Can You Bring a Blanket On a Plane? 2025

Bringing a blanket on a plane is a good idea for comfort and hygiene reasons, and If you are planning to bring any type of blanket on plane, here is a short answer.

Yes, you can bring a blanket on a plane, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits blankets in both carry-on and checked bags without any limits. This includes all types of blankets, such as electric and survival blankets, but they need to comply with your airline’s size and weight limits.

Keep reading to know more about taking blankets on planes in both carry-on and checked baggage.

I’ve already covered the rules for traveling with pillows, you can read the post if you want to take a pillow along with your blanket.

Let’s dive right in.

Text asking 'Can You Take A Blanket On Airplane?' with the word blankets at the bottom.
BlueHills Soft Travel Blanket for Airplane/ courtesy of amazon

TSA Blanket Rules: Take a Blanket on a Plane

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has no issues with traveling with any type of blanket.

According to their rules, you are permitted to bring blankets through the security checkpoint without any restrictions.

Here’s a screenshot from their website confirming it.

TSA guidelines: Blankets allowed in carry-on and checked bags. Final decision by TSA officer.

Are Electric Blankets Allowed Through TSA?

I also did some research to find if there are specific limitations or exceptions on bringing electric blankets.

And here is a screenshot from the TSA website stating that there are no restrictions on bringing both regular and electric blankets in your carry-on.

TSA rules: Electric blankets allowed in carry-on and checked bags.

If you have another type of blanket I will not put a screenshot for each type here, but here is a table that shows whether each blanket is allowed in a carry-on or checked bag.

So you can quickly see what’s travel-friendly and what might require extra attention.

Blanket TypeAllowed in Carry-On BagAllowed in Checked Bag
Throw BlanketYesYes
Weighted BlanketYesYes
Electric BlanketYes (non-bulky preferred)Yes
Survival BlanketYesYes
Emergency BlanketYesYes
Camping BlanketYesYes
Travel BlanketYesYes
Picnic BlanketYesYes
Heated BlanketYes (check batteries)Yes
Baby BlanketYesYes
Outdoor BlanketYesYes
Airplane BlanketYesYes
Hotel BlanketYesYes
Thermal BlanketYesYes
Military BlanketYesYes
Beach BlanketYesYes
Hospital BlanketYesYes
Moving BlanketYes (bulky, check size)Yes
Yoga BlanketYesYes

Does a Blanket Count as a Carry-On?

Most airlines are fairly lenient when it comes to taking additional items on board.

But, it’s better to fit your blanket inside your bag, and you can take it out once you’re on board the airplane.

Because some airlines, especially low cost airlines may count your blanket as a personal item if it doesn’t fit in your carry-on or under the seat.

So be careful this could amen you pay some additional and unexpected fees.

Can You Take a Blanket in Checked Baggage?

Yes, all types of blankets are allowed in checked baggage.

In fact, if you’re not going to use your blanket during the flight, the best way to travel with it is inside your checked bag.

That way, you’ll save space in your carry-on for other essential items.

Even survival blankets are good to go in checked bags.

Don asked if survival blankets and digital trail cameras are allowed in checked baggage.

Exchange on X between DonCurtian and AskTSA about Mylar blankets and trail cameras in checked bags. TSA confirms both are allowed, batteries can stay in cameras.

The AskTSA team responded with a green light, survival blankets and digital cameras are good to go in checked bags.

Also if you are check in your luggage, make sure you don’t leave your blanket inside your suitcase like what Bethany did, especially if you have a long haul flight.

Tweet from Bethany complaining about airline blankets: 'Left mine in checked baggage, plane blankets were uncomfortable, couldn't sleep well due to cold.

Do Airlines Charge For Blankets?

Some airlines do offer blankets to use for free, especially on long haul international flights. However, you are usually not allowed to take the blanket with you after the flight.à

If you decide to bring your own personal blanket, most airlines won’t charge you for it even if it’s slightly larger.

It may count as either a carry-on or personal item, depending on its size and how you carry it.

Many airlines also allow a few additional free items in addition to your main carry-on bag and personal item, such as:

  • An umbrella
  • A small purse
  • A magazine
  • A blanket

Do Airlines Wash Their Blankets?

Most airlines that provide in flight blankets also ensure they are washed regularly.

Blankets are usually cleaned at:

  • Industrial laundry facilities contracted by the airline
  • The airline’s own base / home at the airport.

As far as I’m concerned with the cleanliness of a blanket, I prefer to bring my own blanket, It gives me peace of mind.

Airlines And Flying With blankets?

Blankets make flights more comfortable. Whether you’re traveling with one from home or bringing back a new one from your vacation, here’s what major U.S. airlines say:

 American Airlines

@AmericanAirlines allows blankets on board without any restrictions.

But, always ensure your blanket does not exceed personal item or carry-on limits.

Reply on X from AmericanAir confirming passengers can bring blankets on planes.

Delta Air Lines

Someone asked Delta about bringing a blanket and whether it counts as a personal item.

But If the blanket doesn’t fit inside your carry-on, it will be counted as a personal item.

Reply on X from Delta confirming passengers can bring blankets on flights, advising to pack in carry-on or count as personal item.

Spirit Airlines

While I didn’t find a direct answer from Spirit Airlines about flying with blankets, it’s clear that there are no restrictions on traveling with blankets.

You can place your blanket inside your main carry-on or personal item (a bag that fits under the seat).

Southwest Airline

Just like other airlines, Southwest may count a large blanket that isn’t packed inside a bag as a carry-on or personal item, depending on its size.

If it’s small and fits inside your main bag, you won’t have any problems.

Reply on X from SouthwestAir confirming that weighted blankets allowed onboard but count as carry-on or personal item unless packed inside luggage.

Final Thoughts: Can You Bring a Blanket on a Plane?

You don’t have to rely on the airline’s thin blankets if they don’t offer enough warmth or comfort.

The airline or the airport security will not stop you from bringing your own blanket even if it’s electric or weighted onto the plane.

If you’re bringing a large blanket as a gift or for another reason, make sure to check your airline luggage rules so you don’t get hit with surprise fees.

I hope this helps

Happy travels

People also ask: