Can You Take LED Lights on a Plane?

When planning a trip, it’s important to know what items can and cannot be taken on a plane. Some LED torches can be extremely bright with high lumen levels, so it’s important to know whether they are allowed on or not and save you from potential embarrassment at the security checkpoint.

Can You Bring LED Lights on a Plane?

Airlines use LED lighting throughout a plane’s interior, so they are obviously not dangerous. Whether on board or in carry-on luggage, LED lights are not deemed as unsafe devices and can be taken onto a place.

However, how they may be used is pertinent question to consider.

LED stands for “light-emitting diode.” This type of lighting uses a semiconductor to convert electric current into visible light and are commonly used in a variety of consumer products, including flashlights, computer monitors, general lighting fixtures and visual entertainment equipment.

Travelling in the USA

The Transportation Security Administration is a part of the US government’s Homeland Security department. The TSA website answers yes to if LED lights are allowed on planes. However, there is a footnote to this notice stipulating that The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

Airline Rules

The rules regarding the transportation of electronic devices vary from airline to airline but they are almost all consistent with each other. Generally, LED lights are allowed on board and are not listed as a prohibited electronic device. 

United Airlines rules on prohibited electronic devices, do not include LED lighting.

Airport Security

Airport security is very strict when it comes to what can and cannot be taken on a plane.

To carry on an LED light onto a plane, it must meet the airline’s guidelines. Our research into a number of airlines showed that there was not an airline that excluded them. 

However, if your behaviour with an LED light was considered unacceptable whilst travelling through security and in the terminal, you could be stopped from flying. 

The Civil Aviation Authority in the United Kingdom describe the consequences for anti-social behaviour from passengers. As a very bright LED torch can be visually disruptive to other passengers and even flight crew, their use within the terminal or on board a plane could be considered anti-social behaviour with a penalty of a fine or even a prison sentence.

LED Reading Lights

Battery operated or rechargeable LED reading lights that fix onto books for reading by would be allowed on a place and would be considered like any other source of light within the aeroplane, with their use falling under the general rules of illumination. 

In Conclusion

So LED lights are allowed on a plane and within terminal buildings, and as a device they pose no threat unless used anti-socially. 

Andrew Orange, the owner of Orange Lighting qualified and worked as an interior designer in 1993 before specialising in lighting working on high profile projects based in London. Since starting Orange Lighting Ltd in 2003 he has been sharing his knowledge and unique teaching style mostly to his designer clients, offering practical real life advice born from running a busy consultancy and lighting supply business. Launching in 2020, his blog has evolved into Quick & Easy Lighting, curating some 25 years design experience into making the lighting choice and design process achievable and easy to understand for all.