Sure, they’re easy to carry on the go, and you might even take them along with you on road trips and such.
But what about if you’re flying?
Aside from their mostly gun-shaped frames, which can look suspicious for those who have never seen a percussive massager before, most of them have something that airports around the world have special guidelines for: lithium batteries.
In this guide, we’ll show you the ideal way to travel with a massage gun, as well as if you can even bring them on a plane, too (which I wish I did back then.)
We’ll also share our research on what each major New Zealand airline says according to their own guidelines.
Let’s start off with some basic considerations.
Basic Considerations When Travelling with a Massage Gun
Most modern massage guns have lithium batteries, so keep them in your carry-on baggage. Some airlines have rules saying that putting anything with lithium batteries in your checked in baggage is not allowed. Airline inspection officers may confiscate any lithium batteries in your check in baggage, including any lithium-battery-powered massage gun.
The quick answer is, yes, you can travel with a massage gun or take it on a plane with you provided that the battery is within airline guidelines.
Even a massage gun with a rather big 3400mAh rechargeable Lithium-ion battery at 24 volts has a Watt-Hour rating of 81.6Wh:
This is well within the usual guidelines for lithium batteries with 100-watt-hours or less in a device.
Note that this restriction applies per battery, and for “personal use” items in general.
Therefore, there is really nothing wrong with bringing a massage gun on a plane.
In fact, a muscle massage gun can help increase your quality of life and comfort during a flight by stimulating blood flow, since we can’t always walk around during a flight.
I wish I knew about massage guns when I had to take two 14-hour flights.
It was a pain to get up and walk around in the cold cabin, so I didn’t get to stretch my legs at all.
The engine sound would’ve masked any massage gun noise too. Maybe next time!
Anyway, if you’re lucky enough to be able to bring a massage gun on your next flight, read on or check out our office workers guide on massage guns.
We’ll discuss the best practices in doing so in the next section.
How to Travel with a Massage Gun (5 Best Practices)
Now if you’re thinking of enjoying a massage gun in your future travels, here are some things you should consider:
1. How you package it:
Put the massage gun in a suitable bag or container, preferably a solidly-built one that can protect the device.
You also don’t want to bend the charging cable too much since that can be a point of failure, if you want to make sure your massage gun lasts.
Massage guns like our Musclegun conveniently come with a carrying case that holds all the accessories, charger with cable included.
But not all brands can provide you this ease in portability.
Some massage guns only come with a flimsy cardboard box, and an entire box isn’t the easiest thing to transport and worry about at the airport.
Musclegun’s included carry case keeps your massage gun safe and snug during travel.
So, eliminate the headache and pick a massage gun that has a case that’s actually made for it.
2. Security:
You don’t want to be brandishing your massage gun at the airport because you have to reshuffle your baggage’s contents around to make weight at check-in time.
Plan ahead and pack well before you even get to the airport.
I like to put my electronics and other battery-powered devices together in a plastic mesh container to make the security scans easier for the airport safety officers.
3. Removable Battery:
If your massage gun has a removable battery, don’t be tempted to put it in your check in baggage.
Batteries that have lithium are likely to be confiscated in your checked baggage if the airline doesn’t consider them stored properly, and some airlines don’t allow them there at all.
4. Size and weight of the whole thing:
During my travels, I’ve packed things I haven’t used at home for years and foolishly brought them on trips. Guess what, I didn’t use them on vacation, either.
So ask yourself if you’re really going to use that massage gun on your trip.
Because all the improvements in battery life can lead to heavier, although still compact devices.
The last thing you want to happen is to regret lugging around something you won’t be using much anyway.
5. Consider the rules in international flights:
Be aware of the rules in all airlines you’ll be using.
Some of them might not allow your massage gun even though it passed through your first flights. The worst case is that you might have to leave an item behind. 😢
If in doubt, contact the airlines beforehand, especially if your percussive muscle massage gun has a big battery.
Summary
To summarise, in most cases, yes, you can bring your massage gun on an aeroplane with you given that its battery falls within the guidelines of the airline.
Massage guns with batteries on the bigger side will still likely fit within the under 100-watt-hour guidelines of the TSA and other airport rules.
Note that aviation guidelines can change at any time, so double check before your flight to make sure.
Our Musclegun has excellent portability with its included carrying case, with internal moulded compartments to keep your massager and accessories safe and snug during travel. Its Samsung 3400maH battery can provide you up to 8 hours of massage time, perfect for long flights—delivered overnight straight to your door NZ wide.
Appendix: What New Zealand’s airlines say about bringing massage guns
Please note that “devices with lithium batteries” and “standalone lithium batteries” or “spare batteries” can mean different things depending on the interpretation of the airline’s rules.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand has a page on travelling with lithium battery-operated devices. Low Watt hour (Wh) lithium batteries not exceeding 100 Wh are allowed.
Special requirements for devices in checked-in baggage must be followed. They can be found on this part of the page. Basically, devices must be fully turned off (not in sleep or standby mode), with their on-off switches secured in the off position with tape. Source
Air Chathams
❌“Lithium batteries or lithium battery powered equipment containing those batteries” are not allowed to be taken on the flight. Source
Qantas
Battery powered devices with Lithium-ion batteries not exceeding 100Wh are allowed. When packed in checked baggage, devices with batteries must have ON/OFF switches protected to prevent activation and must be fully turned off. Source
No more than 20 spare batteries total for personal use per passenger. No more than 2 spare lithium batteries exceeding 100Wh up to 160Wh are permitted. Source
Air Kaukoura
No information about baggage restrictions.
Barrier Air
❌ Lithium batteries are not allowed in passenger’s baggage. Source
Golden Bay Air
All baggage will be stored in designated baggage areas. The Restricted Articles page has no mention of batteries. Source
Jetstar
Lithium batteries: No more than 20 spare batteries total for personal use per passenger. Spare batteries must be in carry-on baggage. Batteries in checked baggage must have on/off switches protected. Batteries above 100Wh need airline approval. Source
Originair
❌ Lithium batteries are in the list of examples of items that are either “prohibited or may be carried under certain restrictions.” Source
Sounds Air
Lithium batteries are not in their list of restricted articles, although the page states to call them if you are unsure or have any questions. (Originair Number: 0800 505 005) Source
Stewart Island Flights
Lithium batteries are not in their list of Dangerous or Restricted Articles. Source
Sunair
No information restrictions on Lithium batteries can be found on their page. Source
Make sure you check with each airline beforehand as guidelines may change!
For more information on New Zealand air travel rules, please visit the New Zealand Government Aviation official website on passenger information: https://www.aviation.govt.nz/passenger-information/what-to-expect-at-the-airport/
Safe and happy travels!