Can I bring walkie-talkies in my carry-on?

Yes. Walkie-talkies with an installed battery are allowed in carry-on bags without restriction.

Do I need to turn off my walkie-talkie during the flight?

Yes. Most airlines require two-way radios to be fully powered off in flight because their transmit function can interfere with aircraft communications.

Walkie-Talkie

Walkie-talkies are allowed in carry-on and checked bags; any spare battery pack must travel in carry-on only.

Carry-on

Allowed

Checked

Allowed

Carry-on details

Allowed. Two-way radios with an installed battery pass through security like any other small electronic device. Take them out for X-ray screening if they're packed alongside your other electronics.

Checked-bag details

Allowed when the battery is installed in the radio. If you're packing a spare, uninstalled battery pack for it, that spare must go in your carry-on — spare lithium batteries are never allowed in checked bags.

Special instructions

Airlines typically require two-way radios to be powered off (not just on standby) during the flight, since their transmit function can interfere with aircraft systems.

Related rules

Lithium Battery & Power Bank Rules

FAQ

Can I bring walkie-talkies in my carry-on?: Yes. Walkie-talkies with an installed battery are allowed in carry-on bags without restriction.
Do I need to turn off my walkie-talkie during the flight?: Yes. Most airlines require two-way radios to be fully powered off in flight because their transmit function can interfere with aircraft communications.

Related items

Sources: TSA — What Can I Bring?, FAA — PackSafe (Hazardous Materials) · Last verified: 2026-07-31

Final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.