Few laundry devices are more practical than clothes steamers when it comes down to removing wrinkles and odors from garments. Due to the portable size of many steamers, many people have wondered whether the TSA will allow them to bring their steamer with them on a plane.
According to TSA guidelines, clothes steamers can be brought onto airplanes in checked luggage or carry-on baggage. All garment steamers are allowed on airplanes, regardless of their size, provided the water tanks have been emptied correctly and that the devices are liquid-free.
Are Clothes Steamers Allowed On Planes?
When packing for your flight, you want to ensure you don’t accidentally pack any prohibited items that could lead to penalty fees. Luckily, garment steamers are not one of these forbidden items, which means you’ll be able to legally take your steamer on a plane.
While you’re allowed to bring your steamer with you on a plane, you will need to ensure any liquid has been removed. According to TSA guidelines, you are allowed to bring a steamer of any size on a plane if the liquid has been removed from the device.
Of course, TSA regulations regarding prohibited items often vary depending on whether certain items are packed in carry-on bags or checked luggage. Luckily, if the special TSA instructions are followed, garment steamers can be packed in carry-on and checked bags.
Can You Take A Steamer On A Plane In Checked Luggage?
Let’s discuss bringing your steamer onto a plane in your checked luggage. Provided your steamer is free of liquid, you’ll be able to transport it in your checked bags. Packing a steamer into your checked suitcases is ideal for those with larger or bulkier devices.
However, when packing a steamer into a checked suitcase, you run the risk of your steamer being damaged. While checked bags aren’t always mishandled, there’s a higher risk of items in checked bags being damaged than items stored in carry-on bags.
If you’re packing your steamer into checked luggage, ensure it is protected in your suitcase. However, if you’re too worried about your fantastic steamer being damaged in your checked baggage, you could instead opt to pack your steamer into your carry-on bag.
Can You Take A Steamer On A Plane In Carry-On Luggage?
Now that we’ve discussed packing your steamer into checked bags let’s talk about taking it in your carry-on luggage. As we mentioned above, this is the safer option for your steamer since your carry-on bags are always with you while traveling – which presents another benefit!
If you’re packing your steamer to take on a plane, chances are you plan on using it throughout your trip. If you need to easily access your steamer while traveling, packing it in your carry-on bag makes more sense.
If you need to refresh your clothes, you won’t need to unpack your suitcase looking for the steamer. If you use your steamer between flights, you must remember to empty the water from the water tank before packing it back in your carry-on luggage.
Do Steamers Need To Be Removed During The Carry-On Bag Screening Process?
As we discussed above, it’s possible to pack your portable clothes steamer in your carry-on bag. However, you may wonder whether you’ll need to remove your steamer during the carry-on screening process. After all, this will determine how you pack your steamer into your luggage!
Provided you have emptied your steamer’s water tank; you will not be asked to remove your steamer during the mandatory screening process. If you have a bulkier steamer, this means you’ll be able to pack your steamer at the bottom of your carry-on bag for your convenience.
Why Should I Take My Clothes Steamer On A Flight?
As we’ve explained, you can take your clothes steamers on a flight provided it’s correctly packed in your luggage. However, while this is allowed, many people have found themselves wondering whether it’s worth it. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, a garment steamer will always come in handy.
Clothes steamers are known to keep clothes wrinkle-free and fresh for longer periods, which is why they’re ideal for traveling. Chances are, you won’t have access to your usual laundry facilities while traveling, which makes having your steamer handy a great advantage.
Whether you’re traveling for important meetings or simply spending time with a family, you won’t regret taking your clothes steamer along for the trip. With fresh and wrinkle-free clothes, you can ensure you make a good impression at your meeting and that your vacation photos look good!
How To Pack Your Steamer To Take On An Airplane?
If you’ve decided to pack in your steamer for your upcoming trip, you might wonder how to do that! When packing your steamer into checked or carry-on bags, there are a few important factors to keep in mind, including TSA regulations and packing considerations.
Firstly, you’ll need to empty your steamer’s water tank and ensure it is dry. Depending on where you’re traveling to, you might need a travel adapter to use your steamer. You’ll then need to decide whether your steamer should be packed into your checked or carry-on luggage.
Will My Steamer Make My Checked Or Carry-On Bags Too Heavy?
While you’re allowed to take your steamer on a plane, many people have wondered whether their steamer will make their bags too heavy. After all, flights have strict regulations regarding the weight of checked luggage and carry-on bags. Ultimately, it depends on the size of your steamer.
Most standard garment steamers weigh approximately 2.2 pounds when the water tank is empty. Since the water tank needs to be empty when traveling with your steamer, the steamer will not be too heavy in your bags, which means you’ll have plenty of space for the rest of your luggage.
It’s important to note that the weight of your steamer will vary depending on its size. While some steamers may be lighter than 2.2 pounds, others may be heavier. Heavier steamers may also be harder to fit into suitcases. Luckily, there are alternatives to taking a steamer on your trip.
Are There Alternatives To Taking A Steamer On A Plane?
While steamers are fantastic devices to remove wrinkles, there’s a fantastic alternative to consider, namely, using a specially designed wrinkle-release spray. When applied to your clothes, these sprays relax the fabric’s fibers, which helps remove any wrinkles and creases in garments.
In fact, an increasing number of travelers have started replacing their handheld steamers with one of these nifty sprays for their upcoming trips. There are many fantastic products to consider, including Bounce Rapid Touch-Up Wrinkle Release Clothing Spray, which has a 4.5/5 rating on Amazon from more than 5000 reviews.
Many of these sprays are available to purchase in travel sizes that meet TSA regulations regarding liquids. If your wrinkle release spray is less than 3.4 ounces, you can pack it in your carry-on bag. However, if the spray exceeds this, you’ll need to pack it in your checked bag.
