LED lights, short for light-emitting diode lights, have become a popular lighting product in recent years, and for a good reason. LED lights are more energy-efficient and durable and last longer than other lighting technology, making them an ideal choice. So, it’s no surprise that many people opt for this lighting in light bulb form or as props in gigs and concerts.
If you’re planning to pack one on your next trip and wondering if they’re allowed on board, we have everything you need to know about taking LED lights on the plane.
Can You Take LED Lights On A Plane?
To ease your worries, yes, LED lights are allowed on planes!
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), LED lights are allowed on carry-on and checked bags. There are no restrictions for these lights, but the final decision still rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
However, remember that TSA has strict rules about bringing lithium batteries on the plane. If your LED lights, such as LED lanterns, require removable lithium batteries to operate, you can place them in your carry-on bag as long as they are 100 watt hours or less per battery. With airline approval, you can still bring two spare larger lithium-ion batteries. (Read Can You Bring Rope On A Plane)
Common LED products
LED lighting comes in many forms. They are widely used in various home and commercial products since they offer many benefits compared to traditional lighting.
Here are some of the most common LED products:
Industrial and commercial lighting
Many industrial and commercial businesses are now using LED lights in their establishments. Some commonly used areas where people use LED light include street lights, walkways, modular lighting, outdoor area lighting, and refrigerated case lightings, such as those found in convenience stores and supermarkets.
Under-cabinet lighting
LED lights are now popular among households. Since they are small and directional, LED lights make them perfect for tight spaces, such as kitchen countertops. Once placed, LED lights greatly help in cooking and reading recipes.
Recessed downlights
If you’re unfamiliar with recessed lighting, it is the light directly installed inside a ceiling, wall, and other similar surfaces. In households, it is commonly used in kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms, and home offices that illuminate any area without taking up much space.
Holiday lights
Decorative light strings made of LED lights, such as Christmas lights, are ideal since they consume less electricity. They are also generally safer since they are cooler than incandescent lights, so you don’t have to worry about burning your fingers or the combustion risks. (Read Can You Take A Steamer On A Plane)
Event Lights
LED lights make the best lighting for events since people can use them in various products, such as pixel tube lights, uplights, and wall washers. They don’t just make unique lighting fixtures for events, but they are also safe even when used for longer.
Advantages of LED lights
As mentioned, LED lights offer many benefits to many household and commercial businesses regarding costs and energy usage. Here are more of its advantages:
Long lifespan
LED lights have a longer lifespan than an average incandescent bulb, which only lasts for about a few thousand, wherein LED light has a lifespan of 50,000 hours. Depending on how frequently you use it, it can last up to 100,000 hours or anywhere between six to 12 years.
Energy efficient
It is already a known fact how LED lights are energy efficient. They produce less waste light and more useful lumens than other lighting technology. They can improve your overall energy efficiency to as much as 90%, dramatically affecting your financial savings.
Operates in cold environments
Unlike traditional lighting, LED lights operate well in cold conditions, such as freezers, meat lockers, and other cold storage spaces. Apart from their commercial use, they also make the ideal lighting for cities with cold weather, such as lights in parking lots, signages, and street lights.
No heat or UV emissions
Those who have used incandescent light bulbs for so long know how hot they get. They get hot because these kinds of bulbs turn more than 90% of their energy to heat, allocating only the remaining percentage of power to light production. But LED bulbs emit almost no heat, making them safer to use. (Read Can You Bring An Empty Water Bottle On A Plane)
Flexible Design
Since LEDs are tiny, people can use them in pretty much anything. Combining them in bunches can create a traditional LED light bulb, and stringing them together can create a series of LED lights. The options are endless!
Instant lighting
What’s impressive about LED lights is that they can instantly turn on and off and withstand frequent switching. Unlike traditional lightings, such as fluorescent lights, which flicker before turning on, LED lights do it in a snap. You don’t have to worry about your lights’ life span decreasing because of frequent switching; LED lights can withstand no matter how frequently you do it.
Ability to Dim
Have you ever encountered lights that only have one setting and cannot be dimmed? You definitely won’t experience that with LED lights. It operates more efficiently when you set your light to less than its total operational capacity. Using it in a dimmer setting increases its life span and even reduces your costs.
Bringing Other Kinds of Lights on a Plane
Generally, any LED light is allowed on carry-on baggage and checked luggage. Even LED lights with installed lithium batteries are permitted by the TSA in your carry-on and checked luggage. TSA’s only exception when bringing LED lights is those with loose lithium batteries, which are prohibited from checked baggage due to being a fire hazard.
When it comes to other kinds of lights, here’s what TSA has to say:
Light Bulbs
Yes, TSA allows all kinds of light bulbs on board! If you’re planning to bring one as a gift, such as smart light bulbs, you can put them on your carry-on luggage or checked bag.
Flashlights
TSA allows flashlights both in carry-on bags and checked baggage. However, airport security only allows flashlights that are 7 inches long or less in carry-on bags. If the flashlight’s longer than 7 inches, you can place it in your checked luggage.
There is also a high possibility that tactical flashlights, military flashlights, self-defense flashlights, and the like wouldn’t be allowed in carry-on bags since they can pose a risk and might be used as a weapon that can harm other passengers. If you need to bring them, you can place them in your checked bags for safety.
Ring lights
Can you bring a ring light on a plane? The answer is yes! If you need a ring light for your travel or upcoming shoots, you can safely bring your ring light both on hand luggage and checked luggage. TSA doesn’t have a category for ring lights on their website, but some people checked with TSA on Twitter whether they are allowed on board.
Here’s exactly what the TSA said on Twitter: “Generally, a ring light is allowed in carry-on bags. Pls, note, however, that even if an item is generally allowed, it may be subject to additional screening if it triggers an alarm during the screening process or poses other security concerns based on size or weight. The final decision rests with our checkpoint officers.”
Ring lights don’t pose any risk on board, but the problem lies on its tripod. Tripods are generally allowed on board, but the final decision rests on the airport security that will check your bags. (Read Can I Bring Nail Polish On A Plane)
Lamps
Can I bring a lamp on a plane? Like other kinds of lights, lamps are also allowed on the plane in carry-on and checked bags. All types of lamps, such as desk lamps, metal lamps, disassembled lamps, and even Himalayan salt lamps, are allowed on board.
The only problem you might need help with when bringing lamps on a plane is the weight limit airlines impose. You might also be subject to further inspection if the TSA agent finds the light a possible hazard, such as being used as a weapon.
Packing Tips to Bring LED lights on board Safely
While LED lights are generally allowed according to TSA rules, there are still chances that your item might get confiscated, especially if they find it too big or a potential weapon. To make sure your lights won’t encounter any problems before boarding, here are some tips you can follow:
Place it in your checked bag
We understand that you may feel safer when your items are with you in your carry-on bag, but it’s easier to pass them through if you place them in your checked bag. We only recommend putting your LED lights in your cabin bags if they are small and light and can easily fit in them.
Put a note on top of your checked bag
Sticking a note on your checked luggage assures airport security that you will have your bags checked if they find anything suspicious about your lights. Ensure you include your full name and contact number, so they can quickly contact you about your luggage.
When writing a note, make sure you declare everything inside your luggage, what people will use them for, and whether they follow the TSA rules about bringing lights and batteries on board. The clearer your intentions are in the note, the higher the chance security won’t question you about the items you’ll bring.
Explain politely to airport security
You can always explain it personally when you get questioned about the lights you’ll bring despite the note attached to it. But remember, do it calmly and politely, especially when you know your lights are safe to carry on board and won’t harm fellow passengers.
Final Thoughts
No need to worry about bringing your LED lights with you; it’s the least you should think about when packing for your next flight. TSA has been very lenient regarding LED lights since they never really became a hazard during flights, whether in the cabin or on checked bags.
As long as they don’t pose any threat and you will use them for personal purposes or upcoming events, you can easily carry your light on board! Safe travels!
