Sometimes when traveling by plane, you may wish to carry a package of frozen food. Certain types of medication also require them to be kept cold during transport. But can you carry ice or dry ice on a plane?
The TSA does permit travelers to carry dry ice provided they are correctly packaged and have sufficient ventilation. The TSA and IATA classify dry ice as a hazardous material. For passengers to transport dry ice, they require the approval of the individual airlines first.
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Can You Bring Ice Or Dry Ice On A Plane?
Dry ice is regarded as a hazardous material and has a specific set of rules for transporting it on a plane. Passengers are permitted to carry ice or dry ice on flights on the plane. However, each airline has different regulations regarding dry ice transport on an aircraft.
The TSA suggests passengers follow the 3:1:1 rules when transporting ice or dry ice on a plane. When the ice blocks pass through security, they must remain in a solid state. If they have melted, passengers should remember the TSA’s rules that any liquid or gel product should not exceed 3.4 ounces (100ml). The solid ice blocks must not weigh more than 5.5 lbs. (2.5 kg).
If a passenger has dry ice bricks, they must not be packed tightly. The packaging must also allow for ventilation and the release of carbon dioxide. The package should display the weight and show that it contains dry ice or carbon dioxide, solid.
Can You Carry Ice Or Dry Ice In Your Carry-On Bags?
Travelers can carry ice or dry ice in their carry-on bags. They should carry solid ice blocks in a cooler box or something similar. Passengers must remember the airlines’ regulations on the weight and size of the packages.
The frozen brick must not exceed 5.5 lbs. (2.5 kg) and remain in that form when it passes through the scanners. If the ice brick or frozen food has melted, the TSAs rules regarding liquids must apply.
Before boarding any flight, passengers must clarify with the airline or airport staff whether it is safe to carry dry ice in their carry-on bag.
Can You Carry Ice Or Dry Ice In Your Checked-In Bags?
Passengers can pack frozen food, solid ice bricks, and dry ice in their checked-in bags. Travelers must package dry ice in a well-ventilated box that allows for the release of carbon dioxide. The build-up of cabin pressure may cause the ice box to explode, causing harm to passengers on the plane. If it is incorrectly packaged, dry ice may also cause passengers to suffocate.
Can You Carry Ice Or Dry Ice On International Planes?
IATA (International Air Transport Association) permits travelers to carry ice and dry ice on international flights. Further rules apply to the packaging and transport of dry ice.
Passengers on international flights can carry dry ice in their carry-on and checked-in bags. If passengers send the package to checked-in luggage, it must be correctly marked to indicate that it is dry ice or carbon dioxide, solid. They must also display the weight on the top or side of the package. The package should not weigh more than 5.5 lbs. (2.5 kg) per passenger.
Can You Carry Ice Packs On A Plane?
Some airlines advise passengers with frozen foods to carry ice packs instead of ice or dry ice. Passengers may carry any of the following types of ice packs.
- Freezer Packs
- Gel Packs
- Instant Ice packs
Travelers must also follow the TSA and IATA regulations when traveling with ice.
The ice packs must be in a solid state and not liquid if passengers carry them in their carry-on bags.
