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

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Last Updated on August 23, 2022

There are metal detectors at airport security…

So does that mean you can’t take metal objects on the plane?

Errr no… Here are the rules:

TSA Metal Rules

The Transportation Security Administration don’t specifically mention metal objects as a restricted category on their website.

That’s because no object is prohibited by the TSA simply because it is metal.

The TSA is mainly interested in preventing weapons or large quantities of liquids (which could be flammable) from getting on the plane.

So heavy metal objects that could be used as a bludgeon won’t be allowed in your carry-on bag. They don’t want you whacking anyone over the head during your flight.

You can pack heavy metal objects including weapons in checked baggage instead if hand luggage.

And sharp metal objects like knifes or swords are also not permitted in carry-on luggage. So if you want to bring a knife or anything with a blade then pack it in a checked bag.

Sharp metal objects packed in checked baggage should be securely wrapped to prevent injury to TSA officers that might search your bag.

The TSA officer who inspects your luggage always has the final say about what is or isn’t allowed on the plane.

If a metal object might be considered dangerous you can ask the TSA of Twitter if it will be permitted. They might say something like this:

“Please note however that even if an item is generally allowed, it may be subject to additional screening if it triggers an alarm during the screening process or poses other security concerns based on size or weight. The final decision rests with our checkpoint officers.”

It’s about whether an item is potentially dangerous in the wrong hands, not what material the item is made from.

So, for example, both wooden baseball bats and metal baseball bats are banned from the cabin.

The Bottom Line

The TSA uses the metal detector to make sure you are not hiding any metal objects, but that doesn’t mean all metal items are banned.

It just means if you have a large metal object the TSA want’s to have a closer look at it.

You can bring metal on a plane as long as it’s not heavy or sharp.

It might not be a good idea to have metal objects in your pocket when walking through the metal detector at airport security. You’ll set off the alarm.

And large metal objects that might prevent TSA officers using the x-ray machine from seeing inside your carry-on luggage should be removed from your suitcase and placed in a separate tray.

There’s nothing about an object being made of metal that prevents you bringing it on a plane.

It’s only when that metal object is sharp or heavy that it will be restricted.

And that’s good news for all those people with aluminum metal carry-on suitcases!

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