Ever wondered if you can travel with glow sticks on a plane? If you’re traveling to some celebratory destination or other (a wedding, sporting event, or party, for example), where you might feel the need to bust out glow sticks as part of your celebration, you’re in luck.

Can you bring glow sticks on a plane?

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), glow sticks are indeed allowed in both checked and carry-on luggage on flights in the United States. However, your glow sticks must conform with the TSA’s 3-1-1 Flight Rule. 

I’ll address this question in the article below and answer other common questions I hear from site visitors on this topic.

Get ready to learn some more valuable information!

Let’s get going.

What is the 3-1-1 Flight Rule?

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)’s website, “Glow sticks must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-on bags. Please place them in a single, quart-size bag with other liquids, gels and aerosols.”

For carry-on luggage, the TSA’s 3-1-1 Flight Rule, or 3-1-1 Liquids Rule, states that any liquids/lotions/gels/aerosols in your carry-on must be under 3.4 oz / 100 ml, and they must be packed neatly into a 1-quart size, clear, resealable plastic bag, like a Ziploc. This bag must be placed in a carry-on bag or in a separate plastic bag at the airport TSA security checkpoint for inspection before your departure. 

We always use the Gallon-sized ones, though. These ones.

Do I Have to Take Glow Sticks Out When Going Through Airport Security?

Removal of items from bags always depends on what airport you’re flying out of and who is enforcing policies on a given day. For example, sometimes you may be asked to remove your laptop from your bag, other times, you will not.

Yes, you may be asked to take your glow sticks out of your carry-on bag and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening when going through airport security. This usually applies to all liquids and gels, including glow sticks.

Can You Bring Glow Sticks in Your Checked Bags?

Yes, you can bring glow sticks in your checked bags. However, it is important to note that there may be restrictions on the type and quantity of glow sticks allowed in your checked bags, as certain chemicals used in glow sticks can be hazardous. Before packing glow sticks in your checked bags, it is always best to check with your airline or the TSA website for any specific guidelines or restrictions.

Can I Bring Glowing Bracelets or Necklaces on the Plane?

Yes, you can bring glowing bracelets or necklaces on the plane as long as they are not hazardous materials. However, checking with the airline or TSA for any specific restrictions or guidelines before packing them in your carry-on or checked baggage is best.

How Many Glow Sticks Can I Take on the Plane?

The number of glow sticks you can take on a plane will depend on the airline’s specific regulations. Generally, you can bring a small number of glow sticks in your carry-on bag or checked luggage, but it is best to check with the airline beforehand to confirm their policies.

In theory, you should be able to pack as many glow sticks as you like into your CHECKED luggage, but some airlines may restrict the amount of glow sticks you can bring due to safety concerns (chemicals, chemical reactions, etc.).

Will Glow Sticks Explode in Flight?

No, glow sticks will not explode in flight. Glow sticks are encased in plastic and contain a liquid that is activated when the stick is bent, creating a chemical reaction that produces light.  

Glow stick solution includes Hydrogen Peroxide inside the inner glass tube along with Phenyl Oxalate Ester and the fluorescent Dye solution. The materials are separated until you do break the glass tube inside and shake the glow stick. Then it will start a chemical reaction and start glowing. 

Glow sticks may sometimes burst open under pressure, but they are not flammable or explosive and won’t make a fire. If you pack them, pack them well because if they do explode because of the altitude, you’ll have a mess on your hands when you unpack!

Will Glow Sticks Activate in Flight?

It is unlikely that glow sticks will activate in flight. Glow sticks are activated by bending them, which breaks a small glass vial inside the stick and mixes the chemicals inside. The pressure changes and temperature variations during a flight are not enough to cause this to happen.

However, keeping the glow sticks in a sealed container is always a good idea and avoiding storing them with other items that may be sensitive to chemicals or heat. It’s also important to check with the airline regarding their policy on carrying glow sticks in your carry-on or checked baggage.

Are Glow Sticks Flammable?

No, glow sticks are not flammable. They contain a small glass vial inside containing a mixture of chemicals activated when the stick is bent. These chemicals are not flammable and will not catch fire. They produce light through a chemical reaction, not through combustion.

However, it’s always a good idea to keep glow sticks away from heat sources and open flames, and to store them in a sealed container, as some of the chemicals that are used in glow sticks may be harmful if inhaled or ingested.

Are Glow Sticks Full of Glass?

No, glow sticks do not contain a lot of glass. They contain a small glass vial inside that holds a mixture of chemicals that are activated when the stick is bent. This vial is typically made of a small, thin glass and is designed to break easily when the stick is bent.

The rest of the glow stick is made of plastic. Some other brands use a different material like plastic instead of glass. It’s always important to read the instructions and be careful when handling the glow sticks, as the broken glass vial may cause injury if not handled properly.

So, Can You Bring Glow Sticks on a Plane? 

The TSA has deemed glow sticks as safe to travel with in carry-on and checked luggage. The number of glow sticks you can take on a plane will depend on your airline’s specific regulations. Generally, you can bring a small number of glow sticks in your carry-on bag or checked luggage, but it is best to check with the airline beforehand to confirm their policies.

In theory, you should be able to pack as many glow sticks as you like into your CHECKED luggage, but some airlines may restrict the amount of glow sticks you can bring due to safety concerns (chemicals, chemical reactions, etc.).