Can You Bring A Portable Battery Fan On A Plane? What The TSA Rules Say

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With summers getting warmer each, it's not surprising if you have a portable fan glued to your hand every time you have to step outside. Not only are portable fans lifesavers for packed locations, but they can also help you avoid heatstroke when traveling to sunny countries with significantly warmer temperatures. However, going to exotic desert or island destinations do come with a few caveats, such as having to pass through TSA. Previously, we've talked about the TSA guidelines for electronics, which differ depending on if it will be in cabin or check-in luggages. But, where does your portable fan fall in this spectrum?

According to the TSA website, you can bring electric fans in both your carry on or checked bags. However, it's not entirely straightforward, because whether you will be able to travel with your portable battery fan on board an airplane will still be determined by a variety of factors, such as the size of the fan, the type of battery it has, power bank features, and the strictness of the TSA agent doing the inspection. Plus, there might even be additional guidelines by the specific airline, airport, or country you are in or plan to travel to. Here are some factors to look out for, sample guidelines from different airlines, and tips to help lessen the stress when you're passing through security.

The term "portable" is pretty broad, a portable fan could mean anything from pocket-sized USB-powered fans to relatively larger electric fans that can run on power tool battery systems. Depending on which airline you're flying with, the allowed cabin luggage sizes will vary. While the small, handheld battery fans can usually fit the space in front of you or the overhead compartment, larger fans may not, especially if you're riding with sneaky, budget airlines. Next, you'll want to consider the specifications of your fan, such as if it uses lithium-ion batteries. If your fan comes with additional features, like power banks, it might be evaluated differently than just regular portable fans. In fact, some airlines have even started banning power bank usage on flights completely.

While we've talked about TSA battery guidelines before, it's important to know that some airlines may have special rules, which takes into consideration things like watt-hours or number of devices. For example, Japan Airlines specifically states that lithium-ion battery-powered fans are only allowed on their planes if they do not exceed 160Wh. On a stricter note, some airlines like Singapore Airlines have a 15-device limit for lithium-ion-powered devices you can have in your hand luggage and checked-in luggage combined. Depending on the airport, there may also be local laws that limit power ratings, like how flights from China don't allow lithium batteries with over 160Wh entirely, regardless if it is in your cabin or check-in luggage. 

If you're not exactly sure if your portable battery fan fits the bill, the first thing you can do is check the fan manufacturer's website or manual for more information. Or, you can consult the chat support of your specific airline. It's also good to manage your expectations, because what may be able to get through your local airport may not be approved in other airports, so this can cause problems for connecting or returning flights. 

In addition, it's important to note that while many airlines allow portable fans, they will often require that you power them off completely if you decide to check them in with your baggage. In addition, most will also recommend taking additional precautions, such as separating batteries, packing them in durable luggages, or keeping them in a secure way to prevent the fans from turning on by themselves. 

In some cases, airport agents may not allow lithium battery devices that don't have clear power ratings or fans with known recall notices on board. And of course, it goes to show that if your portable fan is showing any signs of damage, like battery bloating, it will likely not be allowed. Like any other item in your luggage, it is always up to the TSA officer to determine whether it is a hazard or not. Depending on developing events or new information, they can always decide to take your portable fan away, even if it meets their official guidelines.