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Are you a frequent traveler who suffers from sore middle back, trap muscle pain, and other aches after long flights? If so, you may have considered packing your trusty massage gun in your carry-on bag. But wait, can you bring a massage gun on a plane?
The short answer is yes, you can! Massage guns can be carried on planes, but you must follow some rules and guidelines.
The good news is that we have done the research for you. In this article, we’ll share our insider knowledge of TSA rules so you can bring your sport massager friend with you on your next trip.
Not only that, we’ll also provide you with some tips for traveling with a Theragun, one of the most popular percussion massagers out there.
And for the cherry on top, we’ll recommend the best travel massage gun.
So buckle up, and let’s ensure you have a pain-free journey ahead!
If you travel frequently, you know that long journeys and extended periods of sitting can cause muscle soreness and fatigue. Luckily, massage guns are here to save the day!
These awesome health devices are not only great for athletes or fitness enthusiasts but also for anyone who wants to relieve sore muscles and enjoy a relaxing massage in the comfort of their own home.
But why limit vibration therapy benefits to home use? If you’re undergoing treatment and need regular massage therapy, bringing your massage gun on your travels could be a game-changer (vibration therapy benefits). But are massage guns allowed on airplanes?
Massage guns are relatively small and travel-friendly. Their size makes it easy to pack them into a suitcase or even a backpack, and their weight, which usually does not exceed 2-3 lbs, is not a problem, even with airlines’ luggage limits.
A more portable massager option is mini massage guns like the Theragun Mini or the Ekrin Bantam.
Massage guns are the ultimate portable solution for maintaining your treatment routine, offering convenience and efficiency wherever you go.
But owning a massage gun has many other benefits. It can improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and even help with stress and anxiety1–3.
In short, massage guns are versatile and powerful tools that can provide numerous benefits for travelers or those who simply want to care for their bodies.
So, why not bring your massage gun along on your next adventure and experience the benefits yourself?
That said, we need to examine one type of travel in more detail: flying. There are many restrictions and regulations regarding baggage.
In general, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows you to carry a massage gun on a plane, but there are some restrictions and guidelines you should be aware of.
Here is precisely what you can find on the TSA website4 regarding massagers:
Massagers
! The final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.
Firstly, it’s important to remember that massage guns are electronic devices, so all the rules that apply to any electronic device also apply to massage guns. For the record, these rules include the general prohibition on electronic devices during takeoff and landing or when the seat belt sign is on.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the specific guidelines for bringing a massage gun on a plane.
Fortunately, massage guns have no specific size or weight restrictions because they are inherently small devices.
But remember, it’s always a good idea to check with your airline for any specific requirements they may have for electronic devices.
Massage guns can be carried in your checked luggage or carry-on bag.
It’s a great idea to bring your massage gun on a flight and enjoy its benefits. You can pack it in your carry-on bag and take it on board without any issues.
On the other hand, if you want to transport it, you can pack a massage gun in your checked luggage (except for batteries; more on that below.)
Just ensure it’s turned off and adequately protected to prevent unintentional activation or damage.
The type of battery used in massage guns can significantly affect their travel.
If the massage gun has a non-removable battery, it can be packed in checked or carry-on baggage. No problems here.
90% of massage guns these days have non-removable batteries. However, there are not many popular percussion massagers with removable batteries.
Some examples include the Theragun Pro 4th and 5th Gen, all Hypervolts except for the Hypervolt Go, the gray Hypervolt 2, Achedaway Pro, RecoverFun Plus, Lifepro DynaFlex, and Lifepro Sonic.
So, suppose your massage gun has a removable lithium-metal or lithium-ion battery. In that case, it must be packed separately from the device and placed in your carry-on baggage, as they are always prohibited in checked luggage.
To prevent a short circuit, the massage gun battery should be placed in a plastic bag and kept away from other metal items, such as keys.
Note: Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are restricted to a maximum rating of 100 watt-hours (Wh) per battery5,6. However, there is no need to worry. To our knowledge, no massage gun has such a large battery.
Learn More:
Most massage gun brands list the battery size in mAh (like 2600mAh), so it’s worth knowing that the conversion factor between watt-hours (Wh) and milliampere-hours (mAh) depends on the battery’s voltage.
Knowing this, we can calculate the Wh of our massage gun to double-check that it is within the limit.
The formula is:
(V) x (mAh) / 1000 = (Wh)For example, a 3.7V battery with 2600mAh has 9.62Wh.
And if we want to check the mAh limit, if the battery has a voltage of 3.7V, then the 100Wh limit means:
100 Wh x 1000 / 3.7 V = 27,027 mAhThat’s a lot.
If you’re taking a massage gun on carry-on luggage, it must go through the X-ray screening machine at the security checkpoint. You should remove the device from your bag and place it in a separate tray for screening.
Note:
It’s essential to note that TSA regulations can change, so it’s always best to double-check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Now, let’s discuss two more frequently asked and interesting questions about taking a massage gun on a plane.
As we can see above, the TSA has several regulations regarding the transport of massagers on planes. But are there TSA-approved massage guns?
Well, no, there is no TSA-approved certificate for massage guns specifically.
While some brands, like Hyperice, openly state that their products are TSA-approved, this only means that the muscle massager adheres to the general TSA rules and guidelines.
Additionally, the same rules apply to all massage gun brands, so we can assume that most massage guns currently on the market are TSA-approved.
Electronic devices, including massage guns, are generally not permitted during takeoff, landing, or when the seat belt sign is on.
However, you may be able to use your sport massager during the flight if it is a long-haul flight and the airline permits using electronic devices. That is often the case, but you should always check with the airline before using it.
In addition to the restrictions on using electronic devices, it’s essential to consider your fellow passengers when using a massage gun. The percussion massager can be loud and may disturb other passengers, so it’s best to use it discreetly or not at all during your flight.
However, you can find in this article the quietest massage guns.
If you need to use a massage gun during your flight for medical reasons, you might want to contact the airline ahead of time to discuss your needs and make appropriate arrangements.
Our Take:
In summary, while massage guns are allowed on planes, it’s crucial to follow the TSA rules on removable and lithium battery transportation. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of your massage gun while on the go without any stress or hassle.
If you’re looking for the best portable massage gun, try a travel-friendly sport massager that doesn’t compromise power and performance: Ekrin Bantam.
This mini massage gun is super small and lightweight, weighing just 1.1 lbs. But don’t let its size fool you—the Ekrin Bantam packs a serious punch.
One of its killer features is its max speed of 3200 RPM, which means you can get effective percussive therapy on the go. And with more stall force than many full-size sports massagers, you won’t have to sacrifice performance for portability.
Plus, it’s super quiet, so you won’t disturb anyone else while using it.
Check out how easy and comfy the Ekrin Bantam is to use. In our video below, you can also see the attachments and how it runs on all three speeds.
The Ekrin Bantam comes with four massage gun attachments, including a soft one and a convenient carry case to keep everything organized. It can also be charged via USB from a power bank or a USB port on a plane, bus, or train.
The best part? The Ekrin Bantam has a lifetime warranty, so you can use it confidently, knowing it’s built to last. This portable massage gun is perfect for travel and great as a daily massager, so you’ll get plenty of use.
The Ekrin Bantam retails for $149.99, but if you use the code MGA20 at checkout, you can get 20% off, bringing the price down to just $119.99!
So, if you want a powerful, portable massage gun that won’t break the bank, the Ekrin Bantam is worth checking out.
Read More: Our in-depth Ekrin Bantam review.
Are you a fan of Theragun and can’t imagine traveling without it? You’re not alone! These percussion massage guns have become an essential travel companion for many people.
However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which Theragun is the best for travel. Don’t worry; we’ve got the answer!
First, it’s essential to know that three of the four Theragun devices (Theragun mini, Theragun Prime, and Theragun Elite) have non-removable batteries, which means they can be taken on a plane.
The Theragun Professional has a removable battery, but don’t worry—as we discussed, it can also be taken on a flight. Remove the battery and place it in a separate tray when scanning at the security checkpoint7.
Let’s talk about the best Theragun for travel – the Theragun mini!
The Theragun Mini 2.0 is 30% smaller than its predecessor, making it perfect for packing in luggage without taking up too much space. At only 1.1 lbs, it is as light as the Ekrin Bantam.
What’s more, the Theragun Mini 2.0 is much quieter than before, ensuring you won’t disturb your fellow travelers.
Don’t be fooled by its size; the Theragun Mini does the job well, with a 12 mm amplitude and enough stall force to get your blood flowing after sitting in one position for a long time.
The new Theragun Mini has three attachments, making it even more versatile. It supports USB charging and comes with a protective pouch that perfectly fits into your carry-on bag.
If you prefer a full-size Theragun, we recommend Prime. It’s the smallest of the full-size Theraguns and comes with a pouch, making it easy to transport. However, it’s relatively noisy and less portable than the Theragun Mini.
If you’re looking for the best Theragun for travel, we highly recommend the Theragun mini. It’s small, lightweight, quiet, and does the job well. But if you prefer a full-size gun, go for the Theragun Prime. Remember to check TSA guidelines before your trip.
Can you bring a massage gun on a plane, TSA? Yes, you can! Traveling with a massage gun on a plane is not a problem, as long as you follow TSA rules and regulations. Many passengers travel with massage guns nowadays (including us), so TSA officers are familiar with them.
However, it’s important to note that not all percussion massagers are created equally when it comes to travel.
While larger devices, like Theragun Prime or Theragun Professional, may be more powerful and versatile, they are less portable and may be too noisy for fellow travelers.
On the other hand, the Theragun Mini and the Ekrin Bantam are both mini massage guns and excellent choices for travel, with the Theragun Mini 2.0 being smaller and quieter and the Bantam offering more stall force, a lifetime warranty and more attachments at a lower price point.
Happy travels and happy massaging!
Here's a quick rundown of all the tweaks and edits we've made to this article to keep it accurate and up-to-date!
Current version.
September 17, 2024: Minor internal linking update. (Author: Greg)
Published on:
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Written by:
Greg Szostak
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