If you are currently planning to travel by plane with a selfie stick, please follow the steps of this article to learn more about the relationship between the selfie stick and aviation regulations and tourist attractions. Regarding selfie sticks with Bluetooth function, telescopic function, and battery remote control function, this article can solve your little doubts.
1. Understand the general regulations of airlines and international security on selfie sticks
1. General principles of civil aviation
Most airlines around the world adhere to the following security inspection principles:
- Battery devices, especially lithium batteries, must be carried on board. Checking in is illegal
- Items cannot be potentially offensive (such as long poles, pointed heads, heavy metal parts, etc.)
- Items that can be easily misjudged as weapons are prohibited from being carried on board (some selfie sticks have sharp metal tripods or detachable parts)
2. Battery-related regulations
If the selfie stick is equipped with a Bluetooth remote control and a built-in lithium battery, it must comply with the following regulations:
- Battery type: only lithium batteries (such as those commonly used in Bluetooth remote controls)
- Single battery capacity: no more than 100Wh, can be carried on board
- Quantity limit: generally less than two spare batteries are allowed to be carried on board
- Prohibition on check-in: Selfie sticks with batteries cannot be checked in and must be placed in a carry-on backpack or cabin bag
It is recommended to purchase a selfie stick with a separate Bluetooth remote control so that the Bluetooth remote control can be put into the cabin bag separately and the power must be turned off.
2. Details on selfie sticks at airports/airlines in different countries
Airports and airlines in different countries have different implementation rules for selfie sticks. The following are common practices in several typical countries:
1. United States (TSA / Transportation Security Administration)
Selfie sticks themselves are allowed on board, and there is no explicit ban. Although TSA (Transportation Security Administration) does not currently prohibit selfie sticks from being carried on board. However, if your selfie stick is large, complex, or has a metal tip, it may be misjudged as a "potential weapon" and security personnel have the right to refuse you from entering the security area.
2. United Kingdom (Heathrow, Gatwick)
Selfie sticks are allowed on board. Special reminder at the airport: Do not use selfie sticks in the security area or boarding gate, which may affect order. If the structure of the selfie stick is more complex (including tripods, electric motors), it is recommended to declare
3. EU countries (France, Germany, Italy)
Selfie sticks are allowed to be carried on board, but it is recommended not to use the selfie function in the airport. Most European airports accept selfie sticks for carry-on, but also emphasize that selfie sticks must not be checked in with batteries and must not be used to shoot others in the waiting area. There are also a lot of signs in the airport reminding tourists not to use filming equipment to disturb others.
4. Japan
Selfie sticks are allowed to be carried with you. However, Japan attaches great importance to "public etiquette". Airport security may remind you "do not use" selfie sticks, but it does not prohibit carrying them. It is recommended that you store the selfie stick until you arrive at your destination.
5. China
Selfie sticks can be carried with you or checked in, but Bluetooth battery remote controls cannot be checked in and must be carried with you. If the selfie stick is too large or has a special shape, the security personnel may intercept the selfie stick. During the security check, you may be asked to open the device to check whether it contains dangerous parts.
3. Restrictions on selfie sticks in some tourist attractions and amusement parks
Speaking of restrictions on selfie sticks at airports, are selfie sticks restricted at tourist attractions? Especially in theme parks such as the famous Disney and Universal Studios. These tourist attractions have very strict restrictions on selfie sticks, because the crowds are dense, and selfie sticks may accidentally injure others, affect order, and interfere with the operation of amusement equipment.
Disney's access rules:
In almost all Disney parks around the world, selfie sticks are prohibited from being brought into the park. The security checkpoint will clearly refuse you to bring a selfie stick into the park. If you insist on bringing it, you must return it for storage or discard it. Even if you fold it and don't plan to use it, it is still considered a prohibited item.
Universal Studios' access rules:
Small selfie sticks are allowed in some areas of Universal Studios Japan, but it is emphasized that they cannot be stretched beyond a certain length. Universal Studios in Orlando or Hollywood in the United States generally prohibits the use of selfie sticks, especially in roller coasters and performance areas. Therefore, if your travel destination is a theme park attraction, it is recommended to check the official website rules in advance or not bring a selfie stick into the park, so as to avoid the question of whether the selfie stick can be brought into the attraction becoming a distraction during the play.
4. How should I store my selfie stick so I can take it on the plane?
If you want to pass the security check smoothly, you can check the following points:
1. Folding and storage: It is recommended to use a foldable small selfie stick; a large size can easily be regarded as a potential dangerous item
2. Carry the Bluetooth remote control with you: Please do not check the remote control with batteries, and be sure to put it in your carry-on backpack;
3. Material safety: It is recommended to use a selfie stick with non-slip material but not sharp or pointed
4. Detachable: It is recommended to use a selfie stick with the rod body, battery, and remote control detachable, so that you can pass the security check smoothly
5. Civilized use: Try to reduce shooting in the airport security area to meet the requirements of the airline;
6. Separate packaging: Do not put it together with professional large-scale photographic equipment, otherwise it will be regarded as professional equipment, resulting in the need to declare the selfie stick
FAQ
1: Why was my selfie stick stopped at security?
Possible reasons: Exceeding the size limit, the built-in battery does not meet the regulations, or being misjudged as a "blunt instrument" (such as heavy metal material).
2: How to choose a travel selfie stick that meets the regulations?
Recommended type: Foldable short stick (such as Lumpia magnetic selfie stick). It is recommended to check the product parameters before purchase to ensure that the size after folding is ≤20×40×55 cm, and give priority to lightweight materials.
3: If the selfie stick must be checked, how to ensure safety?
Disassemble the detachable parts (such as the phone clip) and pack them separately; use a hard shell suitcase to avoid squeezing.
Conclusion
Start by understanding aviation regulations and regulations of different countries to know whether selfie sticks can be brought on board. As an effective tool for travel records, choosing a portable selfie stick is the right way to take photos during travel. Check the airline's official website policy in advance before departure and put the selfie stick in your carry-on luggage, which is the best way to avoid risks. From battery regulations, appearance design, material restrictions, to scenic spot policies, understanding these little knowledge can truly unlock the joy of free travel photography!
