Can You Bring This On The Plane? All Your Burning Questions Answered

Traveling can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to packing and determining what items you can take on the plane.

What can you bring on the plane? Are magnets allowed? How about skateboards and longboards? Is it safe to bring matches?

We totally get it, there are a bunch of random items that you may be questioning whether they’re allowed or not. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just getting ready for your first trip, it’s important to make sure you know the dos and don’ts of packing for air travel.

In this article, we’ll answer all your burning questions about one-off items that you can and cannot bring on an airplane.

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Table of Contents

Can You Bring Magnets On A Plane?

Yes, you can bring magnets on a plane as long as they are properly packaged and do not pose a risk to the safety of the aircraft. It is generally safe to bring small magnets, such as those found in refrigerator magnets or educational toys, on a plane in your carry-on luggage or checked baggage.

However, larger magnets, such as those used in MRI machines or motors, may be restricted due to their size and strength. These types of magnets may need to be shipped separately as air cargo.

It is always a good idea to check with the airline and follow their guidelines for packing and transporting magnets.

In addition, be aware that some electronic devices, such as laptop computers and smartphones, contain magnets and may be subject to additional screening. It is important to follow all security measures and guidelines when traveling with any item, including magnets.

Can You Bring A Massage Gun On A Plane?

Yes, you can bring a massage gun on a plane. These days, there are even massage guns made specifically for travel, like the Hypervolt GO.

Most airlines allow small, portable massage guns in carry-on luggage or checked baggage.

Having said that, some airlines may have restrictions on items that contain lithium batteries, so first, you should check if your massage gun falls in this category or not. For example, the Hypervolt GO, though it has lithium batteries, it’s still a TSA-approved carry-on item.

In addition, it is important to follow all airport security guidelines when traveling with a massage gun. This may include removing the massage gun from your luggage and placing it in a separate bin during the security screening process.

Can You Bring Eyebrow Razors On A Plane?

Yes, you can bring eyebrow razors on a plane either in your carry-on or checked baggage. Most airlines allow small personal grooming items, such as eyebrow razors, in carry-on luggage or checked baggage.

This is one that I’ve personally been doing for years without giving it any thought. I have an eyebrow razor that just sits in my makeup back at all times. I’ve never been flagged for it in any security checks, domestically or internationally, so you’re good here.

While some countries have restrictions on items that may be considered dangerous or hazardous, such as sharp objects, I’ve never been stopped for it. Having said that, in the slight chance that you do get searched, you may need to be ready to part with it.

I’d recommend just bringing one (instead of a whole pack) if you’re going to be carrying them in your carry-on luggage.

Can You Bring Tweezers On A Plane?

Yes, you can bring eyebrow razors on a plane either in your carry-on or checked baggage. Most airlines allow small personal grooming items, such as tweezers and eyebrow razors, in carry-on luggage or checked baggage.

I’ve done this for years and have no issues with security checks whatsoever.

Can You Bring Nail Polish On A Plane?

Yes, you can bring nail polish on a plane as long as it meets the size and quantity restrictions for liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in carry-on and checked baggage set by the airline.

These restrictions typically allow you to bring items in containers with a capacity of no more than 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) per item, and all items must be placed in a single, quart-sized, clear plastic, sealable bag.

In addition to the LAGs restrictions set by the airline, it is important to be aware of any liquid, aerosol, and gel regulations of the destination country. Some countries have stricter restrictions on LAGs than others, and it is a good idea to research the regulations of the country you are visiting before packing nail polish in your luggage.

Can You Bring A Skateboard On A Plane?

In the USA, TSA doesn’t have a problem with passengers taking skateboards through airport security. However, they ask that you check with your airline for any size or weight restrictions.

In short, skateboards can be allowed onboard a plane alongside your carry-on or in a carry-on bag. Some airlines, like Alaska, Delta, and Hawaiian say that your carry-on can be 45 linear inches.

If it doesn’t fit in your carry-on bag, then having a skateboard-friendly backpack that you can strap your board to should help get it onboard. As long as you have a spot in the overhead bin to stow your backpack/board, you should be fine. Something like this should also work.

Some airlines like Southwest Airlines do unassigned, first-come first-served seating. If you’re lucky enough to get an early boarding group, you can get on the plane before a lot of other travelers and find a place for your deck.

Others airlines, however, allow travelers onboard depending on what row you’re in. If you’re in the back of the plane, your chances of finding overhead bin space will be slimmer.

In this case, they may check it planeside, which means they’ll put it in the plane storage for the duration of the flight, but you’ll be able to pick it up immediately in the jet bridge upon landing (which is a pretty convenient option).

However, in some instances, you won’t be able to avoid not having to check your board, in which case we strongly recommend you buy a travel/skate bag along the lines of a Sector 9 Field Bag, which allows you to condense everything down into one check-able item,

Every airline is different, and domestic flights usually tend to be more relaxed when it comes to items carried aboard.

Please check with your airline for any size or weight restrictions to determine whether or not you’ll need to check it for your specific flight.

Can You Bring A Longboard On A Plane?

This is another one that depends on a case-by-case basis.

Short answer: Yes, similar to the skateboard question above, you can bring a longboard on a plane as long as it meets the size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage set by the airline.

Again, some airlines, like Alaska, Delta, and Hawaiian say that your carry-on can be 45 linear inches.

Airlines are more likely to let you take your longboard with you on a plane if it’s small enough to fit under your seat or at least in the overhead compartment. If your flight is relatively empty or you’re able to get onto the plane early enough to secure overhead bin space, then you should be good.

If the flight is full and overhead bin space is limited, they may ask you to check it when they see you trying to bring it on.

It also depends on where you’re flying. In general, TSA and airline staff in the USA tend to be more relaxed with travelers carrying skateboards and longboards onto a plane compared to European airlines and other airlines around the world.

And while some airlines allow you to bring a longboard as a carry-on item, some may require it to be checked due to its size.

To transport a longboard as checked luggage, it is important to properly package it to prevent damage during travel. You can do this by using a sturdy longboard bag or wrapping it in protective materials such as bubble wrap or blankets.

Keep in mind that longboards are subject to the same restrictions as other sports equipment, such as skis, snowboards, and surfboards. These will count as one checked item, so depending on which airline you’re flying with, this could cost you extra.

Ultimately, it’s a good idea to check with your airline beforehand to understand their specific policies and fees.

Can You Bring A Tennis Racket On A Plane?

Yes, you can bring a tennis racket on a plane as long as it meets the size and weight restrictions for luggage set by the airline. Most airlines allow you to bring a tennis racket as a carry-on item or as checked baggage, although some may require it to be checked due to its size.

To transport a tennis racket on a plane, it’s probably best to go with a 2-in-1 option — getting yourself a backpack that specifically fits tennis rackets.

You’ll want to properly package your rackets to prevent damage during travel. You can do this by stowing it in your backpack, using a protective racket bag, or wrapping it in protective materials such as bubble wrap or blankets.

Keep in mind that tennis rackets are considered sports equipment and, if you’re not able to fit it in your checked luggage, it may be subject to the same restrictions as other sports equipment, such as skis, snowboards, and surfboards.

If this is the case, you may be required to pay an additional fee to bring a tennis racket as checked luggage, so it is a good idea to check with the airline beforehand to understand their specific policies and fees.

Can You Bring A Baseball Bat On A Plane?

Ah, another odd-shaped sports instrument! This one has more clear-cut rules.

Here is the short answer: Yes, baseball bats are allowed on planes, but only in checked luggage.

Per the TSA website, sports equipment that can be used as a bludgeon (such as bats and clubs) is prohibited in the cabin of the plane and must be transported in your checked baggage.

Again, if you can fit this into your checked luggage, you’ll be able to save on additional fees that may be incurred if you’re flying with an airline that charges you per checked item.

If you’re flying with Southwest, you can check your bat and have it count as one of your free checked items.

Can You Bring Cigars On A Plane?

Yes, cigars are allowed both in your carry-on and in your checked bag. Most airlines allow small amounts of tobacco products, including cigars, in carry-on luggage or checked baggage.

If flying internationally pay attention to the number of cigars you are allowed to bring in and out of the country on both legs of your flight.

In addition to the size and quantity restrictions set by the airline, it is important to be aware of any tobacco-related regulations of the destination country. Some countries have restrictions on the import and export of tobacco products, including cigars, and may have specific requirements for declaring and paying duties on these items.

It is a good idea to research the tobacco-related regulations of the country you are visiting before packing cigars in your luggage.

Can You Bring Matches On A Plane?

In short, you can bring matches but they have to be safety matches and they need to be in your carry-on only.

According to the TSA, you are not permitted to bring strike-anywhere matches on a plane in either your carry-on luggage or your checked luggage. This includes storm-proof or water-proof matches, which are also NOT allowed on planes.

The only matches that you are permitted to bring when flying are safety matches.

By definition, safety matches ignite only when struck on a specially prepared surface, especially the side of a matchbook or matchbox, such as these by the Diamond brand.

One book or box of safety matches are permitted as carry-on items, but all matches are prohibited in checked baggage.

Can You Bring A Lighter On A Plane?

Lighters are allowed in carry-on bags as long as they are disposable or Zippo-type lighters. They can still have fuel in them as well. Additionally, it is best to just carry one lighter per carry-on bag.

Now moving onto checked luggage rules. Disposable and Zippo lighters without fuel are allowed in checked bags. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked bags.

Can You Bring A JetBoil Or Camp Stove On A Plane?

Yes, although you’ll have to leave your fuel at home. While the FAA allows you to travel with your camping stove, you cannot bring any fuel. You can purchase fuel at your destination.

Typically, camp stoves are permitted to be packed as either carry-on or checked luggage. However, in all cases, in order to transport the camp stove via airplane, it is necessary to empty the camp stove of its fuel and clean your stove to make sure there is no residue or leftover vapors on it.

Please note that Hawaiian Airlines does not allow stoves of any kind, used or new, to be checked or carried on.

As always, when in doubt, please check with the specific airline you are traveling with for complete rules and guidelines.

It is also important to follow all airport security guidelines when traveling with a JetBoil or camp stove. This may include removing these items from your luggage and placing it in a separate bin during the security screening process.

Can You Bring Plants On A Plane?

It depends. Within the USA, you can bring plants on a plane as long as they meet the size and quantity restrictions for carry-on and checked baggage set by the airline.

Most airlines allow small, non-toxic plants in carry-on luggage or checked baggage, although some may have specific restrictions on the types of plants that are allowed. It is important to check with the airline beforehand to confirm their specific policies and to make sure that the plants are properly packaged to prevent damage during travel.

In addition to the size and quantity restrictions set by the airline, it is important to be aware of any plant-related regulations of the destination country. Some countries have restrictions on the import and export of plants and plant products, including live plants, seeds, and cut flowers.

It is a good idea to do some research ahead of time on the plant-related regulations of the country you are visiting before packing plants in your luggage.

For example, let’s say you want to buy a plant from Hawaii and bring it back to the mainland where you live. If you’re thinking of buying something from the farmers market and bringing this with you on the plane, bad news.

Moving soil into the U.S. mainland from overseas is banned entirely. Plants need to be bare-rooted and washed, or better yet, restricted to dry seeds and soil-free cuttings. You must present all food, plants, and other agricultural items to the USDA inspector at the airport before you leave Hawaii.

However, all hope is not lost. In the Hawaii example, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has an inspection program that allows certified nurseries to ship plants directly to you.

We recommend doing research on your departing and arriving destination before making your decision to bring plants on the plane.

Can You Bring Pepper Spray On A Plane?

It depends. It is not allowed to bring pepper spray on a plane via carry-on luggage. However, you can bring some types of pepper spray in checked baggage.

Let’s start with carry-on regulations. Pepper spray is considered a hazardous or dangerous item and is not permitted on planes due to the risk of injury to passengers and crew. In addition, some countries have strict regulations on the possession and use of pepper spray, and it is illegal to bring it into some countries.

There are some exceptions to this rule, such as for law enforcement officials traveling on duty.

Moving onto checked luggage. One 4 fl. oz. (118 ml) container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Self-defense sprays containing more than 2 percent by mass of tear gas (CS or CN) are prohibited in checked baggage.

In general, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the prohibited items list of the airline and the destination country before packing any items in your luggage. It is important to follow all guidelines and regulations to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience.

Can You Bring Your Own Tea Bags Or Instant Coffee On A Plane?

Yes. If you’re allowed to bring premade hot drinks, powdered supplements, and electrolyte packets, then you can definitely bring tea bags and instant coffee on a plane.

GAME-CHANGING GADGETS FOR SMARTER AIRPORT TRAVEL

These are some of my favorite airport/airplane travel products that free my hands up and make traveling so much more convenient. Say goodbye to the days of fumbling around or not having enough hands for things.

Add-a-Bag Hook and Hanger Strap | Have a purse, briefcase, tote bag, or bag of souvenirs that’s causing you inconvenience by needing to be carried? Get this bag hook and attach it to your luggage so you only need one hand to tow everything with you.
riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder | This foldable drink caddy holds 2 cups, perfect for your pre-flight coffees and fountain drinks. There’s also room to hold books, iPads, phones, tickets and documents.
Traveling Hat Clip | Have you ever brought a wide-brimmed hat on vacation and found it to be the most annoying thing to travel with? A hat clip for your bag or backpack completely removes the struggle of needing to carry your hat in hand!
Flight Flap Phone & Tablet Holder | Attaches to airline seat backs so you can watch movies hands-free. Also great for standing your phone up on tables too!
Clipa2 – The Instant Bag Hanger Collection | Hang your bag or purse literally anywhere (on your luggage, on restaurant tables, hotel rooms, etc).
Priority Pass – I have had a Priority Pass membership since 2018, and I don’t think I’ll ever give it up! I love being able to gorge on lounge food/drink, shower, nap, and relax in peace before my flight. If you’re wondering if this pass is worth it, it is! (Especially if you travel internationally — the lounge options have gotten kind of poopie domestically, but are still amazing in other countries!)