Quick Answer
Yes, you can take a portable blender in your carry-on luggage on a plane. Most major airlines allow portable blenders as long as they are less than 100 watt-hours. Be sure to check your specific airline’s rules and remove any liquid from the blender before packing it. Put the blender in your carry-on rather than checked bag in case TSA wants to inspect it at security.
Can You Bring a Portable Blender in Your Carry-On?
The good news is that portable blenders are allowed in carry-on luggage on most major airlines in the United States. This includes big names like American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and more.
The key things to look for are:
- Watt-hours (Wh) – Most airlines restrict lithium-ion batteries to 100 watt-hours or less for carry-on. Quality portable blenders like Nutribullet and Ninja are well under this limit, with battery packs around 20-60 Wh.
- Detachable blades – Any removable blades from the blender must be packed separately from the base in carry-on.
- No liquids – Empty and clean out any water or leftover smoothie contents before packing.
As long as you follow TSA battery limits, remove blades, and empty liquids, your portable blender should be allowed in carry-on luggage.
TSA Rules for Portable Blenders
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) allows empty blenders in carry-on bags if they follow the proper battery guidelines. Here are the key rules to know:
- 100 watt-hour (Wh) or less lithium-ion battery for blenders.
- Detachable blades packed separately.
- No loose liquid or food allowed.
- Subject to additional screening at security checkpoint.
So if your blender sticks to 100Wh or lower battery capacity and has removable blades, you should have no issues taking it through the TSA security checkpoint in your carry-on bag. Just be prepared that the TSA agent may need to inspect your blender more closely compared to normal items.
Checking Portable Blender in Luggage
While permitted, it’s not the best idea to pack your portable blender in checked luggage. First, checked bags are more prone to getting lost or damaged compared to carry-on. Second, if your blender gets flagged at security, you won’t be able to remove it from checked baggage before your flight.
To avoid headaches, keep your blender with you in your carry-on. But if you need to check it, just make sure to remove all batteries and pack the base and blades separately with padding to minimize damage.
Airline Rules for Portable Blenders
Major US airlines have similar guidelines allowing portable blenders, though always check your specific airline’s rules. Here are the requirements on some top airlines:
American Airlines
American Airlines allows portable blenders in carry-on bags under the following conditions:
- Lithium-ion battery under 100 Wh
- All blades detached from base
- No loose liquids present
The blender will need to undergo additional screening at the security checkpoint. You cannot use or charge the blender during the actual flight.
Delta Airlines
Delta permits portable blenders powered by lithium-ion batteries less than 100 watt-hours. Any removable blades must be detached and stored properly in carry-on. No liquids can be present.
Delta recommends carrying on rather than checking portable blenders to minimize risk of damage.
United Airlines
United Airlines follows TSA guidelines for portable blender carry-on rules:
- 100 Wh or less battery capacity
- Detached blender blades stored appropriately
- No liquid contents inside
Call United ahead of time if your blender’s battery exceeds 100 watt-hours to ask about alternative arrangements.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines allows portable blenders in carry-on bags if:
- The lithium-ion battery capacity is under 100 Wh
- Blender blades are packed separately
- All liquid is emptied and cleaned out before packing
Southwest recommends carrying on your blender instead of checking it with your luggage.
JetBlue Airlines
JetBlue permits portable blenders in carry-on baggage given:
- Battery capacity is less than 100 Wh
- Detachable blender blades are removed and stored properly
- No liquids present inside blender
Call JetBlue to verify the battery capacity if it exceeds 100 Wh. You’ll need to undergo additional blender screening at the TSA checkpoint.
International Airline Rules
When flying internationally, check both your departure airline rules and the country’s specific regulations on portable blenders. Some key things to look for:
- EU airlines – Follow 100 Wh battery limit for carry-on
- UK – Limit of 2 spare lithium-ion batteries up to 100 Wh
- Australia – Spare batteries limited to 2 and must stay with you in the cabin
- Asia – Most countries restrict lithium-ion batteries over 100 Wh and may require special permits
Call ahead to verify battery allowances for blenders. Many places have extra screening procedures too. Always detach and store any loose blender blades properly in your carry-on.
Steps for Flying with a Portable Blender
Follow these key steps when preparing to fly with your portable blender:
- Check battery capacity – Confirm it is 100 Wh or less to meet carry-on requirements.
- Detach blades – Remove any loose blender blades and pack separately.
- Clean thoroughly – Empty any liquid or food out and wipe totally clean.
- Carry on blender – Pack in carry-on rather than checking it.
- Extra screening – Be ready for additional blender inspection at security.
- No use in flight – You cannot power on or charge blenders during the flight.
As long as you take these precautions, you should have no trouble taking your portable blender as carry-on for flights.
FAQs on Flying with Portable Blenders
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about taking portable blenders on airplanes:
Why can’t blenders be checked luggage?
Since portable blenders contain lithium-ion batteries, they are restricted to carry-on luggage only. This allows TSA to easily inspect the blender at the security checkpoint. Checking the blender also raises risks of it getting lost, damaged, or the batteries getting dislodged.
What if my blender’s battery is over 100 Wh?
Most quality portable blenders designed for travel stay well under 100 watt-hours battery capacity. But if your model happens to exceed this, you’ll need to call the airline ahead of time to ask about requirements. They may restrict it to checked baggage only.
Can I use my blender during the flight?
No, you are prohibited from operating or charging portable blenders and other electronics with lithium batteries during the actual flight on nearly all airlines. Make sure your blender is fully powered off. Quick airport blending before boarding is fine.
Do the blades need special packing?
Yes, any loose blender blades must be detached from the base and packed very carefully to avoid damage or injury. Pack them in a protective case in your carry-on. Do not try to conceal them or blend them in with other items.
What if my blender contains liquid?
Any water, smoothie residue, or other liquids need to be fully emptied and cleaned out before packing your blender for a flight. No loose liquids are permitted for carry-on items. Make sure to dry the blender thoroughly too.
Best Portable Blenders for Air Travel
Look for portable blenders with these convenient features for easy air travel:
- Battery capacity under 100 Wh
- Detachable blades for safe packing
- Durable base that won’t crack or puncture
- Leak-proof lid and container
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Multiple speed settings
Some top-rated portable blender models for travel include:
NutriBullet Blender Combo
- 36 Wh battery capacity
- 1200 watt motor
- Includes multiple cups and lids
- Mix, blend, and pulverize settings
Ninja Personal Blender
- 20 Wh battery
- 700 watt motor
- Travel sports bottle design
- Foldable base for packing
Hamilton Beach Personal Blender
- 175 watt motor
- Detachable blender jar
- Simple push button operation
- Affordable price
PopBabies Personal Smoothie Blender
- 300 watt motor
- Rechargeable lithium battery
- BPA-free 14 oz cup
- Portable and lightweight
COMFEE’ Travel Blender
- 300 watt motor
- 2 rechargeable 20 Wh batteries
- Mixing and chopping functions
- Includes travel bottles
Safety Tips When Flying with a Blender
Keep these safety guidelines in mind when packing your portable blender for flights:
- Carefully detach any loose blades and pack in protective case
- Pad the blender base and jars to prevent cracking or damage
- Make sure no liquids remain inside before packing
- Carry blender in a bag you can easily access in case of inspection
- Do not attempt to conceal blender or blades from security
- Never turn blender on or charge it while in-flight
- Check airline’s webpage for most up-to-date portable blender rules
Following TSA battery limits, cleaning thoroughly, and safely packing blender parts let you blend on-the-go for travel convenience.
Conclusion
Taking your portable blender in carry-on luggage on flights is permitted by most airlines as long as you adhere to some basic guidelines. Key rules include keeping lithium-ion batteries under 100 watt-hours, removing any detachable blades, thoroughly cleaning out any liquids, and being ready for extra screening at TSA checkpoints.
Always check your specific airline’s policies. When in doubt, give them a call about your blender’s battery capacity and packing requirements well before your travel dates. Pack your disassembled blender carefully in carry-on rather than checking it.
Portable blenders allow you to whip up quick smoothies, protein shakes, and more no matter where your travels take you. By following the proper procedures, you’ll stay compliant with regulations and breeze through security to blend on the go anywhere.
