So can you bring a tent on a plane? And how to fly with a tent on a plane?
So, you’ve decided to travel with your tent, Great! You’ve come to the right place where you will get all the info about taking your camping gear on a flight.
Yes you can bring tents fabric and canvas in both carry-on and checked baggage, but you will need to make sure that are within your airline size and weight, tent poles and stakes are allowed only in checked bags.
In this post I will cover everything you need to know about flying with tents, poles and pegs in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
- Tent fabric is allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage
- Tent stakes and poles must be packed in checked baggage
- Tent size and weight must meet airline limits, or extra fees may apply
- Most airlines don’t allow camping gear in carry-on, especially if oversized
Can You Take a Tent Through Airport Security?
TSA does not put any restrictions on traveling with tents (the fabric ) as they do not consider it a dangerous or prohibited item, but tent stakes and poles are not allowed in cabin baggage.
so you can transport your tent in both carry-on and checked baggage.
TSA advised passengers to double check with the airline to know if your tent will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.
Here’s a screenshot from their website about traveling with tents:
If you are traveling with a tent with stakes and poles, if you want you can check in all your gear; the tent and stakes or you can only send the stakes in checked baggage.
Can You Bring a Tent On a Plane As Hand Luggage?
You can take your tent on most airlines if the size of the tent is within the airline carry-on size, However it is always better to check your airline sport equipment rules for its particular restrictions regarding traveling with tents.
If your tent is big or exceeds the airline carry-on size they likely will inspect your tent bag for acceptance aboard the plane.
If you have a small tent that will fit inside your suitcase, that will be super, and will just speed your boarding process.
However most airlines consider tents as sport equipment and most of them do not allow sport equipment in carry-on baggage.
Sometimes even if they exceed the checked in standard luggage size or weight they will still count as a normal bag.
The average size for a 4 person tent is about 40″ x 40″ x 2″ inches folded and about 5 kg (11 pounds ), and the standard carry on size for most airlines is (22″ x 14″ x 9″ inches) and that’s way too big to be transported in the cabin.
Remember: Tent poles and stakes or pigs must be packed in checked bags.
Can You Bring a Tent On a Plane In Checked Luggage?
Tents in general are advised to be in your checked baggage, most airlines will consider it as a normal checked bag if it is within the airline luggage regulations you can transport it for free.
For example here is what American airline said about traveling with a tent
The allowance:
Each piece of camping equipment, such as a tent, sleeping bag, or backpack will each count as a separate checked bag
The cost:
Standard checked bag fees of your destination apply up to 50 lbs / 23 kgs and 126 in / 320 cm (length + width + height) and standard overweight fee applies from 51 lbs / 23 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs.
Can You Take a Pop Up Tent On a Plane?
If you are a backpacker, a tent is your best friend. Just like regular tents, pop up tents are allowed in either carry on and checked baggage however most airlines allow camping equipment in checked baggage as they will not fit in carry on baggage, if the tent must be in the airline luggage allowance size and weight, if not you will be required to pay additional charges.
How To Pack Your Tent For a Flight?
It is important to make sure that your tent is packed well and rolled up tightly in the bag, before heading to the airport.
What you don’t want is just to stuff everything in your tent bag, so the equipment will need extra space and even you may need to pay fees on some extra dimensions.
Best travel tents
| Items | Details |
|---|---|
 | WHITEDUCK Regatta Canvas Bell Tent – w/Stove Jack, Waterproof, 4 Season Luxury Outdoor Camping and Glamping Yurt Tent Made from Breathable 100% Cotton Canvas |
 | 3-4 Season 2 3 Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent Windproof Camping Tent Awning Family Tent Two Doors Double Layer with Aluminum rods for Outdoor Camping Family Beach Hunting Hiking Travel |
 | Pacific Pass Camping Tent 6 Person Family Dome Tent with Removable Rain Fly, Easy Setup for Camp Backpacking Hiking Outdoor , Navy Blue, 118.1×118.1×74.8 inches |
 | Coleman Sundome Camping Tent |
 | UNP Tents 6 Person Waterproof Windproof Easy Setup,Double Layer Family Camping Tent with 1 Mesh Door & 5 Large Mesh Windows -10’X9’X78in(H) |
 | Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room | Evanston Camping Tent with Screened-In Porch |
 | Coleman Camping Tent | 8 Person Montana Cabin Tent with Hinged Door |
 | Ciays Camping Tent, Waterproof Family Tent with Removable Rainfly and Carry Bag, Lightweight Tent with Stakes for Camping. |
 | 3-4-Person Waterproof Pop up Camping Tent with Rainfly Instant Tent Portable with Carring Bag （Blue） |
 | Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup in 60 Seconds |
Bottom Line
A tent bag or any other camping item like a sleeping bag, or a backpack will be counted as a separate bag in most airlines, making sure that they are compliant with the airline carry-on or checked baggage size and weight.
Whether you’re just a beginner camper or you’ve been on the trail for a long time, hopefully, you’ve found all the answers about traveling with a tent.
We hope this helps
Happy and safe travels
FAQs
Yes, but only in checked luggage. Pegs and sticks are not allowed in carry-ons due to safety concerns.
Yes, sleeping bags are allowed in carry-ons and checked bags, but check size limits with your airline.
Possibly. If the tent is above your airline’s baggage size or weight limit, oversize or overweight charges may apply.
Usually no, most pop up tents are too large for cabin baggage. double check its dimensions before attempting it.
Yes. Some may require it to be checked in under their sports / outdoor equipment policy.
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