I have a trip coming up next month and have hip problems, and am trying to find a good heating pad that can be charged with a USB cord and used while on my flight (Lufthansa).
I've looked into Thermacare, but the TSA website indicates it can only be in your checked bag (which I might do, but it won't help me while on the international flight).
For that matter, I can't figure out if lidocaine patches are allowed for carry-on.
Thanks for any feedback or tips!
Heating pads consume a lot of energy, and I would be surprised if you would be able to charge or use one connected to the USB port at your seat, since those ports are designed for low current devices like phones. I mean, you might be able to charge it but maybe so slowly to make it useless for your during the duration of your flight.
How about a heating pad that plugs into an AC power outlet? Many planes have those outlets now, though those too may not provide enough current to power a heating pad. But they should provide a lot more power than a USB port. I have plugged my laptop into the AC power ports on planes, and some laptops draw 30-40 watts when charging a battery, whereas a phone might draw 10-15 watts.
Perhaps just make yourself a blanket with a yard of fleece material?
https://www.joann.com/fabric/fleece-fabric/
My wife uses a small fleece blanket on planes. Very little weight and folds up small
Finding an electric blanket may be more work than it's worth.
When I went to the Xmas markets one year, I took a bag of those hand warmers that you bend to activate. They are ok for carry- on luggage. Would that work?
Good luck!
Thanks, Andrew! I hadn't realized there would be a power outlet.
Agree that what you are proposing seems unlikely to work out, for a variety of reasons: power requirements, policies, and safety - electrical gizmos that “make heat” can be very demanding on any electrical system (including in my old house’s) and even dangerous…Risk of electrical fire and airplanes, not a good mix! Even if you could get it to work, I suspect you might be disappointed in the duration you’ll get.
Have you considered simpler, low-tech heat pads? The little “hand warmer” pouches work surprisingly well for a good while…my spouse once used a bunch of those to get through a VERY cold winter night in an unheated hotel room high in the mountains. It took more than a few of them, but they’re cheap, safe, and pretty effective.
Heating pads that do not contain gel are allowed in carry on but the outlets are low powered and won't give you enough juice for a heating element.
Patches are allowed as long as they don't contain gel.
Take a hot water bottle and after the meal service see if the flight attendants will fill it up for you.
I have often used a Thermacare patch on long flights. What makes you think they are not allowed?
Sunbeam sells this USB heating pad: https://tinyurl.com/36andya9
The USB ports on the airplane seats don't provide enough juice operate it, but if you bring along a 10K powerbank with 2.4A output, it will power up the heating pad for about 5 hours. It's not as hot as the regular wall models, but worked well for me.
For that matter, I can't figure out if lidocaine patches are allowed for carry-on. They're allowed, I carry them regularly on international flights. Can't see why the Thermacare patches wouldn't be allowed, but they don't cost much, so carry some and see if they make it! I wouldn't rely on a power outlet unless you're in business class. As noted above, carry a power pack & a chargeable heating pack. Good luck!!
My wife goes everywhere with Thermacare patches, I don't think anyone really cares.
It was also funny to see them for sale in large displays in all the pharmacies in Austria.
You should check on Seatguru or whatever site is now taking their place, in premium econ Lufthansa had outlets at every seat.
