Why You Should Always Fly with a Tennis Ball in Your Carry-On (2024)

Updated: Apr. 08, 2024

This strange carry-on item actually has some huge benefits—and could even save your life.

Let’s be honest: These days, airplanes can barely fit your own two legs. Given the limited real estate that comes with an economy class seat, you can expect to sit for hours with a stiff neck and back, which takes a serious toll on your circulation. And now that everyone is required to wear a mask when they fly, it’s even more uncomfortable. While most people know that standing up and walking around during your flight can boost your blood flow, it’s not always possible (or convenient!) to do so. That’s where a tennis ball comes in.

Confused? Just hear us out.Tennis balls can put any fancy, expensivegadgets to shame when it comes to alleviating pain, improving circulation, and relieving tightness. And as it turns out, having one of these portable masseuses in your carry-on couldprevent blood clots on long flights or road trips. You should always pack these things in your carry-on, too.

Rolling a tennis ball along your body loosens up stiff muscles and stimulates blood flow. It’s practically the ultimate on-the-go self-massage you never knew you needed. Not only are tennis balls are compact enough to fit into a small bag, but using one during a flight won’t bother your neighbors, either.

There are certain areas you should target when performing a self-message.Key body parts in need of your attention include your ankles, wrists, thighs, legs (especially the calves), and upper back and shoulders. Apply gentle pressure to each area with the ball as you roll, anduse extracarewithany spotsof tension or tough knots.

Seems simple enough, right?But it could make your life so, so much easier—andkeep you healthier in the air.Just make sure you’re not making these airport mistakes before your next flight.

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Why You Should Always Fly with a Tennis Ball in Your Carry-On (2024)

FAQs

Why You Should Always Fly with a Tennis Ball in Your Carry-On? ›

Ali Gjoz, a surgeon from the London Orthopaedic Clinic shared a few tips with the Daily Star. "Taking a tennis ball or a massager on the plane will help increase circulation," he says. Roll it over your shoulders, lower back, legs, and the bottoms of your feet to help get your blood flowing again.

Why put a tennis ball in your carry-on luggage? ›

"By taking a tennis ball or a massager on the plane this will help increase circulation," Ghoz says. Also, if you stroke your muscles from the ankles upwards, this will get the blood flowing back to your heart. To maximise comfort, it is also a good idea to take regular walks, keep hydrated and wear comfortable shoes.

Why do you always pack a tennis ball? ›

That is where tennis balls come in. There is no end to expensive gadgets that help to relieve some of the difficulties of flying from circulation to pain. All you really need to carry with you is a tennis ball. Doing so can help to prevent blood clots that may happen on long flights.

Will tennis balls pop on a plane? ›

In the cabin of an airplane, the pressure should be atmospheric pressure. So if the plane does not lose pressure, the balls and cans should be fine.

Can you bring a ball in your carry-on? ›

Certain large sporting goods and equipment, such as golf clubs or hockey sticks, are not allowed in carry-on luggage. However, basketballs, soccer balls and other small sporting goods are typically permitted.

How many tennis balls can you stuff inside an airplane? ›

In that case, the volume of the tennis ball can be calculated by the formula of a sphere. The volume of the tennis ball would be 47.916πcm^3. Finally, after dividing the volume of the aeroplane by that to the tennis ball we arrive at 688,705. Therefore, we can fit approximately 688,705 tennis balls in a Boeing 747.

Why are balls not allowed on planes? ›

Due to air pressure changes, balls that you inflate (dodgeball, football, soccer, etc.) should be partially deflated for transport." Golf balls, baseballs, and even bowling balls are all allowed through TSA screening checkpoints as well.

Why do people put tennis balls in wheels? ›

Walkers have rubber tips on the bottom, but they have a tendency to slide around due to their fragile and slippery nature. This can be quite frustrating to hold them steady. That's where walker tennis balls come in. Tennis balls can help increase stability and create more traction while moving.

What do you think passengers ought not to do on planes? ›

12 Things You Should Never Do On A Plane
  • Letting your children on the loose. ...
  • Letting your feet free. ...
  • Getting on a flight intoxicated or getting intoxicated on a flight. ...
  • No smoking and vaping. ...
  • Avoid seating in the back if you have motion sickness. ...
  • Kneeing or kicking the seat in front. ...
  • Keeping your volume down.
Nov 27, 2023

How should tennis balls be stored? ›

What pressure should tennis balls be kept? To keep your tennis balls bouncing like new tennis balls should be stored at 14 psi. If you've seen some people quote “2 atm” or “27 psi” or “27.4 psi” don't be concerned – they're quoting a scientific measurement of air pressure when compared to a vacuum.

Can I bring a heating pad in my carry-on? ›

TSA guidelines state that gel-filled heating pads are not permitted in carry-on bags, but can be checked. Electric heating pads that do not contain gel or liquid are not restricted in any way.

Is it OK to bring a ball on a plane? ›

Having to leave your favorite pigskin at home would be soooo deflating. Thankfully, inflatable sports equipment is allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. That includes inflatable footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, etc. Follow these tips when packing and you'll be on your way to gridiron glory.

What isn't allowed on a plane? ›

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

What is not allowed in hand carry? ›

List of Prohibited items in Cabin Baggage:
  • Dry cell batteries.
  • Knives, scissors, Swiss army knives and other sharp instruments.
  • Toy replicas of fire arms and ammunition.
  • Weapons such as whips, nan-chakus, baton, or stun gun.
  • Electronic devices which cannot be switched off.
  • Aerosols and liquids*

What is not considered a carry-on bag? ›

Domestic carry-on policies. A good rule of thumb is that if your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it's considered a personal item. This includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, etc. Larger bags, including suitcases, must fit in the overhead bin compartment.

Does TSA allow golf balls? ›

Whether you are a serious athlete or a casual player, most sports and exercise-related equipment is allowed in your carry-ons. The following sports balls can be included: basketballs, baseballs, footballs, soccer balls, golf balls, bocce balls and bowling balls. Sports cleats and helmets are also permitted.

Should I put my purse in my carry-on? ›

Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin, plus a “personal item” (a smaller purse, computer bag, diaper bag, small backpack, etc. which can go under the seat in front of your).

Can I put golf balls in my checked bag? ›

Checked Bags: Yes

page. The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

Should I put clothes in my carry-on? ›

Even if your flight is short and direct, it's still helpful to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your baggage gets delayed.

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