Can You Take a Snow Globe On a Plane? 2024

Whether you want to bring a snow globe as a souvenir or as a gift for your grandson from your trip, it is important to know the regulations on taking snow globes on planes to avoid any issues and inconvenience at the airport.

Here is a short answer:

You can take snow globes in both carry-on and checked bags, but snow globes with liquids need to follow the TSA liquid rule when transported in carry-on, 3.4 oz or less for each container packed inside a quart sized bag, large snow globes are good to go in checked bags.

Keep reading to know more about traveling with snow globes as well as tips for packing snow globes in both carry-on and checked luggage.

Let’s dive right in.

Butterfly on Branch Cool Snow Globe

The TSA Snow Globe Rules

The Transportation Security Administration has specific rules on carrying liquid items in carry-on baggage, but they never claim that snow globes are not allowed on planes.

Most snow globes contain liquids ( glycerine, water, etc..) inside them.

So here is what to keep in mind before packing a snow globe in your carry-on bag:

  • Snow globes without liquids are allowed through the security checkpoint without any restrictions.
  • Snow globes with liquids must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less when packed in carry-on ( 3.4 oz / 100 ml is the size of a tennis ball or smaller as the TSA described it ).
  • The snow globe must fit inside a quart sized bag, along with other toiletries. 
  • You will need to remove any liquids from your bag and place them in a separated bin.
  • Snow globes may be subject for additional screening at the security checkpoint.

Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.

The TSA snow globe rules

I also researched the TSA social media to find what they say about snow globes.

Sheila wonders if her beautiful pineapple snow globe is good to go in carry-on.

The TSA customer service replied that snow globes that appear to contain less than 3.4 oz of liquid (approximately tennis ball size or smaller) are permitted in carry-on bags.

The TSA answer about taking pineapple snow globe in carry-on

Also the entire snow globe, including the base, must be placed in a single, quart-sized, zip-top bag with other travel-sized liquids, gels and aerosols.

Can I Put A Snow Globe In My Checked Luggage?

The best way to travel with snow globes is in checked luggage.

There are no limits to the amount or of liquids you can take in your checked bag.

Here is some tips for packing snow globes in your checked bag:

  • Wrap the snow globe in a bubble wrap or other protective material to prevent it from breaking.
  • Place your snow globe in a plastic bag.
  • Place the snow globe in the center of your bag and surround it with some clothing to provide additional padding.
  • Consider using a protective case if your snow globe is expensive and more valuable to you to keep it safe during transport.

Will Snow Globes Explode On a Plane?

No, snow globes will not explode on a plane, however, if the snow globe is not properly packed there is more chance that it could leak and mess all your items inside the suitcase.

Additionally; changes in air pressure during a flight will not make a snow globe explode.

If snow globes are dangerous and will explode on a flight the air travel authorities ( TSA and FAA ) will be the first to ban them on board the airplanes.

Just ensure that you follow the TSA guidelines and you protect your snow globe properly and you are good to go.

How Much Liquid Is In a Snow Globe?

The amount of liquids inside a snow globe vary depending on the size and design of the globe.

But the good news is most globes have less than 3.4 oz of liquids, which make them travel friendly.

If you have a new snow globe you can check the label or with the manufacturer if you are not sure how much liquid is inside.

Can You Mail A Snow Globe?

If you don’t want to worry yourself with the TSA Rules or the airport hassle, you can always mail your snow globe instead.

There are plenty of mailing and shipping companies that will handle your snow globe like a local post office, UPS or FedEx.

Here are some tips to help you mail your snow globe in a proper way:

  1. Choose a strong box that is large enough to fit the snow globe and enough space around it to add some extra cushion.
  2. Wrap the snow globe in bubble wrap or other light materials and ensure that it is properly secured.
  3. Ensure that the snow globe doesn’t move, add packing peanuts cushioning or any other type of cushioning.
  4. Seal the box securely, and labels it
  5. Fill the box with packing peanuts or other cushioning material so that the snow globe cannot move around during transport.
  6. Close the box, seal it securely with packing tape and label it with the correct address .

Final Thoughts 

Snow globes are allowed on planes, but globes with liquids fall under the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.

If you prefer to pack your snow globe in checked baggage, ensure that you protect it properly to prevent it from damage during the transport.

For an expensive snow globe you can either use a solid protective case, or leave it at home to avoid any possible break or even missing in checked baggage.

We hope this helps

Happy travels 

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