It is common for travelers, especially those who like to vlog, to carry a ring light while traveling. Many professional photographers also choose to leave their expensive cameras and lighting equipment at home and rely on portable cameras, in most instances, their smartphones, to take photos.
Now, mobile photography has come a long way, but because of the small sensor, it still struggles in low light, and that is where a ring light comes in handy.
But the question remains, can I bring a ring light on a plane? The short answer is yes, according to most airlines you can bring your ring light. However, it will depend on the actual size and accessories you are carrying to be certain.
Sizes you can carry
As your hand carries, you can pick a ring light that is up to 18 inches in size; any bigger than this will require you to put it in checked luggage; however, for most airlines, there is no restriction on the size of the ring light you can carry.
But it is important to note that most airlines have weight requirements and larger ring lights, with their metal tripods that can weigh more than 10/12 pounds, so we do not recommend you take a ring light with you on the flight which is more than 18 inches in diameter.
If you do not have a portable ring light, consider checking out the Littil Shine LED Ring Light.
Included accessories
Ring lights are usually not standalone devices and come with several accessories which may not be allowed on a plane. The main contender here is battery packs, as most ring lights are meant to be used away from the power supply and may require you to carry a power bank.
Now, power banks are only allowed in planes if they contain 2 grams or less lithium per battery and a combined capacity of fewer than 100-watt hours (Wh).
Many ring lights may also come integrated with a battery which again has to follow all the requirements discussed above.
How do I pack my ring light?
Most camera accessories are fragile, and a ring light is no different. It is also entirely made from glass and can break easily if not handled properly. So, it is important to pack it properly to reduce the chances of getting damaged.
Can you take led lights on a plane carry-on?
The best way to pack your ring light is to use the case that the ring light originally came in with. You can be assured it would fit perfectly and would protect your light from accidental damage.
However, not everyone has their case with them, so another alternative is to use your carry-on luggage (or hand luggage) where you can put the light along with your clothes. This ensures some degree of protection against accidental falls, but you may still want to have a fragile tag over the luggage.
Packing your ring light with hard objects may be detrimental so avoid it at any cost. You should also not want to carry any liquid around your ring light; after all, they are prone to electrocution.
Yes, we know packing something fragile like a ring light can be a bit daunting, especially on an international flight when you do not know how your bag will be handled, so it is always better to carry it in your handbag, unless, of course, it is too big to handle.
Will my ring light cause trouble at the airport?
After we have established that you can bring a ring light to the airport, the next common question we get is whether you will face any issues with airport security because of the light. To be completely honest, it depends solely on your luck and whether you have any items with you which are illegal to carry.
There are instances when people tamper with electronic devices and carry illegal substances within them, so TSA and other government agencies have the complete right to break open your light to see the inner contents of the device. However, it is the worst-case scenario, and they would need strong reasons and the x-ray resorts to show signs that the ring light was tempered before breaking the light open.
So, overall carrying a ring light will not bring new issues, but there are instances when it can cause you additional delays.
Best ring lights for travelling
If you are planning to travel and want to buy a ring light for your travel companion, here are some of the best picks:
UBeesize 12’’ Ring Light with Tripod
UBeesize is one of the best and highest-rated ring lights with a tripod stand available on the market.
It comes with 3 color lighting modes, and the size is just perfect at 10 inches. It also comes with a tripod that can mount both your phone and DSLR camera, making it extremely convenient.
You also get an attached remote control allowing you to take pictures without the help of others. Overall, UBeesize is one of the most basic selfie ring lights you can find at an affordable price.
Multitasky Foldable Ring Light
If you want to take your selfie game up a notch and require recording yourself from multiple devices, there is hardly any better option than the Multitasky Foldable Ring Light.
It rotates 360 degrees and can be extended to give each shot a different perspective. However, it is a bit on the pricier side, but it’s definitely worth it if you need multiple-device support.
Lume Cube Builtin Cordless Ring Light
If you do not want to carry a separate battery pack or just want a ring light that can be used without any cord, here is a great option for you.
The Lume ring light has a battery backup of up to 70 mins and comes in two different sizes, one 12 inches, and the other 18 inches.
The price is fair given you do not have to buy a power bank separately, and as a bonus, you get a travel case for additional safety.
Lume Cube Video Conference
We have been focusing on photography and videography, but another genre where ring lights are useful in video conferencing.
With more and more people working from home, there is a constant demand for ring lights compatible with computers and laptops as they usually come with a sub per camera.
Lume Cube offers a great ring light for them for virtual work meetings, live streaming, online classes, and more.
It also comes with a built-in rechargeable battery which charges when connected to the USB port of your device.
Overall, the Lume cube is excellent if you need a portable ring light for video conferencing.
Littil Shine LED Ring Light
Littil shine is a great portable option if you do not want to carry a 10 or 12-inch ring light. It comes with a tripod for your phone, which you can easily mount anywhere on the go.
The stand is also flexible, so you can change its shape exactly the way you want. However, the light is not too powerful, especially when lighting your face in very poor lighting conditions.
It also does not have many options for choosing the color temperature. However, you can change the brightness.
Overall, if you want a portable, less powerful ring light, Littil shine is a perfect fit for you.
Fotodiox (best ring light with a mirror)
The last variation of ring light we would discuss comes with a mirror to help you take flawless portraits even when traveling alone.
Fotodiox also comes with an adjustable tabletop stand with a fixed mirror. It also comes with a 100w powerful bulb with adjustable brightness to let you choose the style you want.
Final words – Can you travel with a ring light?
Ring lights are rarely an issue, and you can travel with them without much problem. However, ring lights tend to take up large space and may not always be the easiest to handle, especially if you have to carry them in your luggage. So, consider buying a 10/12-inch ring light when planning to travel with them on a plane.
Related: How to fix a broken ring light
