Most people need ice when traveling for food or just to keep an item frozen during a flight, but can you bring or take ice on a plane?
Generally; frozen and solid ice is allowed in both carry-on and checked bags on most airlines. However, the ice needs to be completely solid when going through the security checkpoint. According to the TSA, if your ice is not solid during the screening process, it will be subject to the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule, which is 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less per single container inside a quart-sized bag.
It is important to note that medically necessary items and baby food are exempt from the TSA liquid rule.
This post covers everything you need to know about traveling with ice on planes, the best ways to pack ice for a flight, and our favorite ice packs for air travel.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can bring frozen, solid ice in both carry-on and checked bags.
- Ice must be completely frozen at the security checkpoint or it will be treated as a liquid under the 3.4 oz rule.
- Solid ice cubes and ice blocks are allowed in any amount if they are fully frozen.
- Gel ice packs are permitted but must also be frozen solid during screening.
- Dry ice is allowed up to 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) and must be stored in a properly vented container.
- Frozen food with ice is allowed as long as your cooler meets airline carry-on or checked size limits.
- After passing security, melted ice or liquid ice has no restrictions.
Can You Take Ice On a Plane?
Can You Take Ice Through the Security Checkpoint?
According to the TSA, ice or solid liquids are generally allowed through the security checkpoint, but they must be frozen and solid at the time of screening.
Any ice that is melted or in liquid form during screening will be subject to the 3-1-1 liquid rule.
Each container must not exceed 3.4 oz / 100 ml and must fit inside a quart sized bag.
Here is what the TSA says about taking ice through the security checkpoint on its website.
Ice cubes are also permitted through security checkpoints as long as they are solid and not melted.
And as the TSA always states, TSA agents have the final say about what can and can’t be taken on board airplanes.
Can You Bring Ice in Carry-On Baggage?
You can usually take solid ice in carry-on baggage, and you can take it in either your cooler or any other container.
But if it is in liquid form, it falls under the TSA liquid rules.
In addition, there is nothing suspicious about ice; it is just frozen water and is not considered a hazardous item.
You will need to make sure that you take reasonable quantities so that you don’t exceed the allowed weight or size of the airline you’re flying with.
You can also take frozen foods in your carry-on baggage along with your ice, as long as your cooler is within the allowed size and weight of your airline.
When traveling with dry ice, your cooler or container must have a vented area so the gas can escape.
@Red asked the TSA on Twitter if he could bring dry ice on a plane and what “the package is vented” means, and the TSA confirmed that dry ice is good to go in both carry-on and checked baggage, but the container must be vented or slightly open to allow the carbon dioxide gas to pass out.
Can You Take Ice Blocks in Hand Luggage?
Only liquids or gels are not allowed in quantities more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml, so ice blocks are allowed in hand luggage without limits as long as they are solid and completely frozen.
If your ice blocks are not completely frozen, then they will not be allowed onboard unless you pack small containers of 3.4 oz or less in a quart-sized bag.
This is an answer from the TSA on X stating that any ice packs that is used for food need to be frozen solid when pretend for screening.
Can You Bring Ice in Checked Baggage?
The FAA regulates the maximum amount of dry ice you can fly with to 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) per package and per passenger.
And if you are traveling with this amount, it is a clever idea to take it as checked baggage and gain more space in your carry-on baggage for other necessary items.
A portable cooler will work perfectly: it’s easy to carry, holds your ice, and keeps it solid during your flight.
Can I Bring Gel Ice Packs on the Plane?
Yes, gel ice packs are allowed on planes in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Here is what the TSA says about traveling with ice packs:
Will an Ice Pack Explode on a Plane?
No. As the TSA and airlines allow ice packs on planes, there is little chance that ice packs will explode on a plane.
Dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide) turns into gas as it heats up.
This can accumulate pressure over time, but if your container allows gas to escape, there is no worry.
Best Ice Packs for Air Travel
If you don’t want to take a large amount of ice when traveling, ice packs are just the right choice.
Arctic ICE Packs are known for being long-lasting and reusable.
They are designed to place between your food and beverages to keep them cold and cool, and they are also really affordable.
However, if you are not a fan of big packs, Amazon Basics Reusable Ice Packs are also a great way to keep your things cool.
The ice packs are small, easy to pack in your carry-on baggage, and you can place them in coolers, bags, or storage cases, and they will perform well.
Final Thoughts On Taking Ice On a Plane.
To sum up, whether you want to use for your drinks or for other reasons, frozen ice is allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage but with quantities no more than 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs).
If your ice is liquid or the bottom of your container or cooler is liquid and you want to transport it in carry-on baggage, it should be in a container of 3.4 oz or less so it adheres to the TSA liquid rule.
The TSA says that the ice must be frozen or solid at the time of screening, meaning even if you pass the security checkpoint and your ice melts afterward, you are good to go.
Dry ice is also allowed in carry-on and checked baggage with the same quantities and restrictions, and your container must be transported in a properly vented container.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
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