Nothing is worse than a long, hot flight where you feel cramped and sweaty. A neck fan can make all the difference.
Can you take neck fans on a plane?
You can take neck fans on a plane. The TSA allows neck fans on airplanes in your carry-on luggage. You can use your neck fan on national or international flights. Fans with lithium batteries can travel with you in your carry-on luggage. The TSA does not allow lithium batteries in checked luggage.
There are 13 things you should know before taking a neck fan on an airplane.
Can You Take Neck Fans on a Plane? (13 Things You Need To Know)
Before you book that flight or pack your neck fan, you might want to know the answers to 13 common questions about neck fans and air travel.
Why Are Neck Fans Allowed on Planes?
Neck fans are allowed on planes because they are safe.
Neck fans aren’t a threat to aircraft. Neck fans are allowed on planes that are carrying passengers, cargo, or mail.
If you think about it, this makes sense. Laptops are allowed on planes, and they are much more powerful than neck fans.
What Size Neck Fans Can You Take on a Plane?
Neck fans are small, battery-powered fans with mostly internal blades measuring 3 inches or less.
Most neck fans weigh less than 10 ounces and measure less than 8 inches long by 8 inches wide by 3 inches deep.
Therefore, all of the neck fans I’ve ever seen or used are compact and lightweight enough for carry-on luggage.
You can also take larger neck fans on a plane as a carry-on item if you follow the guidelines for your airline and type of travel.
Can You Take Neck Fans on Any Flight?
You can take neck fans on virtually any national or international flight.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to check with your specific airline and flight just in case.
Personally, I’ve never had any trouble carrying on a neck fan—and I’ve traveled with a neck fan to over fifteen different countries and to many US states.
Can You Take Any Neck Fan on an Airplane?
You can take any neck fan on an airplane in carry-on luggage.
As long as it fits in your bag, under your seat, or in the overhead baggage area, you can bring the fan.
And all neck fans of all brands meet these requirements.
Why Can’t You Put Neck Fans With Lithium Batteries in Checked Luggage?
Lithium batteries can overheat and explode, making them a risk in the cargo hold with other luggage.
It might seem silly that airlines prefer you to carry the lithium battery with you on your flight. While it does feel a bit strange, the cabin is airconditioned.
Since you will either use the neck fan or store it close by you, there is also more of a likelihood that you will know if something goes wrong.
Therefore, there is less overall risk of an accident.
Can You Wear a Neck Fan on a Plane?
You can wear and use a neck fan on your flight.
You can also keep a neck fan running while you take a nap on your trip. Since your body is upright and held in place by your seat, you shouldn’t have any trouble.
Even while you recline in your seat, your neck fan should stay in place and keep you cool all through your flight.
Can You Bring a Battery-Charged Neck Fan on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring a battery-charged neck fan on a plane.
However, if the battery is a lithium battery (pretty common), then you’ll need to take it with you as carry-on luggage.
This is probably what you plan to do anyway.
Even if you store the fan itself in your checked baggage, the FAA requires you to place lithium batteries in your carry-on luggage.
Can You Bring a USB-Charged Neck Fan on a Plane?
You can also bring USB-charged neck fans on a plane.
Keep in mind that you may not be able to adequately recharge a neck fan mid-flight. So, it’s best to fully charge your fan before you take it on an airplane.
The good news is that most neck fans come with long-lasting batteries.
For example, the FrSara neck fan that I often use can last up to 8 hours. That’s more than long enough for almost any flight.
Can You Bring a Bladed Neck Fan on a Plane?
Many neck fans are bladeless, meaning their blades are hidden inside the casing of the fan.
Can you bring neck fans with external blades on a plane? Yes, you can, as long as your fan is small enough and light enough for carry-on luggage.
Although I strongly prefer bladeless fans, I have never seen a neck fan that you wouldn’t be able to take on a plane.
Can You Bring a Loud Neck Fan on a Plane?
You can bring a loud neck fan on a plane, but most neck fans feature noise control.
If your neck fan is especially loud, you may want to consider a different fan or even leave it at home. Noise control is an important feature for neck fans because you might want to be able to sleep on your flight.
If your fan is too loud, it will keep you (and your seat partners) awake.
If your flight is long, a loud fan might annoy the people around you, inviting more problems than you want.
Can You Bring a Cold Neck Fan on a Plane?
Some neck fans blow very cold air.
For example, the Coolify neck fan is the coldest neck fan that I know of on the market. It can lower your body temperature fast.
Since neck fans are personal neck fans wrapped around your neck, they mostly blow cold air on you.
Your neck fan is unlikely to bother anyone around you (in terms of temperature).
You can bring very cold neck fans on a plane, but you might not want to bring one. Some airline cabins get chilly, especially at night.
If the people next to you turn on the overhead air conditioning vents, you might freeze.
Can You Bring a Neck Fan on a Small Plane?
Bringing a neck fan on a small plane is the same as bringing one on any other plane. Small planes are not exempt from any airplane safety rules, including those for neck fans.
So, yes, you can bring your neck fan even on small passenger airplanes.
You can also wear neck fans on light, personal aircraft.
Can You Take a Neck Fan on a Long Flight?
Neck fans are a great way to cool down on long flights.
They can help you avoid the dry, stuffy feeling that often comes with airplane air conditioning. In fact, long flights are some of the best times to use a neck fan.
They will keep you comfortable and non-sweaty for hours.
What’s the Best Neck Fan for Planes?
The best neck fan for planes depends on what is most important to you.
My personal favorite for air travel is the FrSara neck fan.
It’s my overall favorite neck fan because it blows really cool air, is comfortable, comes in many styles, and you can use it at most travel destinations.
However, here are a few of my other suggestions based on your priorities:
- If you want the coldest neck fan, go with Coldify.
- If you plan to do lots of intense activity at your destination, use a Veamor fan.
- If you want the most comfortable neck fan, get a Sweetfull.
If comfort is at the top of your list, check out this short, 5-minute video with 10 tips on staying comfortable on a plane:
See my other articles at the bottom of this post to learn more information about neck fans for other situations (hiking, running, long hair, and Disney).
Final Thoughts
If you’re taking a trip by plane anytime soon, a neck fan is a great flight accessory.
It’s something that most people don’t think about, but I really enjoy my fan. Just remember to charge your fan before your trip and double-check with all the airlines in your itinerary.
Don’t worry about looking ridiculous either.
People bring all sorts of things on planes—food, extra layers, gadets. I once even sat next to a gentleman who brought his own mini humidifier.
Related articles:
- Best Neck Fan for Hot Flashes (Tested & Solved)
- Best Neck Fan for Disney (Tested & Solved)
- Best Neck Fan for Long Hair (Tested & Solved)
- Best Neck Fan for Hiking (Tested & Solved)