Can You Bring Hand Warmers On a Plane? TSA 2025

When you travel to a cold place, skiing or climbing, your hands can get very cold. Hand warmers help keep your hands cozy and warm, but can you bring hand warmers on planes, and what are the airline’s regulations about traveling with all types of hand warmers?

Here is the short answer:

You can take hand warmers on a plane. Most types including carbon, charcoal, iron, battery-powered, air-activated, and reusable gel or liquid hand warmers are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.

It is preferable to transport them inside their original packaging to avoid any inconvenience at the airport.

This post covers everything you need to know about taking hand warmers on a plane carry-on and checked luggage.

TL;DR

  • Most hand warmers are allowed on planes, including iron, carbon, charcoal, battery-powered, air-activated, and reusable gel or liquid types.
  • You can pack hand warmers in both carry-on and checked bags.
  • Gel or liquid hand warmers must follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule (3.4 oz / 100 ml or less per container).
  • Hand warmers using flammable liquids or gases are not allowed.
  • Keep hand warmers in their original packaging to avoid issues at security.
  • Pack them neatly to make screening easier.
Hand warmer inside a box
Image courtesy of Amazon

Take HotHands or Any Other Type of Hand Warmers Through the Security Checkpoint

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regulate the transportation of these items on planes.

The amount of solid chemicals used in these products is small and not hazardous or dangerous, so they are safe to take on planes.

Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.

TSA rule showing that hand warmers are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags, with green check marks next to each option.

But the TSA always claims that the final decision rests with the TSA officer at the airport to allow or ban certain items.

So ensure that you take a reasonable quantity of hand warmers to avoid any arguing with TSA officers.

Other chemical or gel hand warmers are allowed in carry-on baggage, but gels, aerosols, and liquids must follow the TSA liquid rule.

You can bring only containers or pods of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less in carry-on, inside a quart-sized bag with other liquids.

Note: Hand warming devices using flammable liquids or gases are forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage.

FAA

Can I Bring Hand Warmers in My Carry-On?

You can bring hand warmers on board the airplane on most airlines, and you don’t need to inform your airline that you have them inside your bag.

Solid hand warmers are not considered liquids or dangerous items and don’t need to be packed in your quart-size liquids bag.

@Nestor asked if it was okay to bring these hand warmers in carry-on luggage, and the TSA replied that he is good to go.

Tweet asking TSA if hand warmers are allowed in carry-on bags, with HotHands package shown; TSA replies they’re allowed in both carry-on and checked bags

If you are traveling with a large quantity of hand warmers in your carry-on baggage, there are no special instructions, but it is better to place them inside your backpack or carry-on bag.

Can You Pack Hand Warmers in Checked Luggage?

Tweet asking TSA if hand warmers are allowed in checked bags, AskTSA replies they’re allowed in both carry-on and checked bags

There is nothing wrong with packing hand warmers in a checked bag.

Sometimes the TSA agent will ask you to remove your items and place them in a separate bin for an additional inspection.

If you want to avoid all this, you can always place your hand warmers inside your checked bag.

Can You Take Rechargeable Hand Warmers on a Plane?

Yes, you can.

Rechargeable hand warmers are permitted as carry-on or checked baggage. However, you might want to consider the batteries.

“Lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery. These limits allow for nearly all types of lithium batteries used by the average person in their electronic devices,” says the FAA.

How to Pack Your Hand Warmers Inside Your Bag

You can pack a wide range of hand warmers; however, you need to make sure you pack them wisely so you don’t find yourself held up at airport security.

Before heading to the airport, be sure to check your items and make sure they are organized and not cluttered in your bag so they won’t block the view for the X-ray screening.

It is advised to pack your hand warmers in a closed, well-sealed bag, separated from your clothes to facilitate the screening process.

Best Hand Warmers for Travel

We were determined to research and find the best hand warmers for your next trip or adventure.

Many passengers are familiar with HotHands hand warmers; they are known for their efficiency and designed products for each part of the body.

For example, this HotHands pack comes with three warmers hands, toes, and body so you can use them separately when needed.

In addition, each package contains up to 214 hours of heat.

Also, when traveling in cold weather, you want a hand warmer that can maintain heat for a long time.

Rechargeable hand warmers are a perfect solution.

They are small and light, easy to carry anywhere in any pocket or bag while traveling, hiking, camping, or skiing.

Like the Jomst New 7800mAh Rechargeable Hand Warmer it also works as a portable battery pack to charge your phone or other electronic devices.

The amazing thing about this rechargeable warmer is its large battery capacity, which allows it to last for a long time.

Final Thoughts: Can You Take Hand Warmers on a Plane?

You can bring hand warmers or heat warmers on a plane in both carry-on and checked baggage without special restrictions, unless the products are made from other types of chemicals or flammable materials.

Also, there are no rules on packing hand warmers inside your checked baggage, and it is really a good idea.

I always prefer to place such items in my checked bag if I don’t want to be bothered by airport security.

I hope this helps.

Happy travels.

People also ask: