It can be tricky packing for a plane ride if you do not know what is allowed in your bags and what is not. Many everyday items are made out of glass, so you might have glass that you need to bring on a plane.
But can you bring glass on a plane?
According to the TSA Website, you are allowed to bring glass on planes in both your checked bags and your carry-on bags. This rule is true for nearly all glass, as long as it is not sharp or considered a danger to other passengers or airport employees.
This article will explain the types of glass that are not allowed in a carry-on, how you can safely pack your glass for travel, and some frequently asked questions about glass on planes.
Types of Glass Not Allowed in Your Carry On
Any glass that contains liquid will need to follow the TSA liquid rule, which is in place for carry-on bags. Here is the rule for liquids:
These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in the small bag and separating from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage.
Some common glass items that do not follow the liquid rule include the following:
- Wine bottles
- Beer bottles
- Liquor bottles
- Glass soda bottles
- Perfume bottles
You can find TSA-approved wine and liquor bottles that are smaller than 3.4 ounces and can pass through security checkpoints.
The same is true for perfume bottles and any other glass toiletries. Make sure they are in a container smaller than 3.4 ounces and place them in a clear, quart-sized bag.
Another type of glass that is not allowed in your carry-on is anything sharp, or that would be considered dangerous by the TSA officers.
If you are unsure whether a glass item is allowed in your carry-on bag, you have a few options.
First, you can put the item in your checked bag. Make sure to keep any sharp edges wrapped up, so anyone who handles or screens your bag does not get injured.
Or, you can ask the TSA on Twitter. Send them a picture and description of your item, and they will let you know whether or not they will allow you to bring it in your carry-on bag.
Remember that the final decision regarding the item allowed on the plane is up to the security officer on duty.
How to Pack Glass When Traveling
If you have to bring glass on a plane, the last thing that you want to happen is to have it break before you reach your destination.
If you are flying, the best way to keep your glass safe is to pack it in your carry-on bag. You will be able to keep the bag safe from bumping into anything, and you can readjust the glass in your bag if necessary.
Before you pack the glass, you should wrap it as well as you can using something soft like clothes, towels, bubble wrap, or anything else that will keep it safe in your bag. Make sure it will be protected if it hits other items in your bag.
You can also keep the glass in a different bag than your carry-on suitcase or carry it if you think that would keep it safer.
However, sometimes you can’t pack your glass in your carry-on bag. For example, you may be bringing a full-sized bottle of wine with you, or you may not be traveling with a carry-on bag.
It is important that you wrap your glass items securely in your checked bags since they will be handled and thrown around by multiple baggage handlers before you reach your destination.
First, wrap up your glass with the items mentioned above—the softer and the thicker the wrap, the better.
Then, make sure your suitcase is full enough that the glass item will not be rolling around or knocking against other items when the suitcase is moving.
While you can’t have the suitcase so packed where the glass will break under the pressure of your other items, it is more important to keep it in place such that it can’t move.
Related Article: Can You Bring a Blanket on a Plane?
Frequently Asked Questions
Even though glass is allowed on planes, you may have some questions about specific objects. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about glass on planes.
Can I Bring Drinking Glasses?
Yes, you are allowed to bring drinking glasses on a plane. Whether they are for use on the plane, as a souvenir, or another purpose, you should have no problem with them in either your carry-on bag or your checked bag.
Make sure they do not have any liquid in them and make sure they do not have any sharp edges that will be considered dangerous by the TSA officers. Otherwise, they will not be allowed through security in your carry-on bag.
You can fill your drinking glasses up in the airport once you pass through security or are on the plane.
People also question whether or not Swiss Army Knives are allowed on planes. You can learn more about their restrictions and if you can bring a Swiss Army Knife on a plane here.
Can you Bring Glass Candles on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring glass candles on a plane. Any glass candles can go in your checked bags, no matter what they are made of.
If you need to pack glass candles in your carry-on bag, make sure they are solid candles. If you have any gel candles, pack them in your checked bag, so they do not break the TSA Liquid Rule.
The TSA website states that solid candles are allowed in carry-on bags and checked bags. Gel candles must be packed in your checked baggage, as they are not allowed in carry-on bags.
Another item that people commonly ask about when flying is pins. They are sharp, so people think they are not allowed on planes but are pins allowed on planes?
Are Shot Glasses Allowed on Planes?
Yes, shot glasses made of glass and other materials like plastic or metal are allowed on planes in both carry-on bags and checked bags.
If you bring shot glasses in your carry-on bag, you will not be able to use them on the plane to drink your alcohol.
Here is the Federal Aviation Administration’s rule regarding alcohol onboard airplanes:
FAA regulations prohibit passengers from drinking alcohol on board the aircraft unless the air carrier serves it.
Any alcohol you bring with you to the airport, or buy at the airport before boarding the plane, can’t be consumed on the plane.
If you want, you can order alcoholic beverages from a flight attendant and drink that out of your shot glass.
Can I Bring Glass Wine or Liquor Bottles?
You need to pack all liquids in your checked bag unless they are 3.4 ounces or smaller. It does not matter that glass is allowed in carry-on bags, as the liquid rule supersedes it.
Make sure that the alcohol that you pack meets the TSA rule for alcohol:
Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags.
This rule is in place for alcohol in checked and carry-on bags.
