List of Tech-related Items That Are Not Allowed in a Flight

Are there tech-related items that are not are allowed in both local flight and international flight? The answer is yes.

Tech-related items are not just the tools used by techies. All technological items including your Televison fall under tech-related items or gadgets. Working as a tech person may require you to travel often for work. Even if you travel for reasons other than work, there will be tech items you have to go with, either for quick response or personal use. Non-techies and even remote workers may also need to travel with their work gadgets or play toys.   

However, there are flight regulations concerning what tech-related items can go on a plane with you if you travel by air.

This article will discuss some tech-related items that are not allowed on a flight.  But, first things first, let’s look at why some tech-related items are banned on flights. 

Reasons Some Tech-related Items Are Banned on Flights

The reason for banning some tech-related items is to safeguard passengers during flight. If Items are banned, it is because they are considered a serious health, safety, or security hazard. Some considerations before placing a ban on an item include;

• Safety risks:
  Certain items are banned because they pose a safety risk. For example, vaping or e-cigarettes are banned on flights because they can cause a fire.
• Security risks:
  Some gadgets or their component in the wrong hands can become weapons of destruction. For instance, there were reports that militant groups wanted to smuggle explosive devices in electronic gadgets. In response, the Trump administration in 2017 banned traveling with devices larger than a cell phone. This ban affected only people in Muslim-dominated countries. 

You can read more about this on CNBC or any other news website.

Also Read: How the Digital Economy is Affecting the Travel Industry

Tech-Related Items That Are Banned on Flights

As technology advances, air travel regulations adapt to ensure passenger safety. Certain tech-related items are banned or restricted due to risk concerns. Here are some prohibited or limited items:

Lithium Battery-Powered Devices

Lithium batteries have been known to overheat and cause fires. This is why devices like hoverboards, self-balancing scooters, and lithium-powered skateboards are banned from checked and carry-on luggage. These devices are considered hazardous materials and can cause a fire if not handled properly. In 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned hoverboards from flights due to the risk of lithium battery fires.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was banned from flights in 2016 due to its defective battery. This defect caused numerous incidents of overheating and explosions. Although the device is no longer in production, it is still prohibited on flights due to its risk to passenger safety.

The FAA, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a joint statement banning the device from flights due to the “risk of lithium battery fires.”  So, if you still have a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in your possession, you can not board a flight with it.

Smart Luggage

Some smart luggage models with built-in lithium batteries and charging capabilities are restricted from flights due to fire outbreaks. These batteries can overheat and cause a fire, which is why they are considered hazardous materials. In 2017, American Airlines banned smart luggage with lithium batteries from flights due to the risk of fires.

Portable Chargers and Power Banks

Portable chargers and power banks are generally allowed on flights. However, those with a capacity over 100 watt-hrs or without a protective case may be banned. These devices can overheat and combust if not handled properly. The FAA advises to carry only protected lithium batteries/chargers in carry-on luggage. If your power bank is beyond 27,000 Mah, you may need to check with the airline for regulations to know what they allow.

Drones

Drones are not permitted in carry-on or checked luggage. This is due to concerns about lithium batteries and the potential disruption of plane navigation systems. Drones can also cause a hazard if they are not handled properly. Their propellers can cause injury to passengers. The FAA regulates drone use. Passengers are also required to declare their drones at security checkpoints.

Spare Lithium Batteries

Spare lithium batteries are only allowed in carry-on luggage. However, there are restrictions on wattage and must be protected from accidental activation. The FAA recommends that passengers carry only protected lithium batteries in carry-on luggage.

Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices

Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are prohibited from checked luggage. they may be restricted in carry-on luggage too due to fire risks. These devices can cause a fire hazard, and their high capacity can make them a risk to passenger safety. 

Selfie Sticks

Selfie sticks with retractable metal poles are banned. This is due to concerns about potential weaponization. The sticks can cause a hazard if they are not handled well, and their metal poles can cause injury to passengers. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends that passengers check with their airline.

High-powered laser pointers

There is a ban on high-powered laser pointers, as they can cause eye damage or distract the pilot.

Also Read: 10 Powerful Skills That Will Make Your Remote Job Successful

What to Do If You Must Travel with These Items

If you have any of these tech-related items, it’s best to leave them behind. If unsure, check with the airline to see if they are allowed. You can also consider shipping them to your destination if you must bring them along. you know what they say, “ better to err on the side of caution”.

Conclusion

Having your tech tools with you wherever you go can make life a lot easier and fun. Unfortunately, you can’t always have it your way when it comes to flight regulations. Your vape, scooters, hoverboards, and some skateboards will have to stay behind. Even your harmless selfie stick can become not-so-harmless under the wrong circumstances. Your favorite 50,000 mah power bank too may have to stay behind.

Ensure to always confirm from the airline what they allow and how best to pack it. This is to ensure your safety and that of passengers and crew. keep in mind that all these regulations are aimed at ensuring safety for all.