If you’re getting ready to travel and wondering if you (or your little one) can bring a weighted stuffed animal on a plane (or weighted blanket, weighted vest, etc.), there is good news. Most airlines are accommodating and allow for “stuffed stowaways” to travel with you (preferably packed in checked or carry-on luggage).
In addition, most airlines allow for one carry-on bag as well as one “personal item” per passenger, so assuming the stuffed animal (including weighted ones) can fit in your lap (or at least in the overhead bin above, or under the seat in front of you), that’s another way your plush friend can travel with you.
Just be sure to keep close tabs on your travel companion, as carry-on and personal items are often lost along the way.
Ultimately, bringing your stuffed animal on your trip with you will depend on your airline’s baggage policy, on the flight attendants’ discretion, and on the final decision made by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent on duty. Though typically, this shouldn’t ever pose a problem.
How Do You Travel With A Weighted Stuffed Animal?
When the stuffed passenger gets to the security checkpoint, he or she will have to go through the X-ray screening process (so the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents can rest assured that there’s nothing untoward packed inside. In an incident a few years back, TSA agents at the Orlando airport discovered a loaded firearm inside a stuffed bear.
When it comes to your stuffed travel partner’s size, it can only help your cause to be “reasonable.” Larger stuffed animals might need to be crammed into your checked bags.
If you’re traveling with a stuffed animal that’s the size of a small person, the item may need a seat of its own (if you can’t fit it above you or under the seat in front of you). You may be lucky enough to find a spare seat nearby, or perhaps the stuffed animal is valuable enough to you or your child that you want to purchase it a seat.
Related: Can I Bring Glow Sticks on a Plane?
If you’re boarding a full flight with such a large stuffed item, you may have to either figure out another way to get your cargo to your destination.
Is a Weighted Stuffed Animal Considered a Carry-on Item?
A weighted stuffed animal can possibly be considered a carry-on item if it’s being carried loosely instead of packed in one of your bags. Most airlines allow for a carry-on item and a “personal item” for each passenger, so a loose weighted stuffed animal might be considered a carry-on or a personal item.
Unless the need arises for a child who wants to travel with the stuffed animal in his or her lap, the weighted stuffed animal should be able to fit in the overhead bin above you or under the seat in front of you. The best way to travel with any stuffed animal is to pack him or her into your checked or carry-on luggage.
Can I Hold a Weighted Stuffed Animal on a Plane?
If you’re traveling with a little one and are wondering whether a weighted stuffed animal can travel in your child’s lap, this is ultimately up to the discretion of the flight attendants on duty. Technically, all carry-on and personal items need to fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat in front of you, but you may be able to get permission for your child to travel with his or her stuffed animal in their lap.
If the stuffed animal is weighted and intended for therapeutic purposes, it can never hurt to have a doctor’s note on hand, though again, you need to keep possible size constraints in mind.
You, or your child, likely won’t be allowed to carry the stuffed animal while going through the metal detector/screening machinery, so be sure you’ve prepared for this.
Can I Bring a Squishmallow on a Plane?
Can you bring your favorite Squishmallow on board your flight with you? As long as the item can fit in the overhead luggage bin or underneath the seat in front of you (or in a traveler’s lap, as the need may arise), you can bring your Squishmallow on the plane with you. Ideally, you should pack your Squishmallow in your checked or carry-on baggage for safekeeping while you travel.
Can I Bring a Build-a-Bear on a Plane With Me?
As long as the item meets the size and weight requirements, most airlines allow for furry stuffed passengers on board. Ideally, you would pack the item in your checked or carry-on luggage. Items brought on board will need to fit into the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, but flight attendants may allow a child to travel with his or her favorite stuffed animal in their lap. Items brought on board will also need to pass security as any other item would.
So, Can You Bring Weighted Stuffed Animals On A Plane?
Yes, you can bring your weighted stuffed animal (or weighted blanket, weighted vest, etc.) onto a plane with you–with some size and practicality requirements. Most airlines these days are “stuffed animal friendly,” and will for stuffed animals, including weighted ones to be brought on board.
The best way to travel with stuffed animals is to ensure they are packed in your checked or carry-on luggage, though you may be traveling with a child who insists on carrying his or her favorite plushy onto the flight as either a carry-on item or a personal item. Just be sure to keep close tabs on your extra stuffed passenger.
Ultimately, bringing any item on board with you will depend on your airline’s baggage policy, on the flight attendants’ discretion (the stuffed animal may need to be put into the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you), and on the final decision made by the TSA agent on duty (the stuffed animal will have to undergo the same baggage screening process as any other item taken on board the plane).
Most stuffed animals are allowed to travel hassle-free, however.