When embarking on adventures, prioritizing safety is paramount, and this extends beyond the usual packing of first-aid kits and travel insurance. For discerning travelers, including a Travel Carbon Monoxide Detector in your luggage is a smart step towards enhanced safety. Carbon monoxide (CO), often called the “silent killer,” is, as firefighter Delfin III Lopez from Barrie Fire Emergency Service in Canada explains, a “colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas” that “can be fatal even in small concentrations.”
Carbon monoxide detectors are designed to vigilantly monitor and alert you to dangerous levels of this gas, measured in parts per million (ppm). Inspired by alarming stories of travelers falling victim to carbon monoxide poisoning in accommodations, I decided to invest in portable detectors for my own travels. Now, I advocate for every traveler to include a carbon monoxide detector in their essential travel gear, ensuring peace of mind wherever they stay.
Our Top Picks for Travel Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Best Overall: First Alert Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector at Amazon $28
Jump to Review - Best Plug-in: Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, AC Plug-In at Amazon $25
Jump to Review - Best Budget: X-Sense Carbon Monoxide Detector at Amazon $29
Jump to Review - Best Rechargeable: Pildegro 3-in-1 Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector at Amazon $40
Jump to Review - Best Car Mount: Forensics Car, Vehicle, Aircraft CO Detector at Amazon $100
Jump to Review
Best Travel Carbon Monoxide Detectors: In-depth Reviews
Best Overall
First Alert Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: The First Alert Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector stands out as the best overall choice due to its highly sensitive electrochemical sensor that efficiently detects carbon monoxide from any location within a room. Its plug-in design ensures easy setup in diverse travel accommodations.
What to Consider: Some users might find the red “normal functioning” indicator on the display counterintuitive, as green is typically associated with ‘safe’ in similar devices.
The First Alert CO605 Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup is a top-tier portable safety device for travelers. Its simple plug-in mechanism makes it incredibly user-friendly across various settings, from hotel rooms to vacation rentals. The inclusion of a battery backup is particularly valuable, offering continuous protection even during power outages, a common travel disruption. Equipped with an advanced electrochemical sensor, this detector provides performance comparable to home-based units, effectively monitoring carbon monoxide levels throughout the room, which is crucial in spaces with less conveniently placed power outlets.
Furthermore, this detector is UL certified, affirming its reliability through rigorous testing and ensuring it alarms effectively at dangerous carbon monoxide levels. While it doesn’t provide real-time PPM readings on a display, it compensates with a loud 85-decibel alarm that sounds four beeps when gas is detected, ensuring you are promptly alerted to potential danger.
The Details: 4.2 ounces | 3.4 x 1.38 x 5 inches | 120 volts
Best Plug-in
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, AC Plug-In
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: The Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, AC Plug-In is highly appreciated for its tamper-resistant feature, which activates an alarm if the unit is dislodged or unplugged, adding an extra layer of security and ensuring it remains functional during your stay.
What to Consider: Some users have noted that installing the backup batteries can be somewhat complicated, which might require a bit of patience during initial setup.
The Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector, AC Plug-In, is designed with essential travel-friendly features, including a standard 120V plug and a crucial battery backup. It also boasts innovative functionalities such as Peak Level Memory, which records the highest CO concentration detected, valuable for understanding potential exposure levels. The Smart Hush button is another excellent feature, allowing temporary silencing for about eight minutes to manage false alarms from cooking fumes or shower steam, common in rental accommodations.
The 85-decibel alarm is undeniably loud, a critical feature for emergencies, but some users found it overly sensitive during tests or when triggered by minor environmental factors. The detector’s lithium battery is designed to last for a decade, offering long-term reliability comparable to the lifespan of a passport, making it a dependable travel companion for many years.
The Details: 8 ounces | 2.75 x 1.5 x 4.5 inches | 120 volts
Best Budget
X-Sense Carbon Monoxide Detector
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: The X-Sense Carbon Monoxide Detector is celebrated for its portability and user-friendly freestanding design, making it exceptionally convenient for travelers who prioritize ease of use and setup in various locations.
What to Consider: The replaceable batteries have a lifespan of only five years, which is shorter compared to some other models with 10-year batteries, potentially requiring more frequent replacements over time.
The X-Sense Carbon Monoxide Detector is a lightweight and highly portable device, comparable in size to a TV remote, making it ideal for travel. Its versatile setup allows it to be placed freestanding on surfaces like counters or dressers, offering flexibility in positioning within your accommodation. Beyond travel, it can also be wall-mounted for home use, providing continuous protection whether you are on the move or at home.
A standout feature is its real-time ppm display, typically found in more expensive models, providing immediate and precise carbon monoxide readings. The device also includes clear color-coded indicators, eliminating any ambiguity during emergencies, ensuring quick and informed responses. For travel convenience, the battery is replaceable and can be removed and safely stored during transit.
The Details: 3.2 ounces | 0.6 x 5.3 x 2.5 inches | Up to 5 years of battery life
Best Rechargeable
Pildegro 3-in-1 Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: The Pildegro 3-in-1 Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector excels with its rechargeable 1000mAh battery, offering an impressive 120 hours of operation after just 1.5 hours of charging via USB-C, making it perfect for extended trips and off-grid adventures.
What to Consider: The device buttons lack labels, requiring users to memorize button functions for operations like resetting the alarm, which might be inconvenient in urgent situations.
For travelers venturing off-the-beaten-path, the Pildegro 3-in-1 Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector is an excellent choice. Its rapid-recharge battery ensures a long-lasting power supply (up to 120 hours), making it ideal for remote locations and extended travel. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, this detector offers versatile placement options: hang it with the included lanyard, place it on a surface, or use the magnetic backing for attachment to metal surfaces.
This multipurpose device not only detects carbon monoxide within a broad range of 0 to 500 ppm but also measures temperature and humidity, reducing the need for multiple gadgets. It features an adjustable warning range (25 to 125 ppm), useful for minimizing false alarms in environments like kitchens or bathrooms where steam and cooking fumes are present. Labeling the buttons would enhance user-friendliness, but its comprehensive functionality and portability make it a valuable travel safety tool.
The Details: 3.52 ounces | 2.99 x 2.76 x 1.18 inches | Up to 120 hours of battery life | Rechargeable
Best Car Mount
Forensics Car, Vehicle, Aircraft CO Detector
PHOTO: Amazon
Why We Love It: The Forensics Car, Vehicle, Aircraft CO Detector is praised for its compact and robust design, featuring a sticky adhesive mount that easily secures to a vehicle dashboard, ensuring convenient and reliable carbon monoxide detection on the go.
What to Consider: The included batteries have a shorter lifespan, lasting only eight to twelve months, requiring more frequent battery changes compared to detectors designed for home use.
Enhance your road trip safety with the Forensics Car, Vehicle, and Aircraft CO detector. Unlike standard indoor detectors that typically alarm at 30 ppm, this device is designed for vehicles and transportation environments, featuring low-level alarms at 9 ppm and 25 ppm, crucial for enclosed spaces like cars and aircraft. Utilizing Japanese sensor technology, it provides highly sensitive carbon monoxide detection. When CO is detected, it alerts you with a 70-decibel buzzer and a flashing red light, ensuring you are promptly informed.
Installation is straightforward with a stick-on tab for dashboard mounting, and its single-button operation simplifies use. The primary consideration is the battery life, which ranges from eight to twelve months, necessitating periodic replacements to maintain continuous functionality.
The Details: 2 ounces | 0.8 x 1.9 x 2.7 inches
Key Considerations When Buying a Travel Carbon Monoxide Detector
Prioritize Portability and Size
When choosing a portable carbon monoxide detector, size and weight are critical factors. Ideally, your detector should be no larger than a smartphone, easily fitting into your carry-on luggage, checked bags, or a backpack. Bulkier detectors are less likely to be brought along, defeating their purpose. Look for compact, lightweight models that won’t add unnecessary weight or take up valuable packing space.
Seek Additional Features for Enhanced Functionality
For those seeking advanced travel carbon monoxide detectors, consider models with extra features that enhance their utility. Smart plug-in detectors, for example, allow you to monitor carbon monoxide levels via smartphone apps, offering remote monitoring and alerts. Some advanced detectors include wireless interconnection, providing voice alerts that specify the location of detected CO, useful in larger accommodations. Another valuable feature is dual-detection capability, where a single unit detects both carbon monoxide and smoke, providing comprehensive safety in one device.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Carbon Monoxide Detectors
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Is it necessary to travel with a portable carbon monoxide detector?
Absolutely. A portable carbon monoxide detector is an essential travel safety device, similar in importance to a personal alarm or an anti-theft backpack. It is a life-saving tool that protects you and your family in unfamiliar environments. While many regions, like parts of the United States, mandate carbon monoxide detectors in hotels and motels, these regulations are not universal.
Airbnb and VRBO hosts are also not legally obligated to install CO detectors, though these platforms strongly recommend them, especially in sleeping areas. However, it is risky to assume that your accommodation is equipped with a detector. The safest approach is to proactively contact your hotel or rental host to confirm if they have detectors installed. Their response will help you determine if packing your own detector is necessary.
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Can I bring a carbon monoxide detector through TSA security?
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits carbon monoxide detectors in both carry-on and checked luggage. If your detector uses spare lithium batteries exceeding 100 watt-hours, TSA guidelines require these to be placed in your carry-on baggage. Always check the TSA’s official guidelines for the most current regulations before traveling with lithium batteries.
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Are plug-in carbon monoxide detectors effective?
Plug-in carbon monoxide detectors are just as effective as battery-operated models. They draw power from electrical outlets and are exceptionally convenient as they require no installation beyond plugging them in. According to firefighter Delfin III Lopez, the best plug-in detectors are those equipped with a battery backup. This feature ensures continued operation during power outages, providing an added layer of safety and reliability when you travel.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
This article is based on the expertise of Sarah Kester, a seasoned gear and travel writer with extensive experience in evaluating travel safety products. Sarah is dedicated to promoting travel safety and increasing awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. As a cautious traveler herself, she personally uses the First Alert CO605 Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Detector and the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector Plug-in during her travels. Her recommendations are further supported by an interview with Delfin III Lopez, a firefighter from the Barrie Fire Emergency Service in Canada, who provided professional insights and safety advice.
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Edited by Taylor Fox, Outdoor Gear Editor at Travel + Leisure. Learn more about our team
