There are obvious restrictions around the types of electronic devices – including laptops – that you can use during a flight.
But what about your computer mouse?
One of the most fundamental pieces of technology in our day-to-day lives is the mouse.
You use it every single time you use your computer.
Is there a possibility that you might not be permitted to bring it on a plane?
What you can and can’t bring on a plane
The regulation that you can’t bring a laptop, tablet, or other electronic devices on a plane is to ensure the safety of all passengers.
This requirement was originally to do with concerns that using a laptop or other electronic device during takeoff or landing could interfere with the plane’s systems.
But these days a growing number of airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi, so you can make full use of your laptop except during takeoff and landing.
So are there any rules around bringing a mouse onboard a plane?
The good news: You can bring your mouse!
Getting it through security
If you’re a frequent traveler, then you know that it can be challenging to get your laptop and mouse through security.
But don’t worry.
There are plenty of ways to make sure your laptop and mouse make the cut.
The first step is to make sure your computer mouse is packed properly in your carry-on bag. It’s the only thing on the list of TSA prohibited items that will fit in your carry-on, so you’ll want to keep it with you at all times.
Next, you’ll need to declare that you have a laptop and mouse with you before going through security.
You’ll also need proof that these items belong to you-like a boarding pass or ID card-to show when asked.
Another important step is to take extra care when putting these items through the x-ray machine. Remember that electronics are not allowed in any bin other than bins labeled for laptops or personal devices.
So place both the computer and the mouse in one bin, which should be designated for either laptops or personal devices during this process in order not to have them thrown away by mistake.
To help keep everything in its place, use a small piece of tape on each side of the inside of your laptop case so it doesn’t move around.
The type of mouse
So that gets you onto the plane, but can you actually use the mouse in-flight or does it need to stay stowed in luggage?
A wireless mouse uses a radio signal to communicate with your laptop via the dongle plugged into a USB port.
This means it is a transmitting device and should not be used at all during a flight, including takeoff and landing.
But the level of restrictions you have to put up with will vary from country to country and from airline to airline.
Best practice would be to not use your mouse at all during a flight.
Instead, save yourself the potential headaches of “debating” the issue with cabin crew by simply bringing a wired USB mouse with you instead.
Yes, you could use a Bluetooth device to get around the problem, but unless the cabin crew understand the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi then you’re going to end up at the losing end of that discussion.
Or, you could just read a book or look out the window at the world below and leave your laptop switched off for a few hours.
Radical idea, I know – not sitting staring at a laptop during a flight.
Wrapping things up
The biggest challenge you’ll face in using a wireless mouse during a flight is down to the airlines and how much they enforce TSA rules and guidelines.
But you can keep it simple by not using any wireless device during takeoff or landing.
Don’t complicate parts of your life that don’t need to be complicated 🙂
