Freezing...can I bring electric blanket onto flight?
I am always freezing cold. I was looking around and found a battery operated electric blanket and was wondering if anyone ever used one on a flight, or if it's even allowed? I also found battery operated fleece vests, but the blanket just seems so cozy (I wish I had one right now!!!)
Battery life can't be good on those things, but I can't think of any reason you couldn't bring one aboard. You might actually be better off with those hand and foot warmers that hunters (and tailgaters like myself) use. They're designed to go inside mittens/gloves or your shoes, but they might offer you some warmth. They've helped me through many a sub-freezing football game!
How about a blanket designed for car use? You might be able to plug it into the power port on your aircraft if there are outlets available. Keep in mind that some airline systems can't support high current draws...here's one I found on Amazon with the search terms "electric car blanket."
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As long as you check it in baggage. No airport security is going to allow a device of unknown composition full of electrical wires and a control circuit past the security checkpoint. I still remember the case of the Chinese inventor who arrived in the US with his invention -- electrically heated shoes -- on his way to a meeting with a venture capital firm. The TSA confiscated his shoes, determined that it was an explosive device (thanks to the chinese batteries it used) and detonated it on the airport tarmac at SFO. They take those electrical wires seriously!
What you can use if you are cold is a space blanket (reflective foil). Very light and quite effective on planes as it reflects your body heat.
As long as you check it in baggage. No airport security is going to allow a device of unknown composition full of electrical wires and a control circuit past the security checkpoint.
Other than the previous poster's anecdotal evidence, I didn't see anything on the TSA's or FAA's websites that would prevent the traveler from bringing a heating blanket past security and onto the aircraft. However, actually plugging it in would require the approval of the PIC or airline (reference) due to the fact that it's "heat producing equipment." Since these blankets have a penchant for spontaneously catching fire, I'm not optimistic that the crew would be okay with that.
ThermaWraps that are used for back aches would be good if you could get them past security. They stay really warm for about eight hours - I used one last winter when our furnace went out.
What you can use if you are cold is a space blanket (reflective foil). Very light and quite effective on planes as it reflects your body heat.
Have you ever used one? I carry a foil blanket or bivvy bag in the bottom of my rucksack when I'm hiking or climbing. It was put in to action overnight during a mountain marathon last year, and I have to say I was stunned by how poorly it performed - managing to trap perspiration while allowing heat to escape
For the OP - would a blanket not suffice? I think any electrical contraption is likely to cause problems somewhere along the journey. Also, make sure you sit away from the emergency exits.
The space blankets (aka foil wraps) trap 100% of body moisture and make nasty noises every time you move. I think your seatmates will vehemently object to their use. Lightweight wool blankets can be used and also fleece polyester blankets are readilyavailable and far cheaper.
Wear long underwear, preferably the kind made of angora+silk or cashmere+silk. Medina is the best brand if you can get that. Works wonders and is not insanely expensive for what it is; i.e. around $70-100 for each the leggings and the long sleeve undershirt.
Still cold? Get a super lightweight down (feather) sweater from Patagonia or REI or others. They weigh around 4-5 oz and keep your core super warm without making you look like a marshmallow man or woman. They also stuff into their own pockets and thus take up minimal space. You'll love that.
A lot of (most of it) heat goes out through your head. So wrapping a fleece or light wool blanket around your shoulders and head will warm you immensely.
Besides these insulation tips, did you ever get your thyroid checked? My GF is always cold and the thyroid has to do with it.
I brought one on board and plugged it into the in-seat power. No problems.
No insult intended but the cultural divide between a European perspective and an American one really shows here.
The European tries to go to the heart of the problem by checking potential health factors. To solve the problem at hand he considers long underwear or a down jacket, versatile and small carbon footprint items that don't weigh much and have a long lifetime.
The American uses an electric heating blanket which is certainly made of synthetic material, uses extra electricity from the outside instead of conserving one's own warmth (higher carbon footprint), might break long before the clothes become unwearable and thus require replacement. Said blanket also requires extra space and is only useful to cover you but is not a clothing item. It will also work only where there is electricity.
If you relate this example to real world mentalities you have a pretty good picture of the differences in thinking between a classical American and a classical European perspective. Really interesting!
In what way does plugging in to a power source on board an aircraft increase ones carbon footprint?
That's like saying driving a car with its headlights on increases the footprint more than with them off.....
Love your stereotypes BTW... There are (not surprisingly) some real beauties about Europeans too.... but they belong in OMNI!
P.S. Is it a European thing to say "no insult intended" just before saying something insulting? DO Europeans think that makes it OK?
Nah, we don't think that makes it ok, but there is really non intended and we know how easily Americans can get hurt.
You are right about the stereotypes. Used correctly they are a wonderful tool for anthropological insight. And, of course, there are tons of stereotypes about any group. This time the situation just fit the stereotype to a T and that made it funny for me.
The carbon footprint increases due to the rather disposable nature of the blanket and the fact that it is most likely not used only on the plane. Besides that, whether the carbon footprint increases i.e. the actual output depends on the load on the alternator. Like a car driving with the AC on uses slightly more gas. Naturally, the blanket will put a minimal marginal load on the alternator of an aircraft. However, in principle, it is a device that uses electricity versus a device that conserves energy.
Not to have this degenerate into an American bashing thing, even if this time the American rationale is off. On many things the Americans just win hands down like practicality, convenience or less bureaucracy.
There are (not surprisingly) some real beauties about Europeans too.... but they belong in OMNI! 
