Most people need ice when traveling with food or just to keep something frozen during a flight, and whether you want to take solid ice in your carry-on or checked baggage we will answer all your questions.
Frozen and solid ice is allowed in both carry on and checked bags on most airlines, However; the ice need to be completely solid when going through the security checkpoint, according to the TSA if your ice is not solid during the screening process it will subject to the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule which is 3.4 oz 100 ml or less for a single container inside a quart sized bag.
It is important to note that medical necessary items and baby food are exempted from the TSA liquid rule.
In this post I will answer all your questions about traveling with ice on planes, the best ways to pack ice for a flight and our favorite Ice packs for air travel.
Let’s dive right in.
Can you take ice on a plane?
Can You Take Ice Through The Security Checkpoint?
According to the TSA ice or solid liquids are in general allowed the security checkpoint but they must be frozen and solid during the time of screening.
Any ice that is melted or in liquid form during the screening time will be subject to the 3-1-1 liquid rule.
Here is what the TSA says about taking ice through the security checkpoint to its website .
Ice cubes are also permitted through security checkpoints as long as they are solid and not melted.
And as the TSA always claims the TSA agents have the final say about what can and can’t be taken on board the airplanes.
Can You Bring Ice In Carry-On Baggage?
You can usually take Solid ice in carry-on baggage, and you can take it in either your cooler or any other container but if it is a liquid it falls under the TSA liquid rules.
In addition; there is nothing suspected of ice, it is just frozen water and it is not considered a hazardous item.
You will need to make sure that you take reasonable quantities so that you don’t exceed the allowed weight or size of the airline you’re flying with.
You can also take frozen foods in your carry-on baggage along with your ice, as long as your cooler is within the allowed size and weight of your airlines.
When traveling with dry ice your cooler or container must have a vented area so the air can pass out.
@Red asked the TSA on twitter if he can bring dry ice on a plane and what does “the package is vented ” and the TSA confirmed that dry ice is good to go i both carry-on and checked baggage but the container must be vented or slightly open to allow the dioxide gas to pass out. .
Can You Take Ice Blocks In Hand Luggage?
Only liquids or gels are not allowed in quantities more than 3.4 oz, so Ice blocks are allowed in hand luggage without limits as long as they are sold and completely frozen.
If your ice blocks are not completely frozen then it will not be allowed onboard unless you pack small containers of 3.4 oz in a small quart-sized bag.
Can You Bring Ice In Checked Baggage?
The FAA regulates the maximum amount of ice you can fly within 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) per package and per passenger.
And if you are traveling with this amount, it is a clever idea to take it as checked baggage and gain more space in your carry-on baggage for other necessary items.
A Portable cooler will just work perfect, easy to carry, take your ice and keep it solid during your flight.
Can I Bring Gel Ice Packs On The Plane?
Yes gel ice packs are allowed on planes in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Here is what the TSA says about traveling with ice packs
Will An Ice Pack Explode On a Plane?
No, as the TSA and airlines allow ice packs on planes, there is less chance that ice packs will explode on a plane.
Dry ice (or frozen carbon dioxide) turns into gas as it heats up. This can accumulate a lot of pressure over time, but if your container allows gas to pass out there is no worries.
Best Ice Packs For Air Travel
If you don’t want to take a large amount of ice when traveling, Ice packs are just the right choice.
Arctic ICE Packs are known for its long lasting and reusable, they are designed to place between your food and beverages to keep them cold and cool, they are also really affordable.
However, if you are not a fan big packs, Amazon Basics Reusable Ice Packs are also great way to keep your things cool, the ice packs are small easy to pack in your carry on baggage, and you Place them in coolers, bags, storage cases, and they will perform just well
Final Thoughts
To sum up, frozen ice is allowed in both carry-on and check baggage but with quantities no more than 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs).
If your ice is liquid or the bottom of your container or cooler is liquid and you want to transport it in carry-on baggage it should be in a container of 3.4 oz or less so it adheres to the TSA liquid rule.
The TSA says that the ice must be frozen or solid at the time of screening , meaning even if you pass the security checkpoint and your ice melts you are good to go.
Dry ice is also allowed in carry-on and checked baggage with the same quantities and restrictions, and your container must be transported in a properly vented container.
People also ask:
- What Food Cannot Be Taken On A Plane??
- Can you take a cooler on a plane?
- Can you take a blender in your Suitcase?
- Can I Take a Mini Fridge On a Plane?
- Can You Bring Liquid IV On a Plane?
Happy travels
