TL;DR
- All types of solid silicone items are good to go in both carry-on and checked bags
- Yes, according to the TSA, you can bring non-flammable silicone on a plane carry-on and checked bags
- Non-flammable silicone will have restrictions when it’s in your hand luggage
- Flammable liquid silicone (that catches fire) is not allowed on planes.
What is the TSA rule for silicone?
If you are traveling within or from the U.S then, you should always follow the TSA guidelines.
They didn’t specifically mention anything about silicone caulk or silicone sealant on their website.
But I looked for some responses on their social media.
Turned out that the TSA does not have any restrictions on silicone items, like silicone breast insert, silicone wristband, silicone baking spatulas, silicone socks, and a silicone reborn doll etc …
But if you are planning to bring liquid silicone tubes, or silicone sealant, then there are some restrictions to follow.
John (@JohnWitter_Ag) wonders if silicone caulk is allowed in carry-on and checked bags.
The @AskTSA customer service responded to them with the following:
Non-flammable Silicone caulk is allowed in carry-on and checked bags. Since your container is larger than 3.4 ounces it must be packed in checked bags.
@AskTSA
So according to the TSA team you can bring silicone on a plane carry-on in small containers of 3.4 fl oz or less.
In case you are packing other liquids or other adhesive substance like glue along and you are not familiar with the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule, the TSA 3-1-1 is the basic guideline that you need to follow when packing your liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on bag. The rule states that:
The TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule
- You can only bring liquids, gels, and aerosols that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per container.
- You must place these items in a single, clear, quart-sized (one liter) zip-top bag.
- You can only bring one bag per passenger.
- You must take out your bag and place it in a bin for screening.
So if you have a 10 oz non-flammable cartridge, that is a lot of silicone you will need to pack in your checked luggage.
Remember that is always up to the TSA officers at the security screening what is permitted on board the airplane.
Some of them may not let an item board go on the airplane if they see it as a potential threat or a hazardous item.
So you should keep that in mind.
But is silicone a liquid, gel, or aerosol?
The TSA defines liquids, gels, and aerosols as any substances that are “liquids at room temperature, or melt at room temperature.”
Silicone, on the other hand, is a polymer that is composed of silicon and oxygen atoms that can have different forms and properties, depending on how it is processed.
- Liquid: This is the form of silicone that is used for some industrial and medical applications, such as lubricants, sealants, adhesives, implants, etc. Liquid silicone is viscous, sticky, and fluid. It can melt at room temperature, or change its shape or volume under pressure. Examples of liquid silicone are silicone oil, glue, gel, etc.
- Aerosol or foam: Aerosol silicone is pressurized, volatile, and flammable. It can spray out of a nozzle or valve, and form a fine mist or foam. Examples of aerosol silicone are silicone spray, mousse, etc.
- Solid: The one that is used for most of the items mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
Silicone can be utilized in a wide range of products and activities.
And to sum up, non-flammable liquid silicone is good to go in both carry-on and checked bags, but in limited quantities when transported in hand luggage.
If you are packing an opened cartridge, ensure that you tightly close the opening (the nozzle) to keep the humidity out of the silicone, meanwhile avoiding any leaks or spells inside your bag.
On the other hand, flammable silicone is banned in both hand and checked baggage, if the TSA or any airport security clerks discover it on your bag they will confiscate it.
In case you want to bring other tools with your silicone we covered almost any tool on this page.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
