The Transportation Security Administration has placed various restrictions on what passengers can and can not carry on a plane. Hence, there are some rules and guidelines you must comply with in order to pass through airport security and TSA checkpoints. If you are traveling soon and thinking about carrying dry ice; either to preserve perishable items or flash freezing, then make sure to check the regulations about that.
This article will discuss whether you can take dry ice on a plane and which relevant rules concern it. Keep reading to learn all the essentials and get ready for a hassle-free travel experience.
What is Dry Ice and Why is it Used
First and foremost, let’s address the most important question; what is dry ice and what are its uses?
Dry ice is made after compressing CO2 and cooling it to a near-gaseous state. Once that is done, the gas is converted into solid carbon dioxide i.e. dry ice with the help of atmospheric pressure. It can then be transformed into the physical state of matter such as blocks and pellets.
While dry ice has several uses, it can be needed on a plane due to the following reasons.
- It can be used to keep specific items cold during long-haul flights
- Dry ice can be packed in insulated containers to preserve food items and liquid items.
- Dry ice can be used to keep medicines cold or help with the presence of breast milk on a plane.
- Dry ice can be packed with specific items and medicines to prevent bacterial growth.
- Dry ice can be used to keep perishable goods such as salads, fruits, and ice cream fresh on a flight.
- It can enable you to comply with health and safety guidelines on a plane
- It can be used to preserve human body or organs if they need to be transferred somewhere
Why are there Regulations on Dry Ice
While dry ice has numerous uses, there are also some potential hazards closely associated with it. Since it is made up of chemicals, it is deemed a dangerous good that can cause harm to fellow passengers, flight attendants, crew members, and even oneself. There are some restrictions on its carriage to prevent damage to people, planes, and other property. One of the main safety threats is the possibility of carbon dioxide releasing from the dry ice and reaching dangerous levels in the aircraft. If the dry ice isn’t packed in proper containers, it can sublimate and even explode. Keeping the scope of threats in mind, both the airline and other authorities have stated certain guidelines regarding it.
What are the TSA regulations?
The Transportation Security Administration has placed restrictions on the carriage of dry ice by limiting its quantity. As per the guidelines, each passenger is allowed to carry a maximum of 5.5 pounds of dry ice with prior approval from the airline.
Other than that, the TSA requires it to be properly marked with the total weight. It should be packed in a safe and adequate container, stating the name of the contents preserved inside along with the words “dry ice” written on it. Despite that, the final decision rests with the TSA agents and they might subject you to additional screening if they deem it necessary. You can pass through the security checkpoint smoothly if you follow all the steps and do as the TSA officer instructs.
What are the FAA regulations?
The Federal Aviation Administration has also levied some restrictions on the carriage of dry ice in aircraft cabins. They pretty much have the same rules as the TSA; each passenger is allowed 5.5 lbs (2 kg) of dry ice and they must acquire airline approval beforehand. The FAA also states that you are not allowed to use airtight containers as they will prevent ventilation and increase the risk of accidents. In short, there should be an easy release of carbon dioxide gas.
What are the Airline Regulations
Essentially, the TSA and FAA guidelines apply to air travel. You are allowed to carry reasonable quantities of dry ice in both carry-on luggage and checked luggage. However, different airlines may incur additional or specific rules as well. Since dry ice is a hazardous chemical, passengers must get the airline’s approval before the flight. The specific airline may restrict how much dry ice you can carry or ask you to take additional measures for security. For instance, you may be instructed to use a specific type of container or mark it in a certain way. These details can also be found on the official website or by contacting customer support.
Dry ice is essential while shipping particular items or preserving them for your own use; they are certainly necessary for carrying medicines and often cosmetics. Hence, the airline policies are designed to be flexible yet secure for everyone on board.
As long as you comply with the guidelines and avoid larger quantities, you will enjoy a smooth transfer through airport security and security screening. Where packaging is concerned, the container must be adequate for the carriage of dry ice and it must be properly vented for the release of carbon dioxide gas. It must be labeled, marked, and inspected for cleanliness beforehand. If you are carrying it in checked baggage, you must ensure that the packaging is appropriate for transit.
Considerations for international travel
Usually, there is more strictness on international flights than on domestic ones. However, the need for dry ice also tends to be higher in long-haul flights; especially those involving international travel. Be sure to check your airline policies and those of your final destination.
Make sure to consider the rules governing layovers and connecting flights so that each leg of your journey is free of stress.
Major airline’s policies regarding dry ice
It will be a good idea to check your specific airline’s policies on their website. However, here are some general examples to help you get an idea of airline policies.
- Emirates: Emirates allows the carriage of dry ice or ice packs in carry-on baggage and checked luggage as long as the net weight of dry ice does not exceed 2.5 kg.
- DeltaAirliness: Delta Airlines allows dry ice on a plane as long as it’s being used to cool non-hazardous perishable items. The content itself must comply with the 3-1-1 liquid requirements and you must follow the quantity limits.
- American Airlines: they permit small amounts of dry ice as long as you gain approval before the flight. Safety precautions must be taken and the auxiliary cabin ventilation must be used in case the normal system isn’t working.
- Allegiant: their policy states that passengers can carry dry ice as long as the weight restrictions are met and the container allows the release of carbon dioxide.
- Vietnam Airlines: they allow the carriage of various ice types including gel ice, blue ice, and even dry ice. It can be packed as carry-on items and checked luggage as long as the net weight does not exceed 2.5 kg for dry ice. You must also use a proper container and ensure ventilation. The container must be labeled “dry ice” or “carbon dioxide, solid” in clear and bold writing.
Final thoughts
Wrapping up, it’s imperative to note that you should always check airline policies and regulatory guidelines before packing for your flight. The rules may vary based on your airline and final destination but compliance can guarantee a smooth screening process. Whether you are thinking of carrying gel packs, cold packs, wet ice, or dry ice; always check what the updated rules and the detailed packaging instructions have to say about it.
We hope this article helped you understand how you can carry dry ice in a plane. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask us and we’d be happy to help.
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