Can I Bring An Extension Cord On A Plane

When traveling, you may take multiple electronic devices that require more sockets than you’ll have, or you have appliances with special plugs. Because of this, you may find an extension cord that solves your problem. However, do these fall under prohibited items, and can you carry them in your carry-on bag, or does it need to go in checked luggage?

Extension cords, electrical wires, and power strips are all acceptable items to bring in carry-on bags as these and electronic cables are not prohibited items. Therefore, extension cords are also permitted in checked baggage.

Pack expensive cables or power strips in hand luggage to reduce risk if possible. The same advice is valid for any priceless items or fragile electronics items. It is preferable to pack them in hand luggage as opposed to checked bags.

Long travel extension cord with USB ports might weigh a lot, and there are frequently weight restrictions on checked luggage. On the other hand, as long as you can move your bag into the overhead bin, most airlines in the USA don’t enforce weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.

extension cord

In our guide, you can learn more about what you can take in your carry-on baggage. By the end, you should see very little to do with cables and extensions falling as prohibited items, and you can keep your extension cord in your carry-on bags rather than stashing them in your checked baggage. (Read Will Carbonated Drinks Explode In Luggage)

Rules for Flights in the USA

Extension cords and electrical wires are permitted in both checked and hand luggage on US flights. To speed up screening, the sole requirement is to pack extension cords tightly, which are wrapped.

The TSA officers won’t usually object if your cords hang freely in your luggage, though, as this restriction is rarely enforced, it could elongate any screening process. However, a particular class of item known as “Tools that could cause serious injury or risk the safety of aircraft” is prohibited in hand luggage.

An extension cord wire might be prevented from going on the plane in carry-on luggage if the security officer believes it could be used to strangle someone.

Flight Rules for Other Countries

Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, China, and India

Extension cords, phone charger cables, and electrical wires are not explicitly listed on the list of prohibited and allowed items on aircraft operated by Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, China, and India.

However, most travelers don’t have any problems flying with electrical wires. Inferring that there are no further limits, we may presume that the restrictions for an extension cord or similar are like those in the US and that they are allowed on a plane in carry-on and checked baggage.

Australia

Electrical appliances that are powered by the mains are not regarded as dangerous cargo in Australian aircraft. This means that power strips and electrical wires have no restrictions and are allowed in both hands and checked baggage on a plane. (Read Do Fanny Packs Count As Carry On)

FAQs

Can I bring HDMI, USB Type-C, and ethernet cables on planes?

Electrical wires of any kind are typically allowed on airplanes. Having stated that, there is a prerequisite. Extension cord wires should be tightly wrapped because they obstruct the images on X-ray scanners and may need to be taken out of the carry-on or checked bag for additional screening.

An extension cord is allowed because they don’t interfere with the electronic equipment in the plane on their own. They are safe when there is no electricity present in them.

Can I take metal wires on planes?

Metal wires are theoretically allowed in both checked luggage and hand luggage on board a plane. However, if they are in hand luggage, the security personnel may confiscate them if they deem them as strangulation weapons., which could be used on a flight attendant.

Electrical wires with bare metal are considered more harmful than an extension cord wrapped in a plastic coating. Nevertheless, since each security guard is different, you usually won’t encounter any problems with this.

How to pack electric cords and wires for plane travel?

Except for TSA, most airports and airline authorities do not mandate that you pack extension cords and power wires in a specific way in your luggage. They request that you wrap your wires safely to remove them from your hand or checked bag if the bag and extension cord needs to be examined more thoroughly.

Even the TSA does not closely police this restriction, so you should be fine unless you travel with many wires and chargers.

Will I have to remove electrical cables from my bag when going through security?

inside an airport

Theoretically, you can move past security without removing an extension cord, cables and wires from your hand or checked luggage. Even the TSA has repeatedly told passengers that all cables and wires can remain within their baggage. However, many passengers have asked that security personnel frequently ask them to remove their cords and cables for further screening.

This is because wires often clog x-ray screening machine images. When going through security, you’ll probably be asked to remove any wires that are longer than one or two out.

Can you take an extension cord on a plane?

You may never find any airline rules banning extension cords on flights. One customer said American Airlines workers yelled at him for that. However, it could be that the AA employee made this up. Loose wires in the airplane and cheap power strips that overheat can be dangerous in an emergency. Ask the flight attendant first if you wish to use your power strip on a flight. (Read Best Time To Visit Great Barrier Reef)

Can you take an HDMI cable on a plane?

Most airlines allow HDMI cables and TV cables in hand luggage and checked baggage. To avoid confusion and the potential opening of your bag through airport security, it is recommended to organize your cables and extension cords inside your bag.

Packing your cables neatly will extend their life in carry-on luggage or checked luggage.

Are power strips allowed on planes?

Surge protectors or power strips are allowed on planes, which are really helpful items during your trip. If you need to work on your computer, charge your phone, or help a fellow traveler. Sharp objects, weapons, and specific amounts of liquids are the most restricted items onboard airplanes.

Protect your cables while traveling

If you have a problem with cables breaking, you can follow the video below for TV and lengthy cables. It is important to know how to pack and secure your cables before inserting them inside your organizer. You can use tape to wrap small charging cables or a paracord to encase the wire completely.

You can also use tiny cable protectors to stop the wire from breaking by simply slipping the protectors over the wire’s end. Other shields feature open edges that can be readily stretched to enclose the entire wire. (Read Can I Take A Flat Iron In My Carry On)

Remember, the final decision of what is allowed in your carry-on or checked luggage is down to the TSA security officer. Keeping cables wrapped tightly makes them last longer and also avoids tangles when you need to get something from your bag.

Can I Bring An Extension Cord On A Plane

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