Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to Europe, an epic adventure in Thailand, or a bucket-list trip to Rome, traveling with a yoga mat is a good choice, but does a yoga mat count as a carry-on? and can I bring a large yoga mat on a plane?
Generally, A yoga mat will not be coated toward your carry-on If it fits inside your carry-on bag or personal item, but, if you carry the yoga mat by itself or attached to the outside of your bag, many airlines may treat it as one of your allowed carry-on items.
To avoid issues at the airport, it’s best to place the yoga mat inside your carry-on bag or pack it in checked luggage if it is too large.
In this post you will learn whether a yoga mat counts as a carry-on and how to travel with it on a plane, also you will find tips for packing your yoga mat inside your carry-on or checked bag.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can bring a yoga mat on a plane in either carry-on or checked luggage.
- If it fits inside your carry-on bag, it usually won’t count as a separate item.
- If you carry it separately, some airlines may count it as your carry-on or personal item dependig on its size.
- To avoid issues, pack the mat inside your bag or check it if it’s too large.
Can I Bring A Yoga Mat On A Plane?
Yes, you can bring your yoga travel mat on a plane, in either carry-on baggage or checked baggage.
Most airlines allow two carry-on bags. If your yoga mat is small enough to be placed inside your carry-on bag, that will give you an advantage to bring another personal bag.
Regarding TSA, traveling with a yoga mat either in carry-on baggage or checked baggage is allowed on almost all routes and destinations. So going through a security checkpoint with a yoga mat will be a breeze on your next flight.
Does A Yoga Mat Count As Carry On?
Airline luggage policies differ from one airline to another.
So your yoga mat will be counted as a personal item if it is within the airline personal item size. But if your yoga mat is above the allowed personal item size, it will be counted as your main carry-on.
The smartest way to avoid any inconvenience while traveling with a large yoga mat and to avoid being concerned if your yoga mat will be counted as carry-on is to place your mat in your checked suitcase if it is possible.
Otherwise, if you are traveling with a yoga mat in hand, that won’t cause any issue.
| Yoga Mat | Dimensions | Thickness | Fits in Carry-On? | Fits in Checked Bag? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lululemon The Reversible Mat | 71 × 26 in (180 × 66 cm) | 5 mm | Yes, if rolled or attached to bag | Yes |
| Manduka PRO Yoga Mat | 71 × 26 in (180 × 66 cm) | 6 mm | Yes, but bulky | Yes |
| Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat | 68 × 24 in (173 × 61 cm) | 5–6 mm | Yes | Yes |
| BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Mat | 71 × 24 in (180 × 61 cm) | 12 mm | Sometimes (may be bulky) | Yes |
| Jade Harmony Yoga Mat | 68 × 24 in (173 × 61 cm) | 5 mm | Yes | Yes |
| Liforme Original Yoga Mat | 73 × 27 in (185 × 68 cm) | 4.2 mm | Yes | Yes |
| Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Mat | 71 × 24 in (180 × 61 cm) | 1.5 mm | Yes (very travel-friendly) | Yes |
How To Carry Yoga Mat In Flight?
Attach a yoga mat to backpack:
Choosing the right yoga mat is critical when packing for your flight. A light and sturdy backpack can carry your travel yoga mat perfectly if your mat is rolled tightly so that it fits within the walking pole or tent straps on the outside of your backpack.
Place it in your carry-on bag:
If you are traveling with a standard carry-on bag, turn your yoga mat into a rectangle-shaped bundle that is small enough to be placed inside your carry-on luggage bag.
It may take some space in your carry-on bag, but this way you won’t have to pack it in your checked bag.
What Can I Use Instead Of A Yoga Mat While Traveling?
When traveling, you may want to purchase your yoga mat at your destination. If not, there are many alternatives you can put in your carry-on instead of a mat. Here is what to use instead of a yoga mat while traveling.
- Large piece of fabric
- Rolled-up towel
- Folded woven blanket
Airlines Regulations On Traveling With A Yoga Mats
I wanted to find some answers directly from airline on their social media, this is some answers I found on X.
United Airlines
You can transport a yoga mat as a personal item on United if it is within (9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 centimeters x 25 centimeters x 43 centimeters)).
If it is above the stated dimensions, it will be counted as your carry-on.
JetBlue
JetBlue replied to Lianne that she can bring her yoga in addition to her carry-on but the final say is to the JetBlue staff at the airport.
Southwest Airlines
But for Southwest their answer is not clear.
But obviously as long as the yoga mat is within the size limits it will recounted as carry-on.
American Airlines Yoga Mat
Abigale asked the American Airlines customer service if her yoga mat would be accepted as a personal item if she doesn’t have any checked bag, and they replied:
“You can bring your yoga mat as long as it fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.”
EasyJet Yoga Mat
According to EasyJet, you can take your yoga mat and carry-on luggage as long as it fits within your one cabin bag allowance up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with your yoga exercise mat is generally easy.
If your mat fits inside your carry-on bag, it usually won’t count as a separate item, giving you more flexibility to take more luggage.
If you have a larger mat, you might need to check in it or it will be counted as your main carry-on.
Using a foldable or travel-friendly mat, or securing it to your backpack, can make your flight more easy.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
Frequently Asked Questions About Taking Yoga Mats on Planes
-
Can you bring a yoga mat on international flights?
You can bring a yoga mat on your international flights. Most airlines allow it either as part of your carry-on luggage or inside your checked bag, as long as it fits within the airline’s size limits. -
Can a yoga mat fit under an airplane seat?
Usually It will not. Most yoga mats are too long to fit under the seat in front of you, so you’ll likely need to store it in the overhead bin unless it’s a small foldable travel mat. -
Do budget airlines count a yoga mat as an extra item?
Some airlines yes. If you’re flying with a strict budget airline, your yoga mat may count as your carry-on or personal item, especially if you already have more bags with you. -
Do you need to remove a yoga mat during airport security screening?
In most airports you don’t need to remove your yoga mat during security screening. However, if it’s inside a bag or packed tightly with other items, a security officer may ask you to take it out. -
What size yoga mat can you bring on a plane?
You can usually bring any yoga mat that fits within your airline carry-on size limits. If the mat is too large or bulky, the airline may ask you to check it or count it as your main carry-on item. -
Is a foldable yoga mat better for traveling by plane?
Yes, a foldable travel yoga mat can be much easier to travel with. You can fold it and place it inside your carry-on bag or backpack, which helps you avoid using up your carry-on allowance. -
Can you strap a yoga mat to your carry-on bag?
Yes, ion course you can attach your yoga mat to your carry-on or backpack using straps or clips. Just make sure it’s tightly secured and doesn’t exceed the airline’s carry-on size rules. -
Can flight attendants store a yoga mat in the cabin closet?
Sometimes they can, but it depends on the airline and if there is space in the airplane. If the closet isn’t full, a flight attendant may allow you to store your yoga mat there, especially on long flights.
People also ask:
- What if my personal item is too big?
- Can a weekender bag be a personal item?
- Is a backpack considered a personal item?
