When planning a trip, knowing what you can and can\u2019t bring on a plane can be one of the more stressful aspects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are so many items you want to bring \u2013 but what if the TSA refuses to let them on board and they have to be left behind?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although it may be a bit of a weird choice to pack into your carry-on, there are certain situations where you may need to bring a desk lamp!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, can you bring a desk lamp on a plane? In this guide, we\u2019ll cover everything you need to know about bringing your desk lamp on your plane, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s get into it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, you generally can bring a desk lamp on a plane! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still, it\u2019s best to know the TSA and airline rules that apply so you don\u2019t have to waste time and energy squeezing your lamp into your carry-on or checked baggage \u2013 only for it to be denied boarding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be safe, you can always bring alternatives such as portable LEDs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before hopping on the plane with your trusty desk lamp in your carry-on or checked baggage, it\u2019s best to scan the TSA rules and see if that\u2019s allowed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) rules are guidelines that must be followed when traveling anywhere around the world!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When checking TSA rules, you\u2019ll notice that they don\u2019t expressly prohibit bringing your desk lamp with you aboard the aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, it\u2019s best to err on the side of caution. If you don\u2019t need something during your flight, pack it in your checked luggage instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be safe, bring smaller, lighter lamps that are 100% allowed in your carry-on baggage. Heavier lamps might be allowed, but it\u2019s a better idea to tuck them into your checked luggage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While lights and LED bulbs are allowed in a carry-on and your desk lamp likely has either one of these two components, you should know that desk lamps tend to have a heavier base. This can injure other passengers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In any case, the final decision rests with the TSA officer, so prepare for a physical inspection and even a couple of questions. As a rule of thumb, go for smaller and more portable lamps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re worried that the TSA officer might have your desk lamp deplaned, it\u2019s typically a lot safer to pack it in your checked baggage instead. That\u2019s because there are fewer restrictions in regard to items inside your checked bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally speaking, your table lamps (regardless of their material) will be allowed in checked bags and the TSA won\u2019t regulate your luggage\u2019s type, size, or weight anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, it\u2019s not a hard and fast rule; some airlines will impose their own restrictions on what items you can pack into your checked baggage, so it\u2019s best to consult your airline before proceeding!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s what you should know: airplanes and batteries don\u2019t play well! Batteries are finicky and can cause an in-flight fire when conditions aren\u2019t right. This is why recharging batteries onboard the plane isn\u2019t permitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re using battery-powered lamps, there are additional restrictions to follow. For one, check your battery type. Chances are that it\u2019ll be made of lithium ions. If so, your battery must not exceed 100 watt-hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you breach the 100-watt-hour limit, you can\u2019t pack your desk lamp into your checked baggage. If you need to bring it aboard, you\u2019ll need to squeeze it into your carry-on instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although it’s possible to bring smaller, lightweight desk lamps on the plane in carry-on luggage, there are several factors that are important to consider to ensure a hassle-free journey:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A good rule to follow is that the smaller, lighter, and more compact your lamp is, the higher the chances it\u2019ll be cleared through security. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t bother with heavy lamps, because not only will take up too much space and weigh you down, but they\u2019ll also likely be flagged during security checks! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you really need to, bring a lamp that won\u2019t make you feel like you\u2019re playing Legos just assembling the thing. The simpler and more straightforward your lamp is, the better it\u2019ll be for traveling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are plenty of reasons why your lamp shouldn\u2019t be taken on board. These include potential injury to other passengers due to turbulence or the risk of an in-flight fire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before packing the lamp, make sure it is in great condition and has no prior history of being a safety hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As much as possible, check the wiring, cords, and bulb itself, noting any possible issues that arise. If you don\u2019t need the light during the flight anyway, save yourself the trouble by removing the battery outright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, as always, check with the TSA officer whenever in doubt!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from TSA rules, there are plenty of other issues that can come flying out of left field. For one, your airline itself might block your lamp from coming with you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As such, it\u2019s important to check the airline\u2019s regulations to ensure compliance with size and weight restrictions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Otherwise, you might incur additional fees and charges, or your beloved lamp may be forced to stay behind at the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re unsure, call and check with your airline before your flight regarding their policies on bringing a desk lamp in carry-on luggage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Desk lamps certainly have their unique charm, and you may really need one on your flight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it\u2019s certainly a doable option, there are other more practical alternatives you should consider. These choices will offer more convenience and the possibility of worry-free travel so that you can focus on the journey instead!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re planning to catch up on a novel you\u2019ve had to put aside for too long and are worried about inadequate lighting, know that airlines nowadays mostly have excellent lighting onboard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most planes will have enough light for reading, writing, and virtually any other activity!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if it isn\u2019t suitable for you (for instance, if you have eyesight problems), consider smaller light options such as portable LEDs that will be able to shoot straight past security without any problem at all! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is your lamp not so much for the journey, but for the destination? Why not buy one when the plane lands instead?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Desk lamps are usually quite cheap anyway, and it\u2019ll provide a great excuse to look around town and do some shopping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This strategy will save you time, money, and energy that may be incurred in the attempt to bring your desk lamp onto the plane!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the end of the day, you can definitely bring your desk lamp onboard a plane. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, before doing so, it\u2019s vital to brush up on TSA and airline rules so you don\u2019t end up feeling frustrated about having to leave your trusty old lamp behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also worth asking yourself whether you actually need a lamp with you in the first place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you do need additional lighting, it may be better to go for surefire options like portable LED lights instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever your reasons for wanting to bring a desk lamp on board, we hope this guide has helped. Safe travels!<\/p>\n\n\n\n