Last Updated: December 8, 2023
Can I Carry Bluetooth Speakers in Check-In Luggage? A Traveler’s Guide
Traveling with electronic gadgets can be a bit tricky since you’re never entirely sure what can be packed in which bag and whether you need to take out everything that’s battery-operated at the airport security checkpoint. Bluetooth speakers are battery-operated electronic devices, but the rules for them are a little more lax than you might think.
The short answer is yes, you can put your Bluetooth speakers in checked luggage. It might not be the smartest thing to do if you care about your speakers, but the rules allow it. Keep reading to learn more about the various TSA Bluetooth speaker rules and how you can best protect them from damage in transit!
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Can I pack Bluetooth speakers in check-in luggage?
You can pack some Bluetooth speakers in checked luggage. While the TSA doesn’t explicitly prohibit battery-powered devices in checked baggage, they recommend you pack them in your carry-on for safekeeping.
Removable batteries are also not permitted in checked baggage, but the TSA is unclear whether you would need to pack an entire speaker or just its batteries inside your carry-on. Generally speaking, you can pack Bluetooth speakers even if they’re powered with lithium batteries in checked luggage, as long as the capacity of the battery does not exceed 100 Wh (approximately 27,000 mAh).
Your device must be turned off if it’s going in cargo, and ideally, it should not be charged. Also, if you have any spare lithium-ion batteries for the speakers, they must be packed in carry-on baggage.
Can I bring Bluetooth speakers in carry-on luggage?
Yes, you can carry a Bluetooth speaker on a plane in your carry-on luggage. The rules for wired and wireless Bluetooth speakers are very similar to the rules for power banks since it’s all about the type and size of the battery inside the speaker.
You can bring a portable speaker with a battery capacity of up to 100 Wh inside the cabin, and you can even bring a speaker with a bigger battery if you get permission from the airline. It’s recommended to pack any devices with lithium-ion batteries inside cabin luggage because the devices could get damaged during transport in the hold.
Do portable speakers have lithium batteries?
Yes, most portable speakers rely on lithium batteries for power. It’s the same type of battery that’s in modern smartphones, laptops, and virtually all rechargeable electronic devices.
Does JBL speaker have a lithium battery?
Yes, most JBL speakers have a lithium-ion battery inside. This brand has dozens of Bluetooth speakers in their product range so I can’t positively say that every single one of them is powered with a lithium battery, but it’s safe to assume that it’s true for most of their portable Bluetooth speakers.
Do Bose Bluetooth speakers have lithium batteries?
Yes, a Bose Bluetooth speaker most likely has a lithium battery inside. It’s important to check the size of the battery in your Bose speaker because you will be required to get permission from the airline to bring it on board if it exceeds 100 Wh.
Can I bring big speakers on a plane?
You can absolutely bring big speakers on a plane, as long as they can fit in your carry-on. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn’t really have any rules about the size of speakers you’re allowed to travel with, but if you want to bring them on a plane you will need to abide by the carry-on luggage sizing rules.
So, as long as they fit in your suitcase, you should be fine to travel with big speakers on a plane. Another thing to keep in mind is that you could try to argue that they’re a special musical instrument (it could work but I haven’t tried it), and get special rates for the equipment, since it’s usually cheaper than checking an entire large suitcase.
Tips on Traveling with Bluetooth Speakers
Pack your Bluetooth speakers in your carry-on. Although you might be permitted to take them in your checked luggage, it’s easier for everyone involved if the portable Bluetooth speaker is in your carry-on. It’s safer there, there’s no risk of fire or damage, and the chances that it won’t work when you get off the plane are minimal.
Turn off your Bluetooth speaker when packing. It’s necessary for all electronic devices in checked baggage to be turned off, and it’s just common sense to make sure it’s off if it’s in your carry-on. The last thing you want is to blast music for the entire cabin to hear, and what’s worse is that anyone could connect to your speaker and start playing whatever they wanted.
Don’t fully charge the devices that you’re packing in checked baggage. An overcharged device is a fire hazard in the hold, and it’s virtually impossible to know whether you’ve overcharged something when it’s at 100%. So, keep the battery at a lower percentage if you’re set on packing the speakers in the checked suitcase.
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About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
