Yes. A wired or wireless computer mouse is allowed in both carry‑on and checked luggage, but pack wireless models with their lithium battery in your hand baggage.
Modern travelers rarely leave home without a laptop, tablet, or handheld game console. A mouse makes those devices easier to use on the road, yet many passengers still wonder if a small accessory could create security headaches at the airport. This guide walks you through every rule that matters—from TSA’s “What Can I Bring” list to the FAA’s lithium‑battery limits—so you can breeze through screening and keep scrolling, clicking, and gaming at 35,000 feet.
Quick Rules For Flying With A Mouse
| Mouse Type | Carry‑On | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Wired USB | Allowed; place in bin if requested | Allowed (risk of damage from luggage shocks) |
| Wireless (built‑in Li‑ion ≤ 100 Wh) | Allowed; recommended by FAA | Discouraged; batteries should stay in cabin |
| Spare AA/AAA Alkaline | Allowed; no watt‑hour limit | Allowed; tape terminals to prevent short circuits |
Carry‑On Vs Checked: What TSA Expects
Why Screeners Prefer Mice In Hand Baggage
A mouse is small enough to fit inside a laptop case or personal item and contains electronics screeners may need to scan. TSA officers can resolve any questions faster when the device is accessible in a tray rather than buried beneath shoes and toiletries. Keeping tech up top also protects fragile scroll wheels from rough handling in the aircraft hold.
Step‑By‑Step Security Routine
- Remove laptops and tablets as usual. Wired or wireless mice can remain in the same compartment unless an officer asks to inspect them separately.
- If requested, pop the top shell to show no hidden contraband inside a hollow “gaming” mouse design.
- Have spare batteries in a clear plastic pouch; loose lithium cells never ride in rear cargo.
Wireless Mouse Battery Rules
Most travel confusion stems from the power source, not the mouse itself. Wireless models use either AA/AAA alkaline or tiny rechargeable lithium‑ion cells. The latter bring battery regulations into play.
Size And Watt‑Hour Limits
The FAA caps lithium‑ion batteries at 100 Wh apiece. A typical rechargeable mouse battery is under 3 Wh—orders of magnitude below that ceiling. Even high‑performance gaming mice with replaceable Li‑po packs rarely exceed 5 Wh. Because the risk comes from thermal runaway, regulators insist these cells stay in the cabin where crews can respond quickly to smoke.
Removable Cells And Power Banks
- NiMH or Alkaline AA/AAA: carry in original blister packs or tape both terminals to block shorts.
- Proprietary Li‑ion packs: treat like spare camera batteries—carry‑on only and bag each one individually.
- Charging bricks: if you top up the mouse with a power bank, remember power banks are also lithium batteries subject to the same 100 Wh rule.
International Airline Policies At A Glance
While TSA and FAA govern U.S. departures, individual carriers may publish extra guidance. Check your airline’s “dangerous goods” page before departure, especially if connecting through more than one country.
| Airline | Mouse & Small Electronics | Notable Fine Print |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines (US) | Allowed in carry‑on; lithium battery rules apply | Spare cells must be under 100 Wh or pre‑approved |
| British Airways (UK) | Permitted; advise cabin crew if device overheats | BA asks customers to keep gadgets within reach mid‑flight |
| Singapore Airlines (SG) | Permitted; no separate declaration required | Batteries over 160 Wh strictly prohibited in all bags |
Packing Advice To Keep Your Gear Safe
Protect The Scroll Wheel
Store the mouse inside a soft pouch or a spare pair of socks; pneumatic bag loaders inside airports generate sudden impacts.
Cable Management Matters
For wired models, wind the cord into loose figure‑8 loops. Tight coils create kinks and eventually break solder joints.
Keep A Tiny Toolkit
A precision screwdriver and one spare Teflon skate weigh next to nothing. If a foot pad peels off mid‑trip, you can fix glide issues before they ruin your aim in Valorant or your productivity in Excel.
Using Your Mouse In Flight
Most airlines permit Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz devices once the cabin crew announces that personal electronics may be used. Still, a few best practices help avoid signal dropouts:
- Toggle your laptop’s Bluetooth ® adapter after “airplane mode” is enabled if your airline allows it.
- Choose a receiver dongle over BT on older planes where cabin Wi‑Fi floods the spectrum.
- Place the mouse receiver in the port nearest your seat‑back tray to shrink interference distance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cursor Lag Mid‑Flight
Aluminum seat rails and crowded 2.4 GHz airwaves can introduce latency. Switch to a short USB‑C cable if you packed one; many premium mice work wired and wireless.
Battery Alerts
Cabin temperatures fluctuate. Cold air can confuse batterymeters, so pack one extra AA—or charge your Li‑ion to only 80 % before boarding to reduce stress on the cell.
Safety First: What To Do If The Battery Overheats
A runaway lithium cell hisses, swells, or emits pungent fumes. Immediately:
- Set the device on a nearby non‑flammable surface (galley floor tiles or metal seat‑track covers).
- Alert a flight attendant; crews carry fire containment bags for small electronics.
- Do not douse with ice water—thermal shock can crack the battery shell.
Last‑Minute Checklist Before You Fly
- Wired mouse? Pack it anywhere, but cushion the shell.
- Wireless mouse? Leave the battery installed and keep the device in your hand luggage.
- Spare cells? Carry‑on only, tape or bag each one.
- Power bank? Stay under 100 Wh, follow the same cabin rule.
- Country hopping? Re‑check local rules during layovers.
A computer mouse—wired or wireless—is one of the simplest gadgets you can toss into a backpack, and aviation regulators treat it that way. Observe basic battery etiquette, give screeners a clear look at what’s in your bag, and your pointer will be gliding across hotel desks worldwide without a glitch.