state that travelers can bring spare batteries for personal use in their carry-on luggage. Still, they must be placed in a separate plastic bag to prevent them from coming into contact with metal items that could cause a short circuit.
It’s important to know that you can’t put batteries that can be taken out in your checked luggage because they can start a fire. According to TSA rules, spare lithium metal batteries must be kept in a separate plastic bag that can be easily opened at the security checkpoint.
Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used type of battery in flashlights and other personal electronic devices, and they’re subject to fewer restrictions.
Lithium Ion Battery
Lithium ion batteries are the most commonly used type of battery in flashlights and other personal electronic devices, but they’re also subject to some restrictions. Federal law states that travelers are allowed to bring a lithium-ion battery with 100 watt-hours or less capacity in their carry-on luggage. This means that flashlights with a non-removable installed lithium battery of 100 watt-hours or less are allowed in carry-on baggage.
It’s important to remember that the TSA officer at the security checkpoint has the final say on whether or not lithium-ion batteries can be brought on board. They may ask to inspect the battery and prohibit it from being brought on board if they feel it poses a risk.
Dangerous Goods: The Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries on Planes
Lithium-ion batteries are used in many personal electronics, like flashlights and power banks, but they can also be dangerous when flying. Lithium-ion batteries’ high energy density and flammability make them a potential fire hazard on planes.
The TSA regulations state that you can bring non-spillable batteries, such as a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 100 watt-hours or less in your carry-on luggage.
The lithium content of a battery is also a factor, as lithium-metal batteries are more reactive and pose a higher risk than lithium-ion batteries. The fuel cell in lithium-ion batteries is flammable and can ignite if it comes into contact with metal, such as a nail or a key, or if it’s damaged.
The TSA suggests putting spare lithium batteries in a separate plastic bag so they don’t touch any metal items. This will reduce the chance of a fire. They also say that you should put your lithium-ion battery in a protective case so that it doesn’t get broken while you ship it.
In conclusion, the dangers of lithium-ion batteries on planes should not be taken lightly. Lithium-ion batteries’ high energy density and flammability make them a potential fire hazard on planes. The TSA regulations state that you can bring a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 100 watt-hours or less in your carry-on luggage.
Rechargeable Flashlights
Rechargeable flashlights are a great option for travelers, as they’re environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run. However, it’s important to ensure your flashlight is completely charged before traveling, as a TSA agent may ask to test it to ensure it’s not a dangerous item, such as a stun gun.
The TSA regulations do not specifically mention rechargeable flashlights, but they do state that all personal electronic devices must be charged and able to power on at the security checkpoint. This means that your rechargeable flashlight must be in working order and have enough power to turn on so that TSA agents can inspect it and ensure it’s not a threat to the safety of the aircraft cabin.
Packing your rechargeable flashlight in your carry-on luggage is always a good idea, as it may be damaged or lost in checked baggage. This also makes it easier to access and use during the flight, especially if you need it in the dark.
In conclusion, you can bring a rechargeable flashlight in your carry-on bag, but it’s important to make sure it’s fully charged and works. TSA agents may ask to test the flashlight to ensure it’s not a dangerous item, such as a stun gun, and it’s best to pack it in your carry-on luggage for easy access and use during the flight.
Additional Screening
At the security checkpoint, travelers may have to go through more screening if they have a flashlight or other personal electronic device. The TSA officers may ask to inspect the flashlight and its batteries to ensure they’re not a dangerous item, such as a stun gun, or pose a risk to the safety of the aircraft cabin.
Also, according to TSA rules, all personal electronics must be charged and able to turn on at airport security checks. This means that your flashlight must be in working order and have enough power to turn on so that TSA agents can inspect it and ensure it’s not a threat.
Different Rules for Different Airlines
While the TSA regulations are the same across all airlines in the United States, it’s important to note that each airline may have its own rules regarding carry-on baggage. For example, some airlines may have stricter size and weight requirements for carry-on bags, while others may restrict certain items, such as flashlights.
Before you travel, you should always check with your airline to ensure you know any extra rules. This can save you time and prevent any frustration at the airport, as you’ll know exactly what you’re allowed to bring on board the aircraft.
In conclusion, while the TSA regulations are the same across all airlines in the United States, it’s important to know that each airline may have its rules regarding carry-on baggage. Before you go to the airport, you should always check with your airline to find out if there are any additional rules you need to know about.
Lighters and Matches on a Plane
Disposable Lighters and matches are common household items that many travelers might want to bring on their travels. Cigarettes and cigars are permitted. However, anything flammable is usually not allowed. Here are the TSA regulations on the following items:
| Flammables See more information on their website: Arc Lighters, Plasma Lighters, Electronic Lighters, E-Lighters Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions) Checked Bags: No |
| Safety Matches Carry On Bags: Yes (With limits) Checked Bags: No See more information on their website: ‘What Can I Bring?’ page. |
| Disposable and Zippo Lighters According to the TSA, these lighters are allowed in Carry On Bags and Checked Bag with the following restrictions: It is acceptable to pack disposable and Zippo lighters without fuel in your checked luggage. Only lighters that meet the DOT’s exemption, which allows up to two fuelled lighters if securely housed in a DOT-approved case, are permitted in checked bags. |
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve talked about the most important parts of the TSA rules about carry-on bags and flashlights. We’ve talked about the rules about spare batteries, like what kinds are allowed and how they should be packed, and the rules about rechargeable flashlights, like the possibility of more screening. We’ve also discussed the different rules for different airlines, and the importance of checking with your airline before traveling to be aware of any additional restrictions.
While the TSA rules and regulations regarding carry-on baggage and flashlights can seem confusing, it’s always best to check the TSA website for the most up-to-date information. The TSA website provides detailed information on what is and isn’t allowed in carry-on and checked luggage, and it’s a valuable resource for travelers.
In the end, knowing the rules and regulations will make sure that you and your family have a smooth and stress-free trip. By following the guidelines set by the TSA, you can travel with peace of mind and avoid any complications at the airport. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, having a flashlight with you is always a good idea, and by following the rules and regulations, you can ensure it’s allowed in your carry-on baggage.
Thank you for taking the time to read can you bring a flashlight on a plane? Check out our “Can You Bring?” page for answers to the following things: self-defense items like pepper spray, dry ice, sharp objects, nail clippers, breast milk, small arms ammunition, medical marijuana, medical devices, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, and other everyday items
