So can I take sand on a plane? And how do you get sand through customs?
Sand and seashells are ideal memories to bring and to keep at your home for decoration.
They are symbols of good fortune and provide a sense of cheerfulness for our place.
Sometimes you may need to travel with some that you brought from your destination.
But can you take sand on a plane? Or do the TSA powder rules do not permit you from taking sand in your carry-on? And what are other countries’ rules on taking sand from their beaches.
Here is the short answer: Fortunately the TSA allows to bring sand in both carry-on and check in luggage without any issue, Although if your container is larger than 12 oz / 340 grams you will have to be placing it in a separate bin for X-ray screening, otherwise you can take more than 12 oz / 340 grams inside your check in luggage without any problem.
Taking sand on an international flight may not be as easy as you think, because most countries do not allow taking sand from their beaches, but you can do a quick research prior to your flight and investigate if they allow you to take sand or not.
Let’s dive more into the topic and see what are the regulations when traveling with sand and how to pack sand for your next flight.
Let’s find out.
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Take Sand Through The Security Checkpoint
Yes, you can. but if you want to take more than 12 oz / 340 grams you will be required to remove your jars from your carry-on bag and place them in a separate bin for additional screening.
The TSA didn’t mention the 12 oz rules of sand on its website so I checked twitter to see what are some of the answers.
RJ asked the TSA if he could bring these glass jars of beach sand in carry-on, and the TSA confirmed ” containers larger than 12 ounces, we recommend removing it from your carry-on bag and placing it in a separate bin for X-ray screening.”
And as the TSA stated, the right rests for the TSA officer at the airport to decide whether an item is allowed or not on board the airplane, but I don’t see any reason to ban taking sand on a plane.
Can You Bring Sand On a Carry-On?
There are no restrictions on traveling with sand inside your carry-on luggage on most airlines, and as mentioned above if you want to take a large quantity of sand that goes above 12 oz/ 340 grams, your sand will be subject to additional screening at the airport.
Transporting powders have some bad reputation , so the airport security will need to make sure that the your sand and the container is clean and do not contain any additional prohibited or dangerous materials.
The TSA recommends placing sand or any powders inside your checked luggage to avoid any inconvenience at the airport.
There are no weight limits to the amount of sand you can take in your carry-on, but keep in mind that you don’t make your bag hefty or overloaded with sand , most airlines stated that carry-on must be light enough to be placed in the overhead bin with aid.
Taking Sand In Check-In Luggage
If you decide to bring sand inside your check in suitcase you don’t need to worry about the 12 oz rules or to worry about the security checkpoint.
If you are transporting other items along with sand, it is best to send them in the hold / check in luggage,so they don’t take up more space inside your carry-on bag.
Just make sure that they are packed neatly and secured, so they do not move around inside your suitcase during transit.
If the TSA opens your suitcase, they will put a notice inside your suitcase so do not worry your belongings will be placed back to the original state in which they were received.
Ensure that you stay within your airline weight and size limits, sand will add more weight to your suitcase, and it may cause you to pay overweight luggage fees.
Pack Sand For Your Flight
Sand is permitted on most airports and airlines, but before heading to the airport with your jar check out these tips on how to pack sand for your next flight.
You don’t want to reach your destination and find that your suitcase is flooded with sand.
Use Ziploc bags to transport your sand inside your carry-on or check in luggage. They will secure your sand and prevent it from spilling, glass jars are prone to be broken but if you put them inside a plastic bag that will keep your suitcase clean and even if the jars are opened.
Most travelers use plastic jars and bottles, especially bottles , you can just place it in the middle of your suitcase and surround it with your clothes and you don’t have to worry about it being opened.
Can You Bring Sand From Another Country?
How do you get sand through customs?
There are no limits to the amount of sand you can take on domestic flights.
Taking sand from other countries on your international flight may not sound as easy as you thought, and it is against most countries law, so make sure to see if the country you are visiting has some rules considering the amount of sand you are allowed to take before even attempt to bring it to the airport.
For example, taking sand and pebbles from public beaches in the UK is not allowed, so you can’t bring sand from the UK.
Obviously it’s about the theft of sand and because the world is running out of sand, which is the most universally-used natural resource, most countries want to keep their natural resources protected.
So it is better to refer to your country’s rules if you want to bring some souvenirs.
Summary:
Sand and seashells are great souvenirs to keep in your home.
There are no limits to the amount of sand you can bring on domestic flights, however; internationally there are some restrictions, most countries do not allow taking sand , pebbles or any natural material from their beaches.
So to avoid getting in trouble do a quick research and refer to the country rules before placing that bottle of sand inside your bag.
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