Ring lights are often referred to as selfie lights, but whatever they are called, they serve one purpose: to produce light for your project, but can you take a ring light on a plane?
Yes, you can take or bring a ring light on a plane in both carry-on and checked luggage, but it is best if you take it in your carry-on to avoid damage. The light itself is allowed through security, but the security may ask you to remove it from your bag for inspection. Tripods and stands are also permitted, but must be within your airline carry-on size.
In this post I will cover everything you need to know about carrying your ring light on a plane in both carry-on and checked luggage.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can bring a ring light on a plane in both carry-on and checked luggage;
- It’s best to pack it in your carry-on to avoid damage or loss. It’s allowed through airport security, though you might need to remove it for screening.
- Tripods and stands are usually fine if they meet size limits.
- If your ring light has lithium batteries, keep it in your carry-on, as spare batteries aren’t allowed in checked bags.
Can You Take a Ring Light Through TSA?
According to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), you are allowed to bring LED ring lights through the security checkpoint without any problem.
Here is what the TSA has to say about LED lights in general on its website.
This passenger asked the TSA if she could bring her ring light in carry-on luggage, and the TSA replied that she is good to go with her ring light. However, even if an item is generally allowed, it may be subject to additional screening if it sets off the alarm during the screening process.
Do You Have To Take Your Ring Light Out At Airport Security?
When you get to the security checkpoint, airport security may ask you to remove your ring light if it blocks your other items.
You can simply take it out of your bag, but most of the time you will not need to remove your ring light for further screening.
Other electronics have to be removed from your bag, especially electronics larger than a cellphone, because they can obstruct the screening process.
Can You Bring Ring Light In Carry-On Luggage?
Yes, you can bring a ring light on a plane in either your carry-on bag or checked bag.
If your ring light fits inside your carry-on bag or backpack, you can just secure it and you are good to go.
But remember, the TSA officer you deal with at airport security always has the final decision about what is allowed on the plane.
If you want to take your ring light stand or tripod along, make sure that it is not too bulky or oddly shaped. Normal tripods are generally allowed; airport security won’t allow any item that can be used as a weapon.
This passenger asked the TSA if a ring light is allowed in carry-on or must go in checked luggage.
The TSA confirmed, “LED ring lights are good to go in carry-on bags.”
Can You Take Ring Light in Checked Luggage?
As stated above, you are allowed to bring ring lights in both carry-on and checked luggage without any restrictions.
But it is preferred not to place it, or any camera gear in general, in checked luggage.
There is a higher chance that your checked bag could be lost or delayed, or your ring light could be damaged by careless luggage handling when loading or unloading.
In addition, expensive items are more prone to being stolen from checked luggage, either by baggage handlers or even due to poor handling during security checks.
For those reasons, make sure that you take your LED ring light with you in the cabin, even if you are traveling with a budget airline and carry-on luggage is limited.
How Do You Pack a Ring Light In a Suitcase?
Ring lights come in many forms, but what they have in common is that they are delicate and easy to break or damage.
Here are some tips on how to protect your ring light when traveling.
First, if you want to take your ring light stand, it should go at the bottom of your suitcase.
Use a ring light bag will really protect your ring light from damage and keep your accessories in one place. You can also place it in the middle of your suitcase.
Make sure that you do not place solid items or liquids with your ring light. Surround it with soft items like socks, underwear, suits, or t-shirts.
Pack your suitcase to the brim, but not too tightly. It should be full enough that your ring light does not move during transit or handling. However, do not overpack, as it can create pressure and damage your accessories. Otherwise, you can just use a smaller bag.
What is the best ring light to buy when traveling
If you are considering upgrading your current ring light or are in the market for a new one, consider Westcott’s 18-inch Bi-Color LED Ring Light Kit on Amazon.
It is one of the best ring lights available and comes with all the accessories you will need, including batteries, chargers, and a stand that fits nicely in the bag for easy carrying.
The ring light is also easy to pack thanks to its compact design, and it offers powerful output with variable color temperature.
Can You Bring Fairy and String Lights On a Plane?
The short answer is yes, you can bring all kinds of LED lights, including fairy lights or string lights, in both carry-on and checked luggage without any problem.
As long as your lights are safe and do not contain lithium batteries, you can bring them in your bag on most airlines.
Final Thoughts: Can I fly with a ring light?
Flying with a ring light and other electronics can be a bit tricky, as ring lights are delicate and can be damaged with even slight pressure.
You can bring your lighting equipment onto the plane, and it’s usually safest to pack it in your carry-on luggage.
One other thing you need to be aware of, which wasn’t mentioned above, is that if you are traveling with additional equipment especially batteries and you plan to pack some of them in checked luggage, uninstalled lithium batteries are not allowed in checked luggage.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
FAQs About Taking a Ring Light on a Plane
Can you take a ring light on an international flight?
Yes, you can take a ring light on international flights just like domestic ones.
Does a ring light count as a carry-on or a personal item?
If your ring light fits inside your carry-on bag, then you don’t need to worry about it. If not, it will count as your main carry-on bag.
Are there size or weight limits for ring lights on planes?
Yes, airlines don’t have specific rules for ring lights, but they do have limits for carry-on size and weight. As long as your ring light fits within those limits, you won’t have any issues.
Can you bring a large ring light (like 18-inch or bigger) in carry-on?
You can, but it depends on the size of your bag. Larger ring lights may not fit in standard carry-on luggage, so you might need a dedicated case or consider checking it in.
Can you bring a ring light with built-in batteries on a plane?
Yes, but there’s an important rule: lithium batteries must go in your carry-on, not in checked luggage. If your ring light has built-in batteries, keep it with you in the cabin.
Can you bring a tripod or ring light stand on a plane?
Yes, tripods and stands are usually allowed. Just make sure they’re not too large or oddly shaped. If they look bulky or could be considered risky, you may be asked to check them in.
Do airlines have different rules for ring lights?
Not specifically for ring lights, but airline baggage policies vary a lot. Budget airlines tend to be stricter with carry-on size and may charge extra if your item doesn’t fit their limits.
Can you bring LED lights in carry-on luggage?
Yes, LED lights of all kinds ring lights, panels, or strips are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage without any problems.
Can you take a small ring light (like 26 cm) on a plane?
A small ring light is easy to pack and usually fit in a carry-on or backpack, making them the most convenient option for travel.
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