Darts can be a bit tricky to pack because they have sharp points, but can you bring darts on a plane?
Here is the short answer: generally, you can bring darts on a plane, but not in your carry-on bag. You can pack darts in your checked bag, just make sure they are securely covered and packed in a way that prevents the sharp points from injuring baggage handlers or security officers.
In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about taking darts on planes, in both domestic and international flights, and what happens if TSA finds them in your cabin bag.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can bring darts on a plane but only in your checked bag.
- You can’t bring darts in carry-on bags under TSA rules.
- You should not pack darts in your purse, backpack, or personal item if you are taking them through airport security.
- Pack darts securely in a dart case or another protective container before putting them in your checked bag.
- Make sure to cover the sharp points and securely protect them to prevent injuries during baggage handling and inspection.
- You can pack a dartboard in carry-on but first make sure it is within your airline carry-on size and weight.
- For international flights the rules are almost the same, you can’t bring any sharp items in the cabin.
Can You Bring Darts Through the Security Checkpoint and In Your Carry-on?
According the TSA website If you are flying from a U.S. airport, you cannot bring darts through the TSA security checkpoint in your carry-on bag.
Here is a screen grab from their website.
The TSA lists darts as no for carry-on baggage.
The reason is straightforward: darts have sharp points that could potentially be used to harm another person.
So, if you have a set of steel tip darts for your next trip, don’t put them in your backpack or carry-on suitcase.
Instead, place them in your checked luggage before you head to the airport.
This applies even if the darts are small.
I always look at it like this even if dart is only a few inches long does not make it automatically acceptable in the eyes of TSA folks.
Why Are Darts Not Allowed in Carry-on Bags?
Darts have pointed tips designed to stick into a dartboard.
That makes them a sharp object, and airport security rules are not lenient with any sharp objects that could potentially cause an injury.
So the TSA simply says darts are not permitted in carry-on baggage.
This is why I will not assume that darts are okay to bring in the cabin bag just because they are sporting equipment.
I wanted to find more answers from the TSAa social media, mainly X.
Ventura wonder if darts are allowed in carry-on bags.
The AskTSA replied that darts are not allowed in carry-on bags, as they are considered potential weapons and must be packed in checked bags.
Can You Bring Darts in Checked Luggage?
Yes, you can bring darts in checked luggage.
In fact this is the easiest and safest way to travel with them when flying from the United States.
The TSA lists darts as permitted in checked bags.
They also recommend that any sharp objects you place in your checked bag, is sheathed and securely wrapped to prevent injuries to baggage handlers and security folks.
So before placing your darts inside your suitcase, make sure the points are properly protected.
A hard dart case is a good option because it keeps the darts together and prevents the sharp tips from poking through your suitcase.
Where Should You Pack Darts?
The easiest way to decide where to pack your darts is to remember one simple rule when flying from the U.S.:
| Item | Carry-on | Checked bag | Best way to pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel-tip darts | No | Yes | Use a protective dart case |
| Soft-tip darts | No | Yes | Keep them in a dart case |
| Dart set with metal points | No | Yes | Cover the points securely |
| Loose dart points | No | Yes | Keep them contained and protected |
| Dart flights | Yes | Yes | Pack them with your other small items |
| Dart shafts | Yes | Yes | Keep them in a case or small pouch |
| Dartboard | Allowed, but depends on size | Yes | Check airline baggage limits |
The important thing is that the darts themselves should not be in your carry-on when going through the TSA security checkpoint.
If you don’t fly with a checked bag, you may need to leave your darts at home or consider whether your destination has a place where you can buy or rent a set.
Can You Bring Soft-Tip Darts on a Plane?
Soft-tip darts can be slightly different because they don’t have the same sharp metal point as traditional darts.
However, if you are flying from the United States, the TSA’s listing for dart barrels says they are not permitted in carry-on baggage and are permitted in checked baggage.
So if you want to avoid a problem at the airport, the safest approach is to pack your dart set in your checked luggage.
Can You Bring a Dartboard on a Plane?
A dartboard itself does not have the same sharp points as the dart barrels , but the main issue is its size and weight.
If you want to take a dartboard in your carry-on, you need to make sure it fits within your airline cabin baggage size limits.
A standard dartboard can also be fairly heavy, so checking it may be easier.
If you are traveling with a large or unusual dartboard, check your airline’s baggage rules before heading to the airport.
Also remember that the darts should be packed separately in your checked luggage when flying from the U.S.
What Happens If TSA Finds Darts in Your Carry-on?
If you forget and place darts on your carry-on bag, then expect the security officers to remove them from your bag.
Depending on the airport and your circumstances, you may have to put them inside your checked bag, return them to someone who is not traveling, or surrender them.
That’s why it’s much easier to check your darts before you reach the security checkpoint.
Don’t wait until the TSA officer finds them in your bag.
Can You Bring Darts on an International Flight?
You can generally travel internationally with darts, but the rules depend on the country and airport you are departing from.
For example, in the UK they list darts as not allowed in hand luggage but allowed in hold luggage.
Canada has a slightly different rule.
CATSA says game darts measuring 6 cm / 2.4 inches or less from the end of the barrel to the point are permitted in carry-on baggage.
Steel point darts exceeding that length must be placed in checked baggage.
So don’t just assume that a rule from one country automatically applies to another.
How to Pack Darts for a Flight?
Before you head to the airport, make sure that you place your darts set inside a proper dart case if you have one.
A good case keeps the darts from moving around and protects the sharp points.
If you don’t have a case, make sure the points are securely covered and cannot easily stick out through your luggage.
You can then place the protected darts in the middle of your suitcase, surrounded by clothing or other soft items.
Don’t simply throw loose darts into your suitcase.
As they can damage your clothes, other belongings, or potentially injure someone handling the bag.
Final Thoughts
You can bring game and lawn darts on a plane, but where you place them matters.
If you’re flying from the U.S., darts are good to go in your checked bag but not in your carry-on.
The easiest way is to put your darts in a protective case, make sure the sharp points are securely covered, and place the case inside your checked suitcase.
If you’re flying internationally, check the rules at your departure airport because some countries have different requirements.
For example, Canada allows certain short darts in carry-on baggage, while UK rules prohibit darts in hand luggage.
For most travelers, the simple rule is: place your darts in checked luggage and protect the points before you fly.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
FAQs About Bring Darts On A Plane
Can you bring darts in your carry-on bag?
Not when flying from the U.S. The TSA lists darts as prohibited in carry-on bags but allowed in checked bags.
Can you bring darts in a checked bag?
Yes Darts are okay to bring in checked bags, just make sure the sharp points are securely covered or wrapped.
Can you bring soft-tip darts in your carry-on?
For U.S. flights, the safest approach is to pack them in checked luggage because the TSA lists darts as not allowed in carry-on bags.
Can you bring a dart case on a plane?
An empty dart case is generally allowed, but the darts inside it must follow the security rules at your departure airport.
Can you bring dart flights and shafts in your carry-on?
Small dart components such as flights and shafts are allowed in your carry-on, as long as they do not contain a prohibited sharp point.
Can you bring a dartboard in your carry-on?
Yes, but it depends mainly on the dartboard’s size and your airline’s cabin baggage limits.
Can you bring darts in a purse or personal item?
Not through TSA security in the U.S. A purse or personal item is still cabin baggage, so pack any darts in your checked luggage instead.
Can you bring darts on an international flight?
Yes but the rules mostly depend on the country you are flying from. The U.K airports prohibit darts in carry-on luggage, while Canada allows some darts measuring 6 cm (2.4 inches) or less in carry-on baggage.
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References & Sources
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
- Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA).
- GOV.UK.
