Can I bring food on a plane?

Flying can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re not sure what you can bring and what you can’t.

You might want something to eat on a long flight. Or maybe you’d like to bring food for your trip that would go bad while you’re gone.

So you’re left wondering, “can I bring food on a plane?”

We’ll answer this question for you in this complete article. By the end, you’ll know exactly what foods are allowed and which ones are not. We’ll also discuss how food rules differ on international flights vs. domestic flights. Stick around until the end to hear some of my personal recommendations to ensure you have a stress-free trip.

You can bring most solid food in your checked bag or carry-on bag. Some foods, including canned foods and frozen foods may be subject to additional screening and other requirements. Foods that are considered liquid such as yogurt, honey, or creamy cheese must be smaller than 3.4 ounces or 100 mL to carry on a plane. If you want to bring liquid larger than 3.4 ounces, it must go in your checked bags.

The TSA is more strict with liquids or gels, because they may contain enough explosive material to be dangerous.

Keep reading for a complete list of 1) solid foods with no restrictions, 2) solid foods with restrictions and 3) foods, liquids, and dips that fall under the TSA’s liquid rules.

Note: The lists of food and liquid in this article are pulled from the food section of TSA’s ‘What can I bring’ webpage. I’ve categorized every food and liquid item on the list to help you better understand the requirements before you board your plane.

Solid Foods with No Restrictions

• Nuts
• Crackers
• Cereal
• Coffee thermos (empty)
• Tea (dry tea bags or tea leaves)
• Cheese (solid)
• Dried Fruits
• Bread
• Solid Foods
• Cooked meat, seafood and vegetable (no liquid)
• Granola Bars
• Protein Powders or Supplements
• Chocolate (solid)
• Pet food (solid)
• Coffee (beans or ground)
• Spices (dry)
• Snacks
• Pies and Cakes
• Sandwiches
• Fresh Eggs
• Gum
• Candy
• Cookies
• Salt
• Pizza

You can bring all of the solid food above in your carry on bag with no restrictions.

You might encounter an issue if:

• You have something in your carry-on bag obstructing the X-ray screening.
• You cannot lift your carry-on into the overhead bin or fit it under your seat.

Most airlines don’t have weight requirements for carry ons. The bag just needs to fit in an overhead compartment or under your seat.

To avoid getting stopped at airport security, make sure to organize your carry-on bag or suitcase.

For your information: the “Solid Foods” category above likely covers any solid foods that the TSA doesn’t specify on their website.

Solid Foods with Restrictions

Live Lobster

Live lobster must be in a “clear, plastic, and spillproof container” according to the TSA’s website. It will be closely inspected at the security checkpoint before you can bring it on a plane. With live lobster, it’s best to check with your airline, as the rules and requirements may vary.

Baby Food

The TSA allows “reasonable quantities” of baby food on a plane. This can exceed the 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters requirement. The TSA isn’t exact about how much baby food is allowed on a plane, but check with your airline for more specific requirements.

Frozen food, fresh meat, fresh seafood, and gel ice packs

These last four items fall under a similar category: they’re all food that may require some ice or ice packs. For frozen food, fresh meat, or seafood, the ice packs must be frozen completely. They cannot be partially or completely melted.

You can also pack food in dry ice, which will stay frozen for much longer. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), you can bring a maximum of five pounds of dry ice in a ventilated and appropriately marked container.

Canned foods

Some canned foods may be subject to the TSA’s 3:1:1 liquid rule. This means that you can only bring 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters of liquid on the plane. When flying with liquids, they must all fit in a one quart sized bag.

The TSA coined this the 3:1:1 rule because of the 3.4 ounces, 100 mL, and 1 quart sized bag requirements.

There are a lot of different canned foods and there’s a gray area between what is considered food and what’s considered a liquid. So, you are probably better off putting the cans in your checked bag. Or just leave them at home to avoid unnecessary delays or conflicts with TSA agents.

You can technically bring 3.4 ounces of canned liquid on a plane, but most cans are not that small. Most canned soup and fruit for example will likely be larger than this requirement.

Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, etc.)

Although most creamy food, dips, and liquids don’t fit the 3.4 ounce or 100 mL requirement, toiletries are one of the most commonly accepted items for your carry-on.

I know these are not food, but this may be helpful information for you as you pack for your trip.

Toiletries in travel-sized containers that hold less than 3.4 ounces or 100 mL are allowed in carry-on bags. They must all fit into one quart-sized bag in your carry-on luggage.

If you have larger containers, you can bring them on your trip. But they must be in your checked baggage.

Foods, Dips, and Liquids That Fall Under TSA’s Liquid Rules

• Yogurt
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Coffee (liquid)
• Soups
• Jam and jelly
• Oils and vinegars
• Peanut butter
• Cheese (creamy)
• Juices
• Soda
• Ice cream
• Alcoholic beverages
• Bottled water
• Hummus
• Creamy dips and spreads
• Salsa and sauces
• Gravy
• Chocolate (liquid)
• Salad dressing
• Pet food (wet)

This list includes the foods, dips, sauces, and liquids that are subject to TSA’s liquid rules. For the foods and liquids listed above, the TSA allows you to carry a maximum of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters on a plane.

What food cannot be taken on a plane?

If you have more than 3.4 ounces or 100 mL of certain foods or liquids at the security checkpoint, you’ll be asked to dispose of the liquid. See above for a complete list according to the TSA.

So, what should you do if you’re stopped by a TSA agent because of food or liquid?

Here are a few options for you.

1. Dump the food item or liquid out and carry on the empty container or bottle.
2. Pass the food item or liquid to a friend who’s not traveling.
3. Transfer the food or liquid to your checked baggage.
4. Throw away the food or liquid.

For some liquids, the TSA makes exceptions. These include:

• Baby formula
• Breast milk
• Juice or water for babies

The TSA is a bit more lenient with baby food and liquid products compared to other liquids. In most cases, you’re allowed to bring more than 3.4 oz or 100 mL on a plane. They do not need to fit in a quart sized bag.

But I recommend checking with the airline first. The TSA’s website is a little vague on baby food and liquid requirements, stating that a “reasonable quantity” is allowed on a plane. If you have quite a bit more than 3.4 ounces, you may be subject to additional screening.

Keep in mind that baby formula, breast milk, and juice or water for babies must be screened separately. In some cases, TSA agents may test the liquid for explosives. This involves giving a small amount of the liquid to the agent for testing.

Now that you know the 3.4 ounce or 100 milliliter rule, you might be wondering: can I bring an empty water bottle on a plane?

Yes, you can bring empty water bottles, coffee thermoses, and other liquid containers on a plane. Just make sure they are completely empty before going through security.

You can also pass through security with over 3.4 ounces of frozen liquids. But if they become slushy or liquid before boarding the plane, they may be confiscated.

Packing Food in Checked Luggage

In checked bags, you have no restrictions on the type of food you can bring on a plane. It’s worth noting that your luggage must weigh less than the max requirements outlined by the airline. Most of the major airlines require checked bags to weigh less than 50 pounds. So you’re somewhat limited in how much you can bring.

Similar to food, liquids do not have checked baggage restrictions beyond the weight of the luggage itself. But, liquids are quite heavy, so the weight of your luggage can add up quickly.

When you go through airport security, you may need to remove your food and liquids for a separate screening. This may occur if you packed items with more restrictions, such as frozen food, baby food, or canned food.

Sometimes other items in your bags will obstruct the X-ray machine. This can cause delays at the security checkpoint, and you may have to remove the items for a separate screening. So it’s best to keep your checked bags and carry-on bags organized.

Should I pack food or liquid in checked baggage?

Carry-on bags have many more requirements and exceptions when it comes to bringing food on a plane. Instead of packing food in your carry on, pack it in your checked bag to avoid this hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much food can you bring on a plane?

There are no restrictions for how much solid food you can bring on a plane. You just have to be able to lift the bag into the overhead compartment or fit it under your seat. Most airlines do not have weight requirements for carry-on bags.

However, liquids, dips, sauces, gels, and related items are limited to 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. All liquids must fit into one quart sized bag to pass through airport security.

Can I bring food on a plane on an international flight?

Yes, you can bring solid food on an international flight. Most fresh fruits and vegetables are not allowed in your carry-on or checked baggage on international flights. They may contain invasive pests or diseases that can spread to other fruits and vegetables. In some cases, you can bring food on an international flight, but you’ll have to eat it all before disembarking.

Can I bring a Subway sandwich on a plane?

Yes, you can bring a Subway sandwich on a plane. The TSA allows you to bring any type of sandwich on a plane, as long as it’s not accompanied with more than 3.4 ounces of liquid. You can also pack sandwiches in your checked baggage.

Can I bring an open bag of chips on a plane?

Yes, the TSA allows you to bring an open bag of chips on a plane. Just put them in your carry-on before screening. After going through security you can take out the chips and continue eating.

Can I bring pizza on a plane?

Yes, you can bring pizza on a plane or in your checked baggage. But it might be hard to fit an entire pizza in your carry-on bag along with everything else you’re bringing. Pizza has no restrictions on domestic flights, but you might not be able to take it off the plane after an international flight.

From the USA to a foreign country

Some foreign countries have strict requirements when it comes to meat, poultry, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables. They don’t want to facilitate the spread of any foodborne diseases, which may be dangerous to people’s health. So pizza with pepperoni, sausage or other meats may be prohibited.

You may be allowed to bring it on your plane and eat it, but not allowed to exit the plane with your food.

From a foreign country to the USA

If you’re coming from a foreign country into the USA, you might have to throw away your pizza upon arrival. The USA has pretty strict rules about allowing food that may contain foreign foodborne diseases or parasites into the country. But, pizza with no meat or poultry products is often permitted.

Can I bring food wrapped in foil on a plane?

Food wrapped in foil is allowed on a plane, but it may obstruct the x-ray screening at the security checkpoint. You might be subject to additional screenings or asked to unwrap the food. But you can pack food in a plastic container or Tupperware to save time.

Can I bring gummy bears on a plane?

Yes, gummy bears are allowed in your carry-on bags or checked luggage. They fall under the category of “Solid foods” on the TSA’s website.

Can I bring baby food on a plane?

Yes, you can bring baby food on a plane in “reasonable quantities” according to the TSA. If it fits in your carry-on bag, you should be fine.

The restrictions are a little more complicated if you want to bring liquids for your baby on a plane. If you’re carrying baby formula, breast milk, or juice or water for babies, you may be subject to additional screening.

Unlike most liquids, they are not subject to TSA’s 3:1:1 liquid rule. This means that you can bring over 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters of formula, breast milk, or other liquids for your baby on a plane. In addition, they do not need to fit into a quart-sized bag.

It’s unlikely, but the TSA may ask for a small portion of the liquid to test it for explosive material.

Can I bring frozen food on a plane?

Yes, you can bring frozen food on a plane. Just make sure that it is completely frozen. If the ice is melted or a slushy consistency, you won’t be able to board your aircraft. Dry ice works great to preserve frozen food and you can carry up to about five pounds of it on a plane, according to the FAA.

Can I bring fruit on a plane?

Yes, you can bring fruit on a plane. Dried fruits are allowed in your carry-on bags or checked luggage. The TSA does not allow fresh fruits or vegetables in carry-on bags or checked bags from Puerto Rico, Hawaii, or the US Virgin Islands. They want to prevent the potential spread of foodborne diseases.

On most international flights, you can bring the fruit on the plane, as long as you eat it all in flight. You likely won’t be allowed to take it off of the plane. The same is true if you are flying from a foreign country to the USA.

I recommend looking up the specific requirements of your destination country. Also check your airline’s website for additional information about bringing fruit on a plane.

Can I bring cheese on a plane?

Solid cheese is allowed in both carry-on bags and checked baggage. If you have creamy cheese, you can only bring 3.4 ounces or 100 mL in your carry on.

Can I bring chocolate on a plane?

Like the requirements for cheese, you can bring solid chocolate in your checked bags and carry-on bags. But liquid chocolate is restricted to 3.4 ounces or 100 mL.

Recap and My Recommendation for Bringing Food on a Plane

Remember, solid foods are subject to little to no restrictions for air travel. However, any creamy food, dip, or liquid must be under 3.4 ounces or 100 mL to carry on a plane.

My Recommendations

I recommend avoiding bringing food or liquids on a plane if you can. But, if you plan on eating them on the plane, that’s great.

Otherwise, food can take up space you might need for other items. You might want space for electronics or books to keep you entertained in flight.

Depending on the food, you might be subject to additional screening at the security checkpoint. So, take the food in your checked baggage to save you that hassle.
Be mindful of how much food you bring, though. You might want to save the space in your checked bags for clothing, toiletries, and other items.

Personally, consider buying the food once you get to your destination, especially on international flights. Those rules can be very strict!

Then you don’t have to worry about getting through security or leaving enough space for the food in your carry on. Not only that, but you won’t have to rush to unpack the food and put it in the refrigerator or freezer. It just makes your life a little easier.

We hope that this detailed overview of food and liquid requirements for air travel was helpful. If you don’t see the food you want to bring on any list in this article, feel free to ask the TSA themselves on Twitter.

If you’re curious about other items allowed on a plane, check out the articles below.

Related Articles

Can I bring a Bluetooth speaker on a plane?

Can I bring a Nintendo Switch on a plane?

Can you bring pepper spray on a plane?

Can airplanes fly in the rain?

Can airplanes fly in the rain? This is something that might come to travelers’ minds, especially for frequent flyers.

Airplanes can fly in the rain. The exterior of a plane and its engines are built to withstand harsh weather conditions. Most of the time, rain can be avoided since most aircraft fly at a cruising altitude of 35,000+ feet. Rain clouds typically sit around 7,000 to 10,000 feet above ground. Pilots likely won’t have to worry about the heavy rain at cruising altitude.

But it’s difficult and sometimes inadvisable to fly in the rain in severe thunderstorms and freezing rain. Heavy rain can lead to poor visibility. This makes it more difficult for planes to navigate to their destination.

Freezing rain can be very dangerous. It can build up on the outside of the plane and increase its weight, reducing lift. It might also block air filters as well as the windshield. Freezing rain can impede visibility fast, so it’s best for pilots to avoid this weather.

The smaller the aircraft, the greater the impact of severe weather. Rain by itself will not prevent planes of any size from flying, in most cases. But severe weather can always cause long delays or lead to flight cancellations.

Commercial planes travel fast, at around 550 miles per hour, so they can pass through small storms pretty quickly. But prolonged storms or harsh weather can be dangerous. Not to mention that the heavy turbulence can be uncomfortable for passengers.

If weather worsens significantly in flight, pilots may choose to land at the nearest airport for safety reasons and wait until the weather clears.

But if the aircraft is on the ground when the weather is questionable, then the flight can be delayed until conditions improve.

Airborne Weather Radar

You might be wondering: what if the weather is nice and sunny on takeoff, and then rain and thunderstorms hit a few hours later? Most planes today feature an airborne weather radar that helps them detect inclement weather in real time.

An airborne weather radar emits electromagnetic waves that bounce off of precipitation and travel back to the aircraft. Light weather shows up on the radar as green, light precipitation as yellow and severe weather as red. The most extreme weather shows up in magenta.

The radar does not detect clouds, as they are not dense enough to disturb flight.

If the pilot notices extreme weather on the radar, they can alter their route to avoid it. Typically, if the radar is red, the pilot may alter their route to ensure a safe ride with little turbulence. Air traffic control will communicate with the pilot to change the route. “Yellow” weather can be flown through, but passengers might have added turbulence.

Sometimes, severe thunderstorms can’t be avoided. If this is the case, air traffic control will direct pilots to fly upwind of the clouds, which reduces turbulence. Flying downwind of thunder clouds can result in heavy turbulence.

Forecasting Before Take Off

Before every flight, pilots review weather conditions on their route. Well in advance of flying, they can adjust the route if necessary.

If the weather looks harsh, pilots will bring extra fuel in case they need to change their route mid-flight. In the worst case, the flight may be canceled or delayed to wait for the weather to pass.

Even with this preparation, though, pilots cannot be ready for all situations. It’s common that, on connecting flights, planes are delayed due to harsh weather conditions. Have you ever been frustrated by a long layover? Well, inclement weather was probably the culprit.

Beyond the Airborne Weather Radar, planes have a wealth of navigation equipment to get to their destination safely. These navigation tools are all the more important during severe weather when pilots cannot rely on their sight.

• Automatic direction finder (ADF) – this navigation system dynamically shows the pilot their position relative to a radio station.
• Inertial navigation system (INS) – this autonomous navigation system includes a computer, accelerometers, and gyroscopes (which measure rotation) to calculate an aircraft’s position and velocity and position in real time. 
• Radar navigation – Unlike your phone’s navigation system which uses GPS to provide directions, aircraft navigation is radar-based. The radar sends out electromagnetic waves that bounce off other aircraft. This shows up on the radar so pilots know to avoid other airplanes.
• VOR radar – Very high frequency Omnidirectional Range is a radar system that detects high frequencies, between 108 to 117.95 MHz.
• Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) – Think of this as an airplane’s GPS. GPS and GNSS are quite similar, but GNSS is a little more accurate since it can communicate with some satellites that GPS cannot. The more satellites that provide navigation, the more accurate the navigation.

Can airplanes take off in the rain?

Airplanes can take off in the rain, as long as it’s not severe. The most important factor that determines takeoff is the condition of the runway. A wet runway will need to be about 1.3 times longer than usual for the plane to take off safely. This is because the brakes will take longer to engage.

Heavy rain impedes visibility too. But pilots don’t have to rely entirely on their visibility for take-off thanks to flight instruments.

Freezing rain complicates flying significantly. Planes on an icy runway need at least three to four times the normal distance to take off. The same rules apply to landing. Also, ice buildup on the wings reduces lift, so planes need to build up more speed before flight.

Every takeoff is uniquely calculated based on the temperature and altitude among other factors. This gives pilots somewhat of a safety net. They don’t have to react instinctively during takeoff and instead can trust their calculations.

Learn more about how harsh weather influences take off and landing here.

eWas

Some aircraft have apps that can give up-to-the-minute weather updates and information on future weather conditions or potential hazards. eWas is one app that is used by thousands of airplanes around the country. Apps like eWas can also help identify the best alternate route to avoid harsh weather.

WiFi

Today, nearly all planes have onboard WiFi which can forecast weather with great accuracy thanks to GPS.

Can airplanes land in the rain?

Airplanes can land in the rain, if it’s not too severe. If the runway is a little icy or there’s heavy rain, navigation equipment can help pilots orchestrate the landing. But if the weather is too severe, air traffic control might instruct pilots to fly in a holding pattern until the conditions improve. This basically means that the pilot needs to “stall” until either the runway condition improves or the ground crew can clear the ice and snow.

Does rain affect turbulence?

Rain, in most cases, does not impact turbulence. In fact, rain clouds are not even picked up by the typical airborne weather radar. However, when accompanied by thunder, severe weather, or snow, passengers may experience turbulence. It’s a pilots job to avoid severe weather if possible, so they won’t fly head-on into big storms in most cases.

The optimal route that avoids harsh weather is planned in advance. But pilots can’t always guarantee a smooth ride as conditions can change in an instant. In that case, they talk with air traffic control to discuss the best course of action. This could involve anything from an alternate route to an emergency landing.

Will rain delay a flight?

The typical rainy day by itself will not delay a flight. A downpour, thunderstorm, snowstorm, or other inclement weather, can definitely cause delays though. Nearly three quarters of all aircraft delays are weather related. So, keep a close eye on the weather when planning your next flight.

Can airplanes fly in heavy rain?

Yes, airplanes can fly in heavy rain. It may reduce visibility but aircraft have advanced navigation technology to help pilots fly safely. Taking off and landing is a little more precarious, though. Wet runways need to be about 1.3 times longer than usual for the plane to gather enough speed for takeoff. Or conversely for landing, the runway needs to be 1.3 times longer to come to a complete stop.

Grooved runways are the best runways to land on in wet conditions, since water sinks into the grooves. This prevents standing water from accumulating, which can be quite dangerous. Too much standing water may result in aquaplaning, which occurs when the airplane moves on water instead of the runway. This can result in a dangerous loss of control of the aircraft, including the ability to brake.

If the runway is too wet, air traffic control may ask pilots to enter a holding pattern. This gives the ground crew time to clean up the runway for landing.

Can a plane land in freezing rain?

Yes, a plane can land in freezing rain. However, the runway needs to be between three and four times longer than normal to ensure a safe landing. Ice reduces the friction between the tires and the runway. So the aircraft will take significantly more time to come to a complete stop.

Also, in severe icy conditions, ice on the outside of the aircraft may weigh it down and increase the time necessary for a safe landing.

Can airplanes fly in thunderstorms?

Small or medium thunderstorms do not pose a huge threat to aircraft, since they are built to withstand harsh weather conditions. The passengers may experience some turbulence, but that’s about it. Large storms, or storms accompanied by severe winds, freezing winds, or snow will want to be avoided.

Most storm clouds can be avoided, since commercial planes and jet aircraft fly far above them, at around 35,000 feet. But if a plane finds itself in the midst of a big storm, they will immediately contact air traffic control to find a safer route to their destination.

Also, today’s planes feature forecasting equipment which tells pilots the predicted weather in advance. So, most of the time, pilots will know where a storm is going to hit well before it hits.

You might be wondering: what about lightning? Is lightning dangerous to aircraft in a thunderstorm? Typically, severe winds and freezing weather is more dangerous to an aircraft than lightning.

Today’s airplanes are built to withstand lightning strikes. If your aircraft happens to be struck by lightning, you may see a flash or hear a noise, but it shouldn’t cause any damage.

The outer shells of most aircraft are aluminum or an aluminum composite, which is a great conductor of electricity.

The aircraft’s engines and fuel systems are also designed to direct lightning away from these areas. Any spark near a plane’s engines could lead to a catastrophe, so every part near the engines is carefully designed and inspected to ensure protection against lightning.

In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration must certify that all aircraft and aircraft equipment are lightning protected according to the manufacturer’s requirements. So, safety when it comes to lightning strikes is not taken lightly.

Can planes take off in rain and snow?

Yes, planes can take off in most rainy and snowy conditions. Landing is also safe, as long as you have a long runway. Typically wet runways require about 1.3 times the length of the runway, while snowy runways require about 1.6 to 2 times the length of the runway.

If needed, ground crews use snow plows and deicing fluid to clear snow and ice from airport runways.

Cold weather by itself is not dangerous to fly in. At 35,000 feet, the cruising altitude for most planes, it is about -50 to -60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is it safe to fly in cloudy weather?

Cloudy weather by itself is generally safe to fly in. In fact, clouds do not show up on weather radars. If cloudy weather is accompanied by a severe storm or windy conditions, passengers may experience heavy turbulence due to strong crosswinds. If the conditions are severe enough, air traffic control will direct the pilots in advance to take an alternate route.

Thanks for reading our article ‘Can airplanes fly in the rain?’ Remember, everyday rain won’t delay or cancel a flight. But severe storms and wind conditions may result in significant delays or a cancellation.

Before every flight, pilots review the weather conditions thoroughly. They are well-equipped to adapt to changing weather conditions thanks to flight instruments, radars, and close communication with air traffic control.

To learn more about aircraft, check out the articles below. Thanks for reading!

Related Articles

What is the minimum runway length for a Boeing 747?

Do planes have speed limits?

What do I do with my luggage after checking out of my hotel?

Can you bring a taser on a plane?

Can you bring a taser on a plane? It’s not an uncommon question, and it can be difficult to find the answer. The best place to start is with the official rules from your airline of choice.

In this post, we’ll go through some of the major airlines and let people know if United, Southwest, and other major airlines allow tasers in checked baggage or carry-on luggage.

We will also cover general airport security guidelines for traveling with a taser so that you can get ready for any potential questions at check-in!

Tasers and stun guns cannot be carried on board a plane. There are no exceptions. Although a taser can be used for self-defense, it can also be a weapon. But they are allowed in checked luggage, under two conditions.

1) The taser must not have a lithium battery. Lithium batteries can combust and cause a fire in the airplane cabin while in flight. If your taser has a lithium battery, remove the batteries and bring them with you in your carry-on bag.

2) The taser must have a safety mechanism or other method of preventing accidental discharge while in flight. If the taser is discharged while in checked baggage, this could be a fire hazard.

Learn more about the risks of transporting stun guns and other devices with lithium batteries in the video below.

It’s possible that you put your taser in your carry-on by mistake and go through airport security with it. This is not the end of the world; it happens.

In this case, the TSA won’t allow you to proceed through security. One of three things will happen.

1) The TSA will confiscate your taser.

2) You will have to remove the batteries from your taser and put it in your checked baggage. Keep the batteries with you on the plane.

3) You will need to hand the taser to a friend who is not traveling.

For your own sanity, double check to make sure your taser is secure in checked baggage with the batteries removed. You don’t want to keep people waiting and annoy the TSA agents.

Can you bring a taser on a plane? Looking at the Major Airlines

Can you bring a taser on an American Airlines plane?

American Airlines follows the TSA regulations on tasers or stun guns. They are not allowed under any circumstance in a carry-on bag. But you can bring them in checked baggage with a safety mechanism and with the lithium battery removed.

Can you bring a taser on a Southwest Airlines plane?

Like American Airlines, Southwest Airlines also follows the TSA regulations on tasers exactly. You cannot bring a taser on board a Southwest Airlines plane. As long as it cannot be accidentally turned on and lithium batteries are removed, it’s allowed in checked luggage.

Can you bring a taser on a United plane?

Mirroring TSA’s guidelines, tasers are not allowed on a United plane. They are allowed in checked baggage if batteries are removed.

Can you bring a taser on a Delta plane?

No, you cannot bring a taser on a Delta plane. You can travel with it in your checked baggage, though. Just remove the batteries or make sure it cannot be accidentally fired en route to your destination.

Can you bring a taser on an Alaska Airlines plane?

As with all major airlines, you cannot bring a taser on an Alaska Airlines plane. It is allowed in checked baggage if it cannot be accidentally discharged. Also, lithium batteries must be removed before packing your taser in checked baggage.

Can you bring a taser on a plane to Mexico?

You cannot bring a taser on a plane, regardless of where you are going, according to the TSA’s guidelines. It’s permitted in checked baggage if the lithium batteries are removed. However, tasers can only be used by police in Mexico, so there’s no point in bringing one in your checked baggage.

Can you travel internationally with a taser?

Yes, you can travel anywhere with a taser, but there are a couple of caveats.

1) You cannot carry a taser on a plane. It must be transported in checked luggage without lithium batteries.

2) Depending on where you’re headed, it may be illegal to carry a taser. Look up stun gun laws in your state before you travel to make sure civilians are permitted to carry them.

Can you take pepper spray on a plane in your carry-on?

You cannot take pepper spray on a plane, since it can be used as a weapon. Four ounces of pepper spray can be transported in your carry-on, though. Learn more about traveling with pepper spray in this complete article.

Are tasers legal? Stun Gun Laws by State

Note: In most states, the use of a stun gun to commit a crime is a felony. The class of felony depends on the state. Further most states only permit the use of stun guns for self-defense purposes.

This table is accurate as of May 25, 2021. State laws are subject to change, so you should check the official statutes to confirm stun gun laws in your area.

3 Best Tasers or Stun Guns for Self Defense

VIPERTEK VTS-989 – Heavy Duty Stun Gun

The best defense is a good offense and that’s what this stun gun flashlight combination promises. The sleek black design can easily be concealed in the palm of your hand, while its features are powerful enough to subdue any would-be attacker with minimal pain.

You’ll never find yourself having trouble wrestling away from someone who wants to take it from you thanks to the powerful shock plates on this stun gun.

The contoured rubber grips are designed for comfortable use. Not only that, but with no batteries, it’s easy to recharge and use on the go.

Check out the VIPERTEK black stun gun from Amazon at the button below.

Sabre Self-Defense Kit w/Red Pepper Spray & Stun Gun

For more than 30 years, SABRE has been a leader in personal protection for every lifestyle. Keep yourself safe with the #1 pepper spray brand trusted both by police and consumers.

With 10-foot radius, you’ll be capable of defending against multiple threats no matter the distance from your target!

This kit includes a stun gun and pepper spray so you’ll be well equipped to stop attackers in their tracks.

Take a look at the SABRE Self Defense kit at the link below.

CALFVIC Stun Gun – Rechargeable with Safety

This powerful stun gun comes with a high-frequency circuit for increased output to emit a 1.600μC charge and is sold exclusively at our store! The upper side of the device features an Aircraft Aluminum structure, which combines durability while preventing attackers from snatching your weapon away in an attack.

This taser has specially designed shock plates on both sides that will prevent attackers from snatching the stun guns away before it delivers its painful electric shocks.

This unit also includes a super bright LED flashlight 120 lumen so safety during nighttime is ensured.

Take a look at the CALFVIC stun gun from Amazon below.

Thanks for reading our article ‘Can you bring a taser on a plane?’ Remember that it’s not allowed in your carry-on luggage, but you can bring it with you in checked luggage. Just remove any lithium batteries first.

Also, check out the table in this article to make sure you can carry your stun gun where you’re going. Stun guns are legal to carry in all states except Rhode Island and Hawaii, with some exceptions.

Thanks for reading! For more air travel tips, check out the ‘Can I bring?’ articles below!

Related Articles

Can you bring pepper spray on a plane?

Can I bring a piano keyboard on a plane?

Can I bring a Bluetooth speaker on a plane?

What is the minimum runway length for a 747?

The Boeing 747 is the most popular wide-body aircraft in the world. It was originally designed for commercial use, but it’s been used by militaries as well.

The main reason this airplane has lasted so long in such high demand is because of its size and capacity to carry people and cargo over great distances.

The original design of the Boeing 747 requires a minimum runway length of 7500 feet or 2200 meters. But this depends on a number of factors, including the aircraft weight, airport elevation, temperature, wind speed, and much more.

We’ll go through each one of these factors in this article. Then stay tuned for some more frequently asked questions about runways and runway length.

Aircraft Weight

Generally speaking, the heavier the aircraft, the longer the runway needs to be. It takes more time for heavier aircraft to come to a complete stop, so they need a longer runway.

Four factors make up most of an airplane’s weight: the plane itself, the passengers, the amount of fuel, and the baggage.

The Boeing 747 is one of the largest and heaviest commercial airplanes, which is why it requires so many feet of runway.

Each airplane has a maximum takeoff weight, or MTOW. The plane must weigh less than or equal to the MTOW to takeoff.

Learn more about airplane weight at this link. 

Aircraft Type

Which aircraft land on the runway?

If multiple planes are landing on the same runway, it will have to accommodate the largest plane.

There’s no downside to smaller planes landing on longer runways. Long runways just give the plane more time to come to a complete stop. They can be especially helpful in wet or icy weather conditions. 

How fast can the aircraft reach the speed necessary for takeoff?

Most planes take between 30 and 35 seconds to take off. But, again, weather and altitude need to be taken into consideration before take off.

Due to weather conditions, altitude, the type of aircraft, and other factors, a unique takeoff speed is calculated before every takeoff.

Flight instruments on today’s planes show pilots everything from the optimal range to the dangerous range of airspeed. The air traffic control crew further informs pilots, by making calculations and communicating the exact speed to the pilot.

As conditions change during flight, air traffic control can assign different speeds to the pilot to maintain fuel efficiency and safety standards.

How fast does the aircraft need to be to generate enough lift for takeoff?

A large airliner like a Boeing 747 requires about 180 miles per hour for takeoff, while most commercial aircraft require 150 miles per hour.

How much thrust does the aircraft need to take off?

Most aircraft do not need to use their maximum thrust to generate enough lift for takeoff. Even large aircraft like the Boeing 747 don’t need to use all their thrust to takeoff.

Instead they’ll use about 75% of their thrust (more or less depending on the temperature, altitude, and runway length, among other factors). This is fuel efficient and, over time, keeps the engine in good condition for longer.

On a shorter runway, a plane could use more of its thrust to get into the air sooner, if needed.

Airport Elevation

The higher the airport elevation, the longer the runway needs to be. The lower the airport elevation, the shorter the runway needs to be. This is because the air is much thinner at higher elevations.

Therefore, planes don’t encounter as much resistance as usual when landing. Similarly, when taking off, they need more time to get enough air under the wings. It takes longer to generate the necessary lift for takeoff.

Temperature and Humidity

In hotter temperatures, the air is less dense. Humid air is also less dense, which means that the runway length must be longer for the aircraft to take off.

Conversely, air is denser in colder, dry temperatures.

When dense air travels under the wings of a plane, it provides more lift than thinner air. So the runway length does not need to be as long to take off successfully.

Inclement Weather

Ice

In cold climates, there may be ice build-up on an airport’s runways. Ground crews typically take care of the ice and snow as best they can before the airplane arrives.

Mechanical sweepers, blowers, and snowplows are commonly used. Deicing compounds containing glycol and water are also popular, such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.

Salt-based compounds or anything with chlorine is not often used, because they can accelerate the corrosion of metals.

As a safety measure, in icy conditions, runways need to be 3-4 times longer than normal to land safely.

Note: Ice on a plane’s wings will increase its weight and drag, making it more difficult to land.

Slush or Standing Water

For runways with slush or standing water, you’ll need about twice the distance to take off and land safely.

Snow

Snowy runways need about 1.5 times as long for takeoff and landing.

Rain

Finally, wet runways need to be about 1.3 times longer than normal.

Wind Speed – Headwind, Crosswind, and Tailwind

When taking off and landing, planes may encounter headwind, tailwind, or crosswind.

Headwind

Headwind blows toward the front of the aircraft.

You might think that headwind slows down aircraft, just as headwind would slow down a runner or biker. However, planes work a little differently.

The air travels under the wings and actually helps generate more lift.

So, under ideal conditions, planes take off into the wind. This reduces the runway length necessary for a safe takeoff.

Tailwind and Crosswind

Tailwind blows in the direction of the aircraft, while crosswind moves in multiple directions.

If a plane has a tailwind or crosswind, this reduces the amount of lift generated during takeoff. So planes will need more runway. How much runway do they need? Well, this depends on the aircraft. Each aircraft has specific limits for crosswinds and tailwinds.

If the crosswind or tailwind is too strong, the plane cannot take off or land. Typically, a crosswind of around 40 miles per hour and a tailwind of 10 miles per hour are the upper limits for a safe takeoff and landing.

Runway Slope Angle

A runway’s slope angle is the upward or downward angle of a runway. More specifically, the slope angle is the total change in height of the runway over the total length of the runway.

Planes on runways with a downward slope (negative) will take off more quickly. On the other hand, planes taking off of runways with an upward slope (positive) will take more time to take off.

When landing, the reverse is true: planes landing on a runway with an upward slope will land more quickly. The uphill climb will slow the plane down gradually as it lands. But on a downward slope, the plane will take longer to land.

Runway Material

Concrete or Asphalt

The best material for runways is concrete. It is hard and smooth, and doesn’t have a lot of give. This helps the tires roll with little to no resistance. It’s also the most durable option for a runway. Concrete is what you’ll see in the busiest airports that might see dozens or even hundreds of flights per day.

Asphalt is also popular, although it’s a little less durable.

Gravel or Grass

At smaller airports, you might see gravel or grass on runways. But, the tires can sink into the surface on grassy runways, slowing takeoff speed. Or they can get torn up by the gravel which isn’t good for the plane’s longevity.

Because of the weight of larger commercial planes, grass or gravel simply wouldn’t do. But it works fine for smaller planes.

Grooved Runways

Some runways have grooves, by design. Grooved runways are ideal in icy or wet weather where there’s little to no friction on the runway surface. Also, the water sinks into the grooves, too. This makes it easier for pilots to take off since they don’t have to deal with any standing water on the runway.

A Note on Runway Durability

Over time, a runway experiences wear and tear and may accumulate some holes or divots. These can keep the tires from gliding smoothly and interfere with takeoff.

The tires also can get pretty beat up, as the rubber sheds off onto the runway surface. Ideally, this is cleaned off before takeoff and landing but not all airport runways are maintained as best as possible.

If the tires are not cleared from the runway, they can sink into the grooves, allowing standing water to accumulate. This may prevent planes from having a smooth takeoff.

Minimum Runway Length for a Private Jet

Some private jets require as little as 2800 feet of runway. They have compact designs, which make them more versatile than other long-range jets. Comparably, commercial aircraft require significant runway space to take off or land, typically a minimum of 4,500 feet and a max of up to 13,000 feet or more. The harsher the weather and thinner the air, the longer the runway needs to be for a safe take off and landing.

Private jets can land pretty much anywhere, even on unimproved grass, gravel runways, deserts, or mountainsides. This is possible thanks to additional undercarriage and landing gear protection.

How long is the average airport runway in miles?

For large commercial airplanes, runways are usually between 7,000 and 12,000 feet long. The minimum runway size for aircraft under 200,000 pounds is 6,000 feet or about 1,800 meters. Airplanes over that weight will need approximately 8,000 feet (about 2000 meters) of runway if they take off near sea level. The higher the altitude, the longer the runway needs to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airport has the longest runway?

The Qamdo Bamda Airport has the longest runway, which is 5,500 meters or 18,045 feet. It’s located in China, specifically in the Tibetan Autonomous Region in the village of Bamda.

The air is so thin at incredibly high altitude that the runway needs to be over three miles long. The airport is the second highest altitude airport in the world (4,334 meters) , behind Daocheng Yading Airport (4,411 meters)

What aircraft requires the longest runway?

The commercial aircraft that requires the longest runway is the Airbus 380. It requires a runway of about 9000 feet. This makes sense, since the Airbus 380 is one of the heaviest active commercial aircraft, at 1,265,000 pounds.

What plane needs the shortest runway?

The jet aircraft with the shortest runway is the Airbus A220-100, which only requires a runway of 4,800 feet (1,463 meters). Some smaller airplanes require only about 1,000 meters of runway or less to take off.

What is the best paving material for runways?

Concrete is the best material for runways thanks to its incredible durability, but it’s quite expensive. Asphalt is a great alternative since it’s much cheaper and relatively durable.

Thanks for checking out our guide on the minimum runway length for the Boeing 747. We hope you learned valuable information about what determines runway length and why runway length is important.

For more travel tips and information, check out the articles below.

Related Articles

How fast do planes fly?

Can airplanes hover?

Why do airlines overbook flights?