Guide · Fit and buying
Flying or mailing a bike pump, light or CO2 kit
Can you take CO2 cartridges, an electric bike pump or a bike light on a plane, or mail them? What TSA and USPS say, and what to ask your airline.
We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. How we make money
Short answer
Leave CO2 cartridges at home: TSA does not allow them in carry-on or checked bags unless they are clearly empty. Spare lithium batteries and power banks go in your carry-on only. For lights and electric pumps with built-in batteries, ask your airline, because TSA defers those to rules we could not read. USPS bars damaged or recalled lithium batteries.
What TSA says
These are the US airport screening rules. Airlines can set stricter ones, so check yours too.
| Item | TSA's rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 cartridge | Not allowed in carry-on or checked bags unless clearly empty; the officer decides | TSA |
| Power bank or spare lithium battery | Carry-on only, never checked | TSA |
| Rechargeable lithium-ion battery | Up to 100 Wh each; airline approval for up to two spares of 101-160 Wh | TSA |
TSA lists CO2 cartridges as not allowed in either bag unless the cylinder is clearly empty, and the final decision rests with the TSA officer.[1] It says power banks and other spare lithium batteries must travel in carry-on bags only.[2] It limits rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to 100 watt-hours each, with airline approval needed to carry up to two spares of 101 to 160 watt-hours.[3]
Lights and electric pumps with built-in batteries
Most bike lights and electric pumps have a battery inside. For installed batteries, TSA defers to FAA device rules.[3] We could not open the FAA's pages, so we do not repeat any FAA allowance or exception here. Ask your airline before you fly, and pack the device the way it tells you.
Working out watt-hours
Airline limits are in watt-hours, but most bike accessory makers state mAh. You can only convert if the maker also states the battery voltage: watt-hours equal milliamp-hours times volts, divided by 1,000. Topeak, for example, lists the E-BOOSTER DIGITAL's battery as 7.4 V and 600 mAh,[4] which works out to about 4.4 Wh. If the maker gives mAh without a voltage, do not guess; ask the maker or your airline.
Mailing a pump or light
USPS rules prohibit mailing damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries unless USPS has specifically approved it.[5] For international mail, USPS allows small consumer lithium batteries only when installed in the equipment they operate and within its set limits.[5] If a light or pump is under a recall, follow the recall notice instead of mailing it.
Repair kit options for a trip
Without CO2, a hand pump is the simple choice: it has no battery and no cartridge. Our pump type guide compares the options. If you ride TPU tubes, note that Tubolito says CO2 escapes from its tubes faster than air, so they need reinflating sooner.[6]
Picks that fit6 products
For a trip without CO2, choose a mini pump: the Topeak RaceRocket HP in black, the Topeak Pocket Rocket in silver, the Lezyne Pocket Drive (its one listed color), the Crankbrothers Klic HP in Black Midnight (either of its two listings, not the Gauge model) or the longer Topeak Road Morph G (TRP-3G) with its hose and gauge.
More on choosing
Confirm on the maker's page that the head lists your valve. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or the brand.
Mini pump for the frame
Topeak RaceRocket HP mini pump (160 psi, Presta and Schrader)
Mini pump for the frame, from Topeak
Topeak Pocket Rocket mini pump (160 psi, Presta and Schrader), silver
Mini pump, second option
Mini pump with a hose, from Crankbrothers
Crankbrothers Klic HP hand pump (120 psi), Black Midnight Edition
Mini pump with a hose, from Crankbrothers, second listing
Crankbrothers Klic HP hand pump (120 psi), Black Midnight Edition (second Amazon listing)
Frame pump with a hose and gauge, from Topeak
Next
Questions
Can I take CO2 cartridges on a plane?
TSA lists CO2 cartridges as not allowed in carry-on or checked bags unless the cylinder is clearly empty, and the officer has the final say. Plan to buy cartridges at your destination or carry a hand pump.[1]
Can I fly with an electric bike pump?
For a battery built into a device, TSA defers to FAA device rules, which we could not read, so ask your airline before you fly. TSA's own limits cover spare lithium batteries: carry-on only, and 100 watt-hours each.[3][2]
Can I mail a bike light with a lithium battery?
USPS bars damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries. Internationally, it allows small consumer lithium batteries only when installed in the equipment they power and within its limits. Read USPS Publication 52 for your shipment.[5]