Many times, flying can be stressful because you pack everything and still feel like something is missing.
It could be the shirt you bought yesterday, but that’s not it; it could also be your wallet, but you already have it in your pocket.
It’s got to be your bluetooth speaker, the one that keeps you company with wonderful music.
But wait, is that even permitted on the plane?
In today’s article, I’ll answer your question on whether you may bring your portable Bluetooth speaker on the plane with you.
So please bear with me and read all the way to the bottom.
Is it Possible to Travel with a Bluetooth Speaker?
The best way to find out about this is to read the rules of TSA.
If you are not aware of TSA, the Transportation Security Administration creates broad policies to safeguard the United States’ transportation system, which includes highways, railroads, buses, mass transit systems, ports, pipelines, and intermodal freight facilities.
So to cut your chase and answer your question right away according to TSA, portable Bluetooth speakers are permitted on both carry-on and checked luggage, as long as they are not too large.
It’s important to note that it says portable Bluetooth speakers, not just any Bluetooth speakers.
Simply put, if the Bluetooth speaker is small and compact enough to fit in your luggage, you’re good to go.
However, if it is a Bluetooth speaker with a lithium ion battery, things change because the TSA has different policy rules for this one.
Lithium batteries in personal electronic devices are at risk of catching fire if they are damaged or if the battery terminals are short-circuited.
Such devices are usually required to be carried in carry on bags. That isn’t to say you can’t bring them with you in your carry-on luggage.
An important thing I would advise you to follow would be despite the TSA rules always make sure you check up with the airlines you are traveling.
Different airlines have different rules.
While some will allow you to take a 100W ion lithium battery, others will not, and some may even allow you to carry larger batteries.
Is it permissible to bring Bluetooth speakers in hand luggage?
This may be a different question that comes to mind, but yes, they are permitted in hand luggage.
Just make sure the Bluetooth speaker you’re carrying isn’t too big and can fit underneath the plane’s seat or in the overhead bin.
Simply put, as long as it meets the hand luggage size restrictions, you will be fine on most airlines.
Hand luggage is also known as “carry-on” luggage.
Furthermore, because lithium-ion batteries have a low Watt rating, the rule of thumb applies here. All that matters is that the devices don’t catch fire in general.
When you travel, it is not just about you, but about an entire plane full of people.
Is it permissible to play the Bluetooth speaker on a plane?
It goes without saying that you will be unable to use or play your Bluetooth speaker on the plane.
Although the rules may allow it, don’t be surprised if the workers give you the cold shoulder when they see you with the Bluetooth speaker.
Playing music on your Bluetooth speaker would be a real annoyance to other passengers. Even worse if it’s a speaker that emphasizes bass.
It is not appropriate to play music from any device, let alone on a portable speaker, in a confined space with so many people.
Things You Can Do During Long Flights
Imagine being on a long flight and being unable to play your wireless bluetooth speaker; that would be awful.
That’s why, after answering your main question, I decided to tell you about a few things you can do on long flights.
Thinks can get really boring, indeed.
Movie Watching
Watching movies is the best thing and, at the same time, the best time killer.
You can watch your favorite show/series, or if you like anime, you can watch Dragon Ball during long fights.
Nothing beats ordering a drink and a snack while watching a movie on the plane.
Laptop
While they won’t allow you to play music with your speaker, they will allow your laptop, just make sure you turn on the airplane mode, pun inteded.
You can do some work or play some light gaming, but the results may not be as enjoyable as at home.
Playing Board Games
There are small chess packages now or you can even use your phone and enjoy a good time with your mate, or family members.
The best way through would be playing cards, they don’t take much space and they can easily be taken with you.
If you travel alone though, well I am sorry.
Read a Book
Second, to watch movies, the best thing you can do is read a book.
I know many people that never touched a book with their hand but when they got on a long flight, they actually enjoyed a book and since then they are hooked to reading books on a plane.
I just hope that the environment you are reading about is quiet.
Sleeping
Well, I know you did see this coming, I mean what’s better than simply sleeping?
If you are someone who struggles with sleeping, catching up with sleep on the plane might be a great thing.
You go for a nap, you open your eyes, and voilà you just arrived at your destination.
Final Words
This pretty much concludes today’s blog; I hope I was able to answer your question about whether you can bring your speaker on the plane.
It is simple to do and will not cause any issues as long as it meets the compact/small criteria.
However, I believe there are more important things to carry on a plane than your speaker but if you have the extra space, go ahead and take it.
I wish you safe travels.
Further Reading
Above in the article I mentioned sleeping, but have you wondered if you can wear AirPods while sleeping? Well, it is time to find out!
Now, since I talked about portable speakers in this article, there are a few things that I would like to mention about wireless speakers in general. If you are dealing with speakers that sound like they are underwater, there are some ways to fix it.
You may know that JBL is great manufacturer and JBL speakers are among the best wireless Bluetooth speakers. There are some comparisons that I have made, and would like to share with you! You can check out JBL PartyBox 310 vs 300, UE Boom 3 vs JBL Flip 5, JBL Go 2 vs JBL Go 3, or JBL Clip 4 vs. Flip 5.
Equipment Tester & Reviewer
I’m an unbiased audio equipment tester & reviewer, dedicated to keeping you up-to-date on the latest and greatest in audio gear.