So can you bring magnets on a plane?
Generally, yes, you can bring magnets on a plane in both carry-on and checked luggage, according to the TSA. Small consumer magnets like souvenirs, fridge magnets, and magnetic toys are safe. But powerful and heavy magnets must be packed carefully to avoid interfering with aircraft navigation systems, as per FAA regulations.
In this post, I will cover the nitty gritty of traveling with magnets on airplanes and what types of magnets are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can bring a magnet on a plane in your carry-on and checked bag.
- Small and commonly used magnets (like fridge magnets, souvenir magnets, or magnetic toys) have no limits in both carry-on and checked luggage.
- These are considered safe and usually pass through security without issues.
- Strong and large industrial magnets (especially powerful neodymium ones) may not be allowed because they can interfere with aircraft system.
- If you’re carrying those, they should be packed carefully and may need airline approval or be placed in checked luggage.
Can You Take Magnets Through The Security Checkpoint?
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) stated that small and regular magnets are allowed through the security checkpoint without any issues.
Here is a screenshot from the TSA website and what they have to say about flying with magnets.
I also wanted to find more answers from the TSA social media and here are some screen grabs.
Samantha wanted to bring these beautiful magnet blocks for her kids on a Delta flight.
The TSA customer service replied that magnetic toys are good to go through the screening checkpoint without any issues.
But they didn’t mention anything about large magnets with higher magnetic power.
This is Ayden asking about bringing a high powerful neodymium magnet on a plane.
The TSA answered that the FAA has some regulations concerning magnets with a high magnetic field.
So the FAA replied that magnets with magnetic filed more than 0.00525 gauss measured at 4.4m (15 feet) from any surface will not be accepted on the plane.
Can You bring a Magnet In Carry-on Luggage?
It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling with American, Delta or JetBlue, you can bring small magnets in your carry-on bag without any issues.
As some electronic items or baby toys already have magnets, and many passengers travel with them, there are no restrictions on these types of magnets.
You can place them in your personal item or carry-on bag, just ensure that you securely place your magnet inside your bag so it won’t move around.
If you want to take another type of magnet like a huge Neodymium magnet in a carry-on bag, you will need permission, so it is better to contact your airline or send an email to the FAA through their website, faa.gov.
Can You Bring a Magnet In Checked Luggage?
You can easily toss regular or small magnets inside your checked bag and head to the airport without any problem.
On the other hand, traveling with strong and large magnets, but still under 0.00525 gauss measured at 4.5 m / 15 feet, will need some prior homework.
Ensure that you contact your airline and the FAA if you are in the US before traveling. That way, you won’t get surprised at the airport.
If you are traveling within or to another country, you can contact the airline and the airport authorities and provide them with more details about your magnet and the purpose of taking it with you.
Shelly tagged AskTSA on X and wondered if she can bring her small neodymium magnet in checked luggage.
The TSA customer service and the FAA replied with the same answer as for carry-on luggage.
Magnets are allowed if they don’t exceed “0.00525 gauss measured at 4.5 m (15 feet).”
| Magnet type | Typical size | Allowed in carry-on | Allowed in checked baggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fridge magnets | Small | Yes | Yes |
| Souvenir magnets | Small | Yes | Yes |
| Magnetic toys & tiles | Small to medium | Yes | Yes |
| Magnetic building blocks | Small to medium | Yes | Yes |
| Magnetic chess or board games | Small | Yes | Yes |
| Magnetic phone mounts | Small | Yes | Yes |
| Magnetic car mounts | Small to medium | Yes | Yes |
| Magnetic charging cables | Small | Yes | Yes |
| Magnetic power bank accessories | Small | Yes | |
| Magnetic jewelry clasps | Small | Yes | Yes |
| Magnetic bracelets | Small | Yes | Yes |
| Magnetic name badges | Small | Yes | Yes |
| Refrigerator calendar magnets | Small | Yes | Yes |
| Magnetic bookmarks | Small | Yes | Yes |
| Whiteboard magnets | Small | Yes | Yes |
| Magnetic hooks | Small to medium | Yes | Yes |
| Magnetic screw trays | Medium | Yes | Yes |
| Magnetic tool holders | Medium | Usually yes | Yes |
| Small neodymium magnets | Small | Usually yes | Usually yes |
| Hobby magnets for crafts | Small | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker magnets | Medium | Usually yes | Yes |
| Headphone magnets | Small | Yes | Yes |
| Magnetic camera mounts | Medium | Usually yes | Yes |
| Magnetic GPS mounts | Small | Yes | Yes |
| Large neodymium magnets | Large / powerful | Restricted or may require approval | Restricted or may need prior approval |
| Industrial magnets | Large / heavy | Usually not allowed | Will need airline & FAA approval |
| Fishing magnets | Large / powerful | May require approval | May require approval |
| Salvage or recovery magnets | Large / heavy | Usually not allowed | May require airline approval |
| MRI or scientific magnets | Very large / industrial | Not allowed | Will need special transport arrangements |
How To Pack Magnets In Luggage?
After you contact the airline and the FAA and get your confirmation, it is easy to pack your precious magnet.
Small magnets do not need any special packaging, but large magnets will need some added protection to make sure that they won’t get damaged or move during the handling process.
Using cardboard or a small wooden crate with a label is the ideal way to travel with a magnet.
You can also add extra protection with layers of clothes or paper before placing the magnet inside the box.
If you are traveling with multiple pieces, they need to be kept separated with unlike poles facing each other. You can use a piece of wood or cloth to separate them.
Why Magnets Are Not Allowed On Planes?
As I mentioned above magnets that generate more than 0.00525 gauss measured at 4.5 m / 15 feet from any point of the package will not be allowed to travel on planes.
But many passengers still do not understand why.
Generally, almost every aircraft has one of the most important navigational tools in the cockpit, which is the magnetic compass.
Taking a very strong and high density magnet may interfere with the aircraft cockpit compass, cause errors, and may even make the pilots lose accurate positioning of the airplane (you can read more on the FAA website).
And you don’t want to do that.
That is why most airlines and shipping companies will not accept high-density magnets on their aircraft.
But you can easily transport the magnet by land using a shipping company, a train, or a car without any issues.
It is possible to destroy the data on a hard drive with a magnet, so traveling with a strong magnet can be a serious issue for fellow passengers traveling with a hard drive in their luggage.
Final Thoughts
Small and ordinary magnets are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags, but very strong magnets will not be accepted on planes.
Magnets with power higher than 0.00525 gauss measured at 15 ft from any surface will not be allowed, as they are considered dangerous items and may interfere with aircraft systems and cause security concerns.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
FAQs About Taking Magnets On Planes
Can You Take Fridge Magnets On A Plane?
Yes, you can bring fridge magnets in both carry-on and checked luggage. Small souvenir and decorative magnets are too weak to cause any issues during air travel.
Can Souvenir Magnets Go In Carry-on Luggage?
You can bring souvenir magnets in your carry-on or personal item without any issues. Most travelers bring them home from trips without any problems.
Do Magnets Will Set Off Airport Security Scanners?
Small magnets usually do not set off airport security scanners. Strong magnets or magnets attached to large metal objects may cause additional extra screening.
Can You Use Magnets During A Flight?
You can use a small magnet, magnetic toys, or magnetic games during a flight. Just avoid using powerful magnets near electronics or aircraft equipment.
Should You Put Magnets In Carry-on Or Checked Luggage?
You can place small magnets wherever you want in either your carry-on or checked luggage. It is better if you place strong magnets in your checked bag.
How Many Magnets Can You Bring On A Plane?
There is no limits to the number of small magnets you can bring for personal use. But carrying large quantities of strong magnets may require airline approval.
Can You Bring Magnetic Toys On A Plane?
Yes, magnetic toys, magnetic tiles, and magnetic games are good to go in both carry-on and checked luggage on most airlines.
Can Magnets Damage Your Electronics During Travel?
Small magnets are usually harmless, but strong magnets can damage hard drives, hotel key cards, and magnetic strips. Keep powerful magnets away from electronics and storage devices.
Can You Bring Magnets On International Flights?
Yes, of course you can bring magnets on international flights. Bit for strong industrial magnets they may be restricted depending on your airline.
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