Can You Bring Ceramics On A Plane? (TSA Rules)

Last Updated on January 17, 2021

The most important thing to remember about flying with ceramics is to pack anything breakable well.

Also, consider the weight that you might be adding to your luggage. Check if your airline has any weight restrictions because ceramics are the type of thing that could send you over a weight limit.

You can bring most ceramic items on planes but we’ve researched the matter thoroughly so this post is still worth a read if you are taking ceramics in your suitcase.

There are a couple of instances where you might not be able to take ceramics on a flight.

TSA Ceramics Rules

The Transportation Security Administration doesn’t mention ceramics directly on its website.

So I took to Twitter to get some proof of the TSA rules about flying with ceramics and getting your pottery through the security checkpoint.

Carry On Luggage

Roe asked a general question about taking ceramics in her carry on luggage:

And the TSA assured her that ceramics are good to go in hand luggage.

Checked Luggage

Chase asked about taking these ceramic drinks coasters in checked bags:

And the TSA gave the green light.

They would have been fine in hand luggage too.

Any fragile ceramics are best packed in hand luggage because you will take care of your own bag and not throw it around now, will you?

Of course, there is always the chance that your carry on could be gate checked if there is no space in the overhead bins so make sure to package and wrap your ceramics well anyway.

TSA Ceramics Restrictions

Just because something is ceramic doesn’t mean that it’s automatically allowed on a plane. Ceramics are generally allowed on planes but the TSA officer has the final say. They will want to make sure that there are no sharp edges and that the ceramic is not so heavy that it could be used as a bludgeon.

MG wasn’t too happy when his honing ceramic was confiscated by the TSA officer.

I would suggest that it’s the shape of this object that caused the problem. Security agents are on the lookout for things you could use to whack people on the head.

And they are also screening for things that could be used to slash or cut.

Sassafras asked about her ceramics with sharp edges:

The TSA officers make the decision at the security checkpoint, but we can say for sure you would not be able to bring a ceramic knife with a sharp edge for example.

Pottery and Porcelain

Emily asked about taking pottery on her flight:

And the TSA okayed it.

If you have been traveling and are bringing ceramic pottery home from an international trip remember that it’s not the decision of the TSA what you can board with.

The TSA let Simon know that his talavera pottery would be fine on a flight in the states:

But that he would need to check with the airport security from his departing airport in Mexico or the airline he was flying with.

It’s a point worth bearing in mind because often tourist souvenirs can be ceramic.

Lastly, Cindy asked about taking clay or porcelain items in hand luggage:

And they were approved too!

The Verdict

So we can see that generally, ceramics are fine to take on planes.

Other airport security organizations worldwide have similar rules, but check to be on the safe side especially if your ceramic item is valuable.

Ceramic bowls, plates, mugs, and even piggybanks are all good to take on planes when you travel.

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