Travelling has always been a mix of excitement and unpredictability for me. You never really know what might happen — a delayed flight, a blackout in your hotel, or even finding your dropped earphones under your plane seat. That's why over the past few years, one item has earned a permanent place in my backpack: a small flashlight.
I know what you’re thinking — who carries a flashlight these days when every phone has one built in? I used to think the same… until my phone died at the worst possible time on a trip to the hills.
⚡ It Started with a Power Cut in the Mountains
A few years ago, I was staying at a quiet homestay in Himachal Pradesh. No luxury, just peace and nature. One evening, the electricity went out completely. I reached for my phone, only to realize the battery had dipped below 5% — and I hadn’t packed a power bank. There I was, stuck in the dark, struggling to find my way to the washroom.
That night, I made a mental note: I need a flashlight on every trip — no matter how unnecessary it seems.
? Picking the Perfect Travel Flashlight
After that trip, I began hunting for a compact, lightweight flashlight that could easily fit into my carry-on. I found a small LED one, USB rechargeable, with no sharp edges or extra bulk. It fit perfectly in my palm and weighed less than my phone.
It’s come in handy more times than I can count — inside train compartments, dark hotel corridors, and even once during a taxi ride when the driver’s flashlight failed and we had to check under the hood.
? But Then the Airport Doubt Hit Me
Last year, while packing for a late-night flight, I paused for a second and thought: Can you bring a flashlight on a plane? I didn’t want to be that person pulled aside at security for carrying something suspicious.
So I did a little digging. Turns out, yes — you absolutely can bring a flashlight on a plane, as long as it meets certain guidelines.
✅ Airport Rules for Flashlights
Here’s what you need to know if you're carrying one:
Size matters: Pocket-sized flashlights are generally allowed. If it looks tactical or could be considered a self-defense weapon, it might be flagged.
Battery check: If it runs on lithium-ion batteries, make sure it’s within airline safety limits (usually below 100 watt-hours).
Pack smart: Put it in your carry-on bag where it’s easy to access. If questioned, you won’t be scrambling to explain.
My mini flashlight made it through security without a hitch.
✨ Real-Life Moments When It Helped
Just last month, I was on a late-night flight. The cabin lights were dimmed, and a co-passenger dropped her phone under the seat. I pulled out my flashlight and helped her find it within seconds. She smiled and said, “Who still carries a flashlight? You’re smart.”
In another instance, I used it in a hostel dorm when I didn’t want to wake others by turning on the light. Simple, useful, and respectful.
? Final Travel Tip
Packing a flashlight doesn’t mean you’re being overly cautious. It means you’re ready for the little inconveniences that come with travel. And trust me, those little moments — where light makes all the difference — are where a flashlight really shines (pun intended!).
So next time you're preparing for a trip, don’t just think about the chargers, headphones, and snacks. Slip in a small flashlight too. You’ll be surprised how often it becomes the most useful thing you packed.
