Traveling is an exciting adventure but tiring and stressful as well. Delayed flights can add to the stress. It is tiring especially on long flights sitting in cramped seats.
Muscles can feel stiff sitting on a plane. It is recommended that you walk during the flight to stimulate blood flow to the muscles.
But an electric massager can help as well. It is great to have one when traveling as it eases the tension and stiff muscles. But is a massager allowed on a plane? The answer is yes!
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), massagers are allowed in both carry-on and check-in bags. It is best to place the massager though in the carry-on bag because it contains a lithium battery.
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Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries are classified as hazardous material but are exempt from the classification for now. So, these fire hazard batteries are allowed in the plane without notification of the pilot in command.
However, lithium batteries should not be placed in the plane’s cargo. A test conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) showed:
“The explosive potential of lithium metal cells can easily damage (and potentially perforate) cargo liners, or activate the pressure relief panels in a cargo compartment. Either of these circumstances can potentially lead to a loss of Halon 1301, allowing rapid fire spread within a cargo compartment to other flammable materials. For this reason, lithium metal cells are currently prohibited as bulk cargo shipments on passenger carrying aircraft.”
Gadgets such as massagers, cellphones, laptop computers, portable gaming devices, and tablets all contain lithium batteries. These can be brought on the plane but only in the cabin.
Also, spare batteries such as power banks and portable chargers should be placed in carry-on bags as well. The TSA however, has limitations on bringing spare batteries:
“With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium-ion batteries (101–160 Wh) or lithium metal batteries (2-8 grams). This size covers the larger after-market extended-life laptop computer batteries and some larger batteries used in professional audio/visual equipment. There is a limit of two spare batteries per person for the larger lithium-ion batteries described above (101–160 watt hours per battery.”
Electric Massager
Electric massagers are allowed on the carry-on bag but not in the check-in bag. But the final approval if the item is allowed is still with the TSA officer on site.
In addition, you may check the TSA website if you are wondering if other items like magnets are allowed on the plane as well.
Is There a TSA-Approved Massager?
Massage guns is an electric massager that has gained popularity because it is handy and portable. It is also rechargeable so this is a massage tool that can be used anywhere even on planes.
Hyperice Hypervolt Plus is a handheld, TSA-approved massager. This is great for use in the plane because its noise level is low. Its battery can last for 2.5 hours and can quickly be recharged as well.
At 3 pounds in weight, this can easily fit in the carry-on luggage. Its battery is removable as well, making it safe to bring on the plane.
There are other massage guns that offer the same features as the Hypervolt Plus massager. A mini massage gun by Recoverfun weighs 1.1 pounds with a 5-hour battery life. Sportneer’s Massage Gun is 1.7 pounds with the longest battery life of 6 hours.
Whichever portable massager you may choose to bring, these will help relieve muscle tension during air travel. Below are some tips to ensure that your gadget will be allowed on the plane.
Tips on Taking Massager on the Plane
- Bring out the massager when passing thru a security check. Place it on the basket or bin and kindly inform the officer you have a handheld massager with you. The term massage gun might cause worry though so use these words carefully.
- Double check the label of your gadget if you are unsure if it has lithium batteries. You may contact the manufacturer as well to ask for more details on the gadget.
- Check if your massager has a removable lithium battery before packing. If it is, remove the battery and place these in your carry-on bag. Only the massager can be placed in your check-in bag.
- Charge the massager before your flight for ease of use.
A portable electric massager is helpful during travels. Look for lightweight and have lithium batteries so they will be allowed in your carry-on bag.
