💨 Portable fan

A portable fan is permitted in carry-on and checked baggage, but the blade assembly and motor can look unusual on an X-ray, occasionally prompting a secondary bag check. Screeners will simply open the bag, confirm what the item is, and send you on your way. There's no concern about the fan itself — only the X-ray image can occasionally cause a brief delay.

Portable fans themselves face no restrictions in the US, UK, EU, Canada, or other major aviation systems. The key variable is the battery type: if your fan uses a removable lithium battery pack, that spare battery must travel in the cabin in all regions — it cannot go in checked baggage.

Most airlines do not explicitly ban personal fans, but crew can ask you to stop using any device that disturbs other passengers or interferes with cabin operations. USB-powered fans that draw power from a seat USB port are generally fine, while battery-powered fans should be used discreetly. Very powerful fans may be asked to be put away at the crew's discretion.

A fan without a lithium battery can go in either carry-on or checked baggage without restriction. If your fan has a built-in or removable lithium battery, it must travel in carry-on — lithium batteries are prohibited from checked baggage as a standalone spare. The fan itself can still be checked if it has a permanently installed battery that isn't removable, but carry-on is usually simpler.