We travel for many reasons and sometimes need to pack a variety of items to take with us.

But not all items are permitted or even suitable to carry in checked luggage, so if you’re traveling by air, you may have questions about what can go in your suitcase.

Can a Bluetooth Speaker Go In Checked Luggage?

Checked in luggage

You should not pack a Bluetooth speaker that has built-in lithium batteries in your checked luggage because the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries may short circuit, produce dangerous heat levels, and even catch fire as a result of extreme temperatures while being transported in checked luggage.

If your speaker does not use built-in batteries then there is no problem carrying it in a checked bag.

Also, luggage handlers can be pretty rough with suitcases and your Bluetooth speaker could easily get damaged if not handled with care.

It’s also worth remembering that checked bags and valuables from them go missing all the time, even from the locked ones.

Traveling is stressful enough without being in mid-flight, sat in your seat, and worrying about whether or not your speaker is going to go missing, get damaged, or catch fire at 38,000 feet.

At least if you carry your Bluetooth speaker with you in the cabin, you’ll be able to keep an eye on your speaker and call a flight attendant for help if you notice anything wrong.

The way in which you transport your Bluetooth speaker on an aircraft may also depend on the size of its batteries.

It’s best to look on your airline’s website for their rules and regulations regarding what you can carry on or put in checked luggage.

It will vary by airline, the size, and the weight of the lithium-ion battery they allow.

Read Next: Can A Smart TV Record You? (All You Need To Know)

Why Not Pack My Bluetooth Speaker In My Checked Baggage?

Lithium-ion batteries are known to smolder or catch fire under certain conditions.

Extreme temperatures may cause a short circuit in the battery terminals which could result in a fire.

The rough handling of checked baggage could also cause damage to a battery and lead to a fire.

The Federal Aviation Administration encourages passengers to keep devices powered by lithium-ion batteries in their carry-on luggage for safety.

While it may not always be forbidden to have a Bluetooth speaker packed in checked luggage, it’s recommended not to and you may be asked to remove it at the check-in desk. 

How to Pack a Bluetooth Speaker in Checked Luggage

Should you need to pack the speaker in your checked luggage, you must follow the guidelines issued by the FAA to ensure it makes it through security.

Here’s what you need to do:

Turn the Bluetooth speaker all the way off.

Pack it carefully and in a protected space where it won’t receive damage.

Use the original product box and foam packaging, if you still have it.

Make sure it’s packed so it will not activate accidentally.

Understand the final decision lies with TSA for whether you’ll be allowed to transport your Bluetooth speaker in your checked luggage.

Can I Carry My Bluetooth Speaker In Cabin Luggage?

Yes, you can carry your Bluetooth speaker in cabin luggage, as long as it will fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you and is not heavier than the 7 kg permissible carry-on weight limit. In fact, the FAA recommends packing all devices with lithium-ion batteries in carry-on luggage.

It allows you to have access to it in the event it accidentally activates or begins to overheat.

It also allows for monitoring of the speaker should the battery start to smolder.

You’ll need to pack it under the same guidelines as the checked luggage.

Turn the speaker completely off.

Pack it in its own hard case or somewhere that it won’t get damaged.

And make sure it is protected from accidentally activating. 

Note that you may not use the Bluetooth speaker while traveling on the plane.

It is to remain in your carry-on bag and be turned off.

What If My Bluetooth Speaker Cannot Be Checked Or Taken In Cabin Luggage?

If you can’t take your Bluetooth speaker on the aircraft you could ship it to your destination.

But be warned, UPS and FedEx can be a little pricey for shipping large items.

It would probably be safer and cheaper to ship your speaker or speakers to a commercial address as freight.

It would be safest to ship them in their original boxes with the original foam packaging you bought them with.

Pack your speakers individually, strapped down to a pallet side by side.

Use extra foam and bubble wrap in case they get grazed by the forklift.

If you can, use the same shipping company to handle your Bluetooth speaker(s) all the way to the destination.

If you use two different companies, they’ll be more likely to lose or damage your goods and will probably just blame each other if it happens.

Have Lithium Batteries Caused Fires Aboard Planes Before?

There are many incident reports of lithium-ion batteries smoldering, sparking, or catching fire while being transported in checked luggage.

The FAA keeps a log of all reported instances involving smoke, fire, heat, or explosions related to lithium batteries.

Since January of 2006, there have been more than 300 reported incidents logged.

Reports include everything from smoke coming out of earbuds to sparks shooting from a vape pen and even a laptop screen that was melting. 

Though that seems like a lot, these incidents are rare.

But the risk is too great to allow devices powered by lithium batteries on planes without serious guidelines. 

What Other Guidelines Are There for Flying with Lithium-Ion Batteries?

You must pack spare lithium batteries in your carry-on bag.

Make sure to pack it where it’s protected from damage.

Also, cover the battery terminals to prevent any short-circuiting. 

You cannot pack e-cigarettes or vape pens in checked luggage.

Pack them in your carry-on.

The FAA prohibits the use of these devices at any point during your flight or inside any airport. 

Keep an eye out for any smoke or extreme heat coming off devices you’re using during the flight.

Should you notice smoke, fire, sparks, or heat, notify a flight attendant immediately.

Final Thoughts

Traveling can be much more stressful when we’re worrying about things we have no control and once your Bluetooth speaker is in checked luggage, you can only hope that it has a safe journey.

You can take your Bluetooth speaker with you on the plane but it’s recommended you pack it in your carry-on bag.

However, if you turn it off and make sure it’s protected from damage and accidental activation, you may be allowed to pack it in your checked luggage.

Follow the TSA guidelines to ensure the safest flight for yourself and everyone else.