Many passengers have inquiries regarding what they are permitted to bring on board when they travel by plane. Can you take walkie-talkies on a plane is one of the most often asked questions. The type of walkie-talkie and the batteries it uses lead to a simple answer and a not-so-simple answer. There are various annoying restrictions, but lithium-ion walkie-talkies are permitted on planes.
Passengers are allowed to bring portable radios and other electronic gadgets with lithium batteries in their carry-on and checked bags, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). However, larger lithium-ion batteries (above 100 watt-hours) are not permitted in carry-on or checked bags, and loose lithium batteries are not allowed in carry-on bags either. Lithium metal battery-powered devices, such as some older security walkie-talkies, are not permitted as the TSA deems them dangerous items.
Such batteries are less common than lithium-ion batteries and found in older walkie-talkies. In our guide, you can learn more about taking a walkie-talkie for travel. By the end, you’ll understand more about what radio device and electronics you can keep in your hand luggage or carry-ons and what you need to do to pass X-ray screening at checkpoints. (Read Is A Fanny Pack Considered A Carry On)
How To Pack Walkie-Talkies and Spare Batteries
Pack walkie-talkies and extra batteries in your carry-on luggage when bringing them on an airplane. This will ensure access to your walkie-talkies even if your checked luggage is delayed or misplaced.
If the batteries in your walkie-talkies run out while the flight is underway, it’s also a good idea to pack extra batteries in your carry-on bag.
TSA Rules and Regulations
It’s crucial to remember that the TSA retains the discretion to remember what items are permitted on a plane. During the security checkpoint, TSA agents may also request that passengers switch on their personal gadgets to make sure they are not harmful.
TSA agents may ask you to inspect your walkie-talkies or batteries in your carry-on luggage or to leave them behind if they are permitted items.
Additional Guidelines from Other Airlines
It’s also crucial to remember that different airlines can have their policies regarding batteries and handheld radios, such as two-way radios aboard airplanes. Ask your airline if there are any additional rules you need to be aware of before your flight and carrying a two-way radio in your hand luggage.
In conclusion, lithium-ion walkie-talkies are permitted on batteries with certain restrictions. The TSA has specific guidelines for the types of batteries that can be brought on a plane. Lithium batteries, including those found in walkie-talkies, fall under these guidelines.
The TSA allows passengers to bring loose lithium batteries, such as those found in walkie-talkies and lithium metal batteries, as long as they are carried in carry-on bags. However, larger lithium-ion batteries must be placed in checked bags, such as those found in laptop computers.
When packing your walkie-talkies for air travel, it is essential to ensure that the battery terminals are protected to prevent short-circuiting. It is also a good idea to bring spare batteries in your carry-on bag if your primary batteries run out during the flight. (Read Are Carabiners Allowed On Airplanes)
It is important to note that while the TSA has specific guidelines for what can be brought on a plane, the final decision on what is allowed on board lies with the TSA officer at the checkpoint.
If a TSA agent is unsure whether a particular item is permitted, they may ask for additional screening or even confiscate it. It is also important to note that the TSA’s guidelines may vary from those of other airlines. Before your flight, we recommend checking your airline for their specific guidelines on walkie-talkies and other electronic devices.
Carry-On Bags vs. Checked Baggage
It’s crucial to comprehend the distinction between carry-on bags and checked baggage when you pack walkie-talkies for a flight.
- Bags you bring on the plane with you and place in the overhead compartment or under your seat are known as carry-on luggage.
- In contrast, checked baggage is kept in the plane’s cargo hold and is only accessible once you have boarded the plane.
As long as walkie-talkies adhere to the guidelines for lithium batteries, the TSA permits them to be transported on a plane as carry-on items. It follows that walkie-talkies that use lithium batteries must be unplugged and stowed in carry-on luggage and any extra batteries.
Walkie-talkies with lithium batteries are not permitted in checked baggage, nevertheless. While the TSA establishes the guidelines for domestic air travel, different airlines may have their policies bringing the use of walkie-talkies on a plane for both carry-on and checked luggage on their aircraft.
This means it is a good idea to inquire about the airline’s policies regarding two-way radios and other electronic devices with the airline you will be flying with. Smartphones are slightly different, yet even these should be turned off during flights.
However, your radios operate on a frequency that is much closer to that of the plane than your phone or another computing device.
Can I Carry A Two Way Radio By Air?
You can find a quick and longer answer for this type of question. Here’s both.
Short Answer
On a plane, walkie-talkies are permitted. It is acceptable to keep them in your checked or carry-on luggage. Just make sure they will fit in your seat or the overhead compartment.
There are guidelines for batteries on the TSA website that you must be aware of. Size and number sizes apply to batteries. Even though you may be able to go by all TSA regulations bringing the use of walkie-talkies and some other radio electronics on a plane, TSA officers still have the final say. (Read Can Smoke Detectors Detect Vape)
Long Answer
The planning should be completed a few days before the trip. More importantly, be sure to know what to bring and what not to when packing your bags (a checked bag and carry-on).
This is especially true if you intend to use your walkie-talkies while traveling. During the screening process at the airport, you don’t want to encounter any difficulties. The TSA regulations that airlines must abide by are listed below. You may want to examine any additional guidelines that your airline may have.
TSA Rules
There are guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration or TSA for bringing walkie-talkies on a plane. Before taking your walkie-talkie on a trip, study and understand their regulations to save yourself the trouble.
You can go to the TSA website for more details.
Radio
The TSA website states that radios can be carried on or checked. Make sure it fits in the overhead bin or under your seat. Otherwise, you cannot bring them.
However, the TSA officer decides whether this item is authorized at the checkpoint. They may have listed reasons why walkie-talkies aren’t allowed on planes. Thus, the “disclaimer.”
Lithium Batteries
Walkie-talkies with lithium batteries of 100 battery hours or fewer are allowed in checked or carry-on bags. TSA bans loose lithium batteries in checked bags. Instead, pack them in your carry-on.
These batteries will be asked from your carry-on bag at the gate or planeside. Put them in the aircraft cabin above or near you. This approach prevents battery terminal short circuits. Rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium metal walkie-talkie batteries and external lithium-ion battery chargers follow the same rule.
Lithium batteries exceeding 100 watt-hours may only be allowed in carry-on bags, with airline authorization.
The two spare batteries cannot exceed 160 watt-hours. One spare battery cannot exceed 300 watt-hours. Again, this may not be allowed, and trying to carry one could be considered illegal.
Battery Size and Quantity
TSA limits non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries. Per battery, 2 grams are allowed. All lithium batteries for personal electronics follow the same technique. One or two spare lithium-ion batteries (101–160 watt-hours) or lithium metal batteries (2–8 grams) may be allowed. The airline must approve.
These limits include larger laptop and audio/visual device batteries. Again, the TSA officer will decide if you can allow your walkie-talkies on a plane even if your radio has the permitted lithium batteries with 100-watt hours or fewer. You can bring unlimited personal-use batteries. You can only have two spare batteries for larger batteries.
Conclusion – Can You Take 2-Way Radio On A plane?
Yes. Walkie-talkies, batteries, and other communication radio or devices must be for personal use. You can carry it as long as you keep it under your seat or overhead bin. To provide a worry-free trip, the TSA has guidelines, especially regarding battery sizes and quantities. Your airline, such as American Airlines, may have extra policies. (Learn How To Pack A Picture Frame)
Ask an airline customer service person about these regulations. Listen, write, comprehend, and remember everything. You don’t want to get stressed out before reaching your goal because you don’t know or purposefully disobey the regulations of what type of radio you can and can’t pack into your checked bag or carry-on.
