Calculators are a staple in every student routine, so you might be wondering if you can bring your calculator on a plane or not.
Calculators are allowed on planes in both carry-on and checked bags. However, there are some guidelines that you need to keep in mind.
Are there specific packing requirements you need to keep in mind in order to avoid any issues at the security checkpoint?
And does the type of calculator you want to bring make a difference?
Let’s find out more.
TL;DR
- Calculators are good to go in both carry-on and checked baggage.
- You don’t need to remove your calculator at the security checkpoint unless the security agent tells you to do so.
- Some large calculators that operate with lithium batteries might be subject to additional screening.
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Carry-on Baggage
Do I Need To Take Out My Calculator At TSA?
According to the TSA regulations all types of calculators are allowed through the security checkpoint and you don’t need to remove them at the security checkpoint.
Even If you’re traveling with a calculator that has a lithium battery installed, you don’t need to take it out of your bag at the security checkpoint unless the TSA agent ask you to do so.
If you’re traveling with a calculator that doesn’t have a lithium battery, such as a solar-powered or alkaline-powered calculator, they can stay inside your carry-on bag and you don’t need to take it out of your bag at the TSA checkpoint.
Here is the AskTSA team confirming it on X.
However; calculators can look like other electronic devices that require additional screening, such as laptops, iPads, or cell phones .
So you should be ready to show it to the TSA officer if they ask you to do so.
Can I Bring a TI 84 Graphing Calculator On a Plane?
The TI 84 is one of the most popular graphing calculators among students and teachers. It has a rechargeable lithium ion battery that has a rating of 3.7 volts and 1200 mAh, which translates to about 4.44 Wh.
This means that it falls below the limit of 100 Wh for lithium ion batteries, and you can bring it on a plane in either carry-on or checked baggage.
But you should follow some precautions for any calculator with a lithium battery like turning it off, removing the battery if possible, and placing it in a protective case or pouch.
If you’re carrying a spare battery for your TI 84, you need to keep it in your carry-on bag and place it in a separate bin for screening.
It is what the TSA explains here.
You can also bring up to two spare larger lithium ion batteries (101–160 Wh) or lithium metal batteries (2-8 grams) with airline approval.
Can I Put a Calculator In Checked Baggage?
You can put it in your checked baggage without any problem. However, you should be aware of the risks of doing so.
Checked baggage can be subject to rough handling, extreme temperatures, pressure changes, or even theft.
How To Pack Calculators For Flying?
Packing calculators when flying is pretty simple, as they aren’t really any rules that you need to follow.
But the factors mentioned above can damage or destroy your calculator, or even make it go missing. Therefore, it’s advisable to pack your calculator in a sturdy case, wrap it in bubble wrap or clothing, and place it in the middle of your suitcase.
You should also label your calculator with your name and contact information, and keep a record of its model and serial number in case you need to file a claim.
If your calculator is valuable, fragile, or essential for your trip, you might want to carry it in your carry-on bag instead.
This way, you can keep an eye on it, access it easily, and avoid any potential loss or damage.
However, you should also be mindful of the size and weight limits of your carry-on bag, and the space available in the overhead bins or under the seat.
You don’t want to end up having to check your carry-on bag at the gate, or having to squeeze your calculator in a tight spot.
Domestic Vs International Flights
Regardless if you’re traveling domestically within the U.S or internationally, the same regulations apply when flying with calculators.
So whether you’re flying to or from Mexico, Canada, Europe, the UK, or any other destination, you are good to pack calculators in both your carry-on and checked bags.
Last Few Words
Whether you have a Casio, Texas Instruments or a Canon calculator you won’t have any problems getting through airport security with it.
In fact the TSA and most airport securities do prefer packing calculators in carry-on bags.
You don’t have either to take them out during screening, unless they ask you to do so.
Putting your calculator in your checked bag is okay, but be careful. Checked bags might get tossed around, or even things might disappear.
To be safe, put your calculator in a strong case, wrap it with soft clothes, and put it in the middle of your suitcase.
Hope this helps.
Happy travels!
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Resources
- https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries
- https://twitter.com/search