Lois Larson
Snow globes are often considered souvenirs and many people wonder if they can bring them through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines for carrying snow globes on planes. Snow globes that contain less than 3.4 ounces of liquid (approximately tennis ball-sized) can be packed in carry-on bags only if the entire snow globe, including the base, fits into a quart-sized resealable plastic bag. Each passenger is limited to one such bag. Larger snow globes must be packed in checked baggage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Snow globe size | Smaller than a tennis ball |
| Amount of liquid | Less than 3.4 ounces |
| Packaging | Must fit in a quart-sized, resealable plastic bag along with other liquids |
| Carry-on or checked baggage | Carry-on only if it fits in the plastic bag; otherwise, it must be checked |
| TSA's list of prohibited items | Snow globes are on the list |
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What You'll Learn
Snow globes are on the TSA's 'no' list
Snow globes are considered a potential security risk by the TSA due to the liquid they contain. As a result, they are on the TSA's no list for carry-on luggage unless they meet certain criteria. Snow globes that appear to contain less than 3.4 ounces of liquid (approximately the size of a tennis ball) can be packed in carry-on luggage only if the entire snow globe, including the base, fits into a one-quart-sized, resealable plastic bag. Each passenger is only allowed to bring one such bag with containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller.
Larger snow globes must be packed in checked baggage. If you are unsure about the size of your snow globe, it is recommended to wrap it carefully and place it in your checked luggage to avoid any issues at the security checkpoint. The final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.
To ensure that your snow globe complies with the TSA's regulations, it is important to measure the amount of liquid it contains accurately. If the snow globe is close to the 3.4-ounce limit, it may be considered non-compliant, and you may be asked to leave it behind. To be safe, it is advisable to follow the recommendations for larger snow globes and pack it securely in your checked luggage.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the TSA has strict guidelines for carry-on luggage, and snow globes are among the items that have raised concerns. While the TSA has relaxed its guidelines regarding snow globes, the majority of snow globes still do not meet the requirements for carry-on luggage due to their size and liquid content. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the specific regulations and plan accordingly when traveling with a snow globe to ensure a smooth TSA experience.
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Snow globes smaller than a tennis ball are allowed
Snow globes are permitted in carry-on luggage as long as they are smaller than a tennis ball and are able to fit inside a clear, plastic, quart-sized, resealable bag along with your other liquids. Each passenger can only bring one such bag containing 3.4 oz or smaller containers. If your snow globe is larger than this, it must be packed in your checked baggage.
To be safe, you can wrap your snow globe carefully and tuck it into your checked luggage. It is recommended to place the snow globe in a sealed plastic bag and then cushion it on all sides before placing it in your luggage. You can nestle the wrapped snow globe inside soft clothing to give it extra protection. Make sure that heavy items, such as shoes or a hairdryer, are not placed near the snow globe to avoid breakage.
It is important to note that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the security checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. In addition, the majority of snow globes do not follow TSA guidelines, as they typically hold more than 3.4 oz of liquid.
If you are unsure about bringing a snow globe through airport security, you can always ship it to your destination or purchase one at your destination to avoid any potential issues.
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Snow globes must be placed in a quart-sized, resealable plastic bag
Snow globes have long been considered a prohibited item by the TSA. However, in 2012, the TSA relaxed its rules and now allows small snow globes in carry-on luggage. This is on the condition that the snow globe is placed in a quart-sized, resealable plastic bag. The bag must be the same one that holds a passenger's other liquids, and each passenger is only allowed to bring one such bag.
Snow globes that appear to contain less than 3.4 ounces of liquid (approximately tennis ball-sized) are permitted in carry-on luggage. The entire snow globe, including its base, must fit inside the quart-sized bag. If the snow globe is larger, it must be packed in checked baggage.
It is important to note that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to carefully pack snow globes in checked luggage. Wrap the snow globe in a sealed plastic bag, and then cushion it on all sides before placing it among soft items like sweaters to provide extra protection.
Additionally, it is worth checking the TSA's rules for prohibited items in carry-on and checked bags ahead of time. This will help ensure a worry-free trip through airport security.
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Larger snow globes must be packed in checked baggage
Snow globes that appear to contain less than 3.4 ounces of liquid (approximately tennis ball-sized) can be packed in carry-on luggage. However, for a snow globe to be permitted in carry-on luggage, it must be small enough to fit into a one quart-sized, resealable plastic bag along with your other small bottles of liquid. Each passenger can only bring one such bag containing 3.4 oz or smaller containers.
If your snow globe is larger than this, it must be packed in checked baggage. To pack a snow globe in checked baggage, wrap the snow globe carefully and place it in a sealed plastic bag. Then, cushion all sides before placing it in your checked luggage. You can nestle the wrapped snow globe inside soft clothing to provide extra protection. Make sure heavy items such as shoes are not placed near the snow globe to avoid breakage.
While larger snow globes can be packed in checked baggage, it is important to note that they may still be subject to scrutiny by TSA officers. The final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.
It is recommended that you measure your snow globe and consider shipping it to your destination if it is too large, as this will ensure it arrives safely and avoid any potential issues at airport security.
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Snow globes can be shipped to your destination
Snow globes can be tricky to transport, and it's often much easier to ship them to your destination. This is especially true if your snow globe is on the larger side.
If you do decide to bring your snow globe through airport security, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, snow globes that appear to contain less than 3.4 ounces of liquid (approximately tennis ball-sized) can be packed in your carry-on bag. However, the entire snow globe, including the base, must fit into a one-quart-sized, resealable plastic bag. Each passenger is only allowed to bring one such bag with containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller. Any larger snow globes must be packed in checked baggage.
Given the risk of breakage, many people opt to ship their snow globes instead. If you choose to do this, make sure to package the snow globe securely. Wrap the snow globe in bubble wrap and place it in a sturdy box. You can also use packing peanuts or the original Styrofoam cartouche to provide extra protection. It is recommended to film yourself wrapping and packing the snow globe to provide evidence in case of damage during shipping.
When shipping a snow globe, you can choose from various carriers, including FedEx, UPS, and USPS. Consider purchasing additional insurance to cover the full price of the snow globe. Some carriers, like Pirateship, offer default insurance of $100, but this may not be sufficient for more valuable items.
Shipping your snow globe can give you peace of mind and avoid the hassle of carrying it through airport security. By choosing a reliable carrier and packaging your item securely, you can ensure that your snow globe arrives safely at your destination.
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Frequently asked questions
Snow globes that appear to contain less than 3.4 ounces of liquid (approximately tennis ball-sized) can be brought through airport security. The snow globe must be able to fit into a quart-sized resealable plastic bag along with your other small liquids. Each passenger can only bring one such bag.
Larger snow globes must be packed in checked baggage.
You can ship the snow globe to your destination. This is also recommended to avoid damage to the snow globe.
The TSA's list of prohibited items includes cast-iron skillets, bowling pins, magic 8 balls, toy swords, and golf clubs.
Wrapped presents are not recommended as TSA officers will want to unwrap any gifts they can't identify.
