Glow sticks are delightful and can be used for many purposes, such as Halloween, parties, camping, scuba diving, and even concerts, but can you take glow sticks on an airplane?
Yes, you can bring glow sticks on an airplane. But, because they contain liquid, they are subject to specific packing rules depending on whether you put them in your carry-on or checked baggage.
In this post I will cover everything you need to know about taking glow sticks on planes in both carry-on and checked bags.
Let’s dive right in.
TL,DR
You can take glow sticks on a plane.
They’re allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
In carry-ons, TSA may treat them as liquids, so they should fit within the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
Checked luggage is usually the easiest option since there are no specific restrictions.
Glow sticks are safe to fly with and won’t explode during a flight.
Can You Take Glow Sticks Through The TSA Security Checkpoint?
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) states that glow sticks are allowed through the security checkpoint, but they need to adhere to the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.
All liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage need to be in small containers or bottles with a volume of no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz) and placed in a transparent quart-sized bag.
Glow sticks contain a substance called Dibutyl Phthalate (an oily liquid); therefore, the TSA liquid rule applies to carry-on luggage only, even though the liquid inside is not a large quantity.
Here is what the TSA has to say about traveling with glow sticks on its website.
Glow sticks are allowed in carry on and checked baggage / TSA Credit
You will need to place your glow sticks along with your toiletries in a quart sized bag before going through the TSA checkpoint.
Which is not a good idea if you wanted to fit all of your toiletries inside your quart-sized bag.
Can You Take Glow Sticks In Checked Luggage?
The best way to travel with glow sticks is in a checked bag.
There are no restrictions on taking glow sticks in checked luggage. There are also no rules regarding the number of glow sticks you can place inside your checked bag, as long as they are for personal use and you stay within your airline’s luggage weight limits.
Keep in mind that items placed in checked baggage are more prone to being broken, lost, or even stolen, so make sure that your glow sticks are well protected and secured.
It is advised to secure them in a plastic bag along with their original packaging and place them somewhere accessible.
Don’t place them at the bottom of your suitcase in case airport security needs to inspect the bag..
How Many Glow Sticks Can You Take On a Plane?
As we already mentioned, there are no limits to the number of glow sticks you can bring in checked luggage for personal use, especially on domestic flights. However, for carry-on luggage, you can bring as many as your quart-sized bag can fit.
For international flights, traveling with large amounts may cause customs officials to suspect that you are importing goods for business purposes.
Only companies with legal permission are allowed to import large quantities of goods from other countries, and if you take such a risk, there is a greater chance that your products will be confiscated.
So just bring a reasonable quantity, and you will have no concerns.
Will Glow Sticks Explode On Airplanes?
Some items may be used for fun, but bad actors may try to take advantage of them and use them as a threat to the safety of others, especially when liquids are involved.
However, glow sticks are totally safe, and the TSA allows them as long as they comply with the 3.4 oz carry-on liquid limit.
Even though glow sticks contain chemicals, they won’t explode unless the substance inside them is ignited.
Glow sticks contain a Hydrogen Peroxide solution inside a glass tube, along with Phenyl Oxalate Ester and a fluorescent dye solution.
These materials are separated, but if you break the glass tube inside and shake the glow stick, the chemical reaction begins and the glow stick lights up. However, they will not cause an explosion.
Glow sticks may sometimes burst open under pressure, but they are not flammable and will not start a fire.
We checked Twitter to see some responses from the TSA about traveling with glow sticks in both carry-on and checked luggage, and here are some of the answers we found.
Danielle asked the TSA about a pack of glow party sticks and whether they were allowed in her carry-on bag because she would not be traveling with any checked bags.
Twitter Credit
AskTSA replied that, “Since glow sticks have liquids, they must be 3.4 oz or less and placed in a single quart-sized bag along with other liquids, toiletries, gels, and aerosols.”
Amber asked the TSA if she could bring tubes of glow sticks inside her carry-on bag.
Twitter Credit
The AskTSA customer service team replied that glow sticks are allowed in carry-on bags without even mentioning the TSA liquid rule, which indicates that if you are traveling with only a few sticks, you likely won’t have any issues with TSA officers.
Chuck wondered if there were any restrictions on glow sticks and laundry soap in checked luggage.
X Credit
The TSA customer service team gave him the green light, confirming that both items are allowed in checked bags without any restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Glow sticks are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.
If you want to take them in your carry-on luggage, simply place them inside a quart-sized bag along with your liquids, gels, and aerosols.
If you don’t have toiletries, you can still use any small clear bag.
On the other hand, you can take them in your checked bag without any problem, as they are not flammable and are not considered dangerous when transported in the cargo hold.
Glow sticks are safe to travel with both on the ground and in the air.
Happy travels.
FAQ About Bringing Glow Sticks on a Plane
Do You Have to Take Glow Sticks Out at Airport Security?
You can leave glow sticks inside your carry-on bag when going through the security. If TSA folks want a closer look, they may ask to inspect them separately.
Are Glow Sticks TSA Approved?
The TSA allows glow sticks in both carry-on and checked bags. If you pack them in your carry-on, they need to follow the standard liquid rules.
Can You Bring Glow Bracelets and Glow Necklaces on a Plane?
Yes, you can. Glow bracelets and glow necklaces are treated the same way as regular glow sticks and are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
Can You Take Glow Sticks on International Flights?
Glow sticks are generally allowed on international flights. Just remember that security rules can vary slightly from one country to another, so it’s worth checking before you fly.
What Happens If a Glow Stick Breaks in Your Luggage?
If a glow stick breaks, the liquid inside can leak onto your clothes and other items. It’s a good idea to keep them in a sealed plastic bag to avoid any mess.
Can Glow Sticks Activate During a Flight?
It’s possible, but it’s not very common. If a glow stick gets crushed or bent enough, the inner capsule can break and make it start glowing inside your bag.
Are Glow Sticks Considered Hazardous Materials?
No. Standard glow sticks are not considered hazardous for airline passengers, which is why they’re allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.
Can You Bring Glow Sticks to Concerts, Festivals, and Events After Flying?
Many travelers bring glow sticks for concerts, festivals, and parties. Just check the venue’s rules beforehand, since some events don’t allow them.
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist
passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.
