Can You Bring Nail Glue On A Plane? (TSA Rules)

Last Updated on December 4, 2021

There are many different types of glue, some liquid, some solid, some strong, some weak.

One of the most common types of glue passengers want to bring on a plane is nail glue.

But can you pack nail glue or other types of glue in carry-on luggage or checked luggage?

Let’s find out.

TSA Glue Rules

The Transportation Security Administration doesn’t have a listing about bringing glue on a plane on their website.

But we can still get you an answer about flying with glue.

There are two points you need to consider:

  • Is the glue liquid or solid?
  • Is the glue flammable?

According to the FAAflammable glues are not permitted in carry-on bags or checked baggage.

This includes super glues, most model glues, and industrial-strength adhesives.

Some super glues and other household glues are not flammable and would be allowed in baggage. To see if they are flammable, check the product label or the manufacturer’s material safety data sheet (MSDS). When checking the MSDS, a “flash point” at or below 140° F (60° C) indicates it is a flammable liquid and may not be carried in airline baggage.

FAA

On the other hand, the FAA says non-flammable glue is permitted on planes.

Polyvinyl acetate glue, also known as PVA glue, wood glue, white glue, carpenter’s glue, school glue, or Elmer’s glue, isn’t flammable. So you can bring pva glue on a plane.

But is the is always the TSA liquids rule to think about. So is the non-flammable glue liquid or solid?

Non-flammable liquid glue is permitted in carry-on luggage in containers less than or equal to 3.4 oz. It must be packed in your one quart-size bag.

Non-flammable liquid glue can be packed in checked luggage without restriction.

Non-flammable solid glue sticks can be packed in both carry-on luggage and checked luggage without restriction.

The final decision is always taken by the individual TSA officer that screens your luggage at airport security.

Still Unsure? Ask The TSA

You can reach out to the TSA on Twitter and ask specific questions.

Kay asked about packing nail glue in hand luggage:

The TSA said, “we advise you to reach out to the Federal Aviation Administration to determine if there are any hazardous materials restrictions for your item”.

They are worried that the nail glue is flammable which would prevent it from being permitted.

In the past the TSA has said that nail glue is flammable and prohibited from flights:

The passenger asked the TSA about packing Elmer’s school glue in checked luggage.

Since school glue isn’t highly flammable it can be packed in checked bags without any limit.

Mr Pasley wanted to pack superglue in his carry-on luggage:

The TSA answered that “super glue is highly flammable and isn’t allowed on the aircraft in either carry-on or checked bags”.

This passenger asked about packing adhesive promoter in his checked luggage:

Any highly flammable glue isn’t permitted in carry-on bags or checked bags.

The TSA threw away this travelers gorilla glue:

This passenger asked about bringing a glue gun on a plane:

The TSA replied, “Glue guns are allowed in either carry-on or checked bags”.

And Annette wanted to bring a small aerosol can of sports tape adhesive:

Because of the aerosol solvents, the adhesive tape would be highly flammable and not permitted in hand luggage or hold luggage.

The Bottom Line

If the glue is a flammable hazardous material you have no chance. You can not bring flammable adhesives on the plane in hand luggage or hold luggage.

Nail glue is usually flammable so it is prohibited in carry-on luggage.

Non-flammable glues are generally permitted but the TSA liquids rule still applies.

That means if you are bringing liquid glue on a plane in hand luggage it must be in travel-size containers.

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