We are well into the spring travel period where avid campers are dusting off their gear. You either like to rough it like Bear Grylls, or you go to your local sporting goods store and max out your plastic on all the latest camping gear. Either way, if you’re flying commercial to your camping destination, this post is for you!
Here’s a list of common camping and fishing related items that you can and can’t bring on a plane:
Insect Repellents – They are permitted in your carry-on bags and checked baggage. The liquid limits apply when carrying these in your carry-on bags.
Animal Repellents - You can bring chemical repellents in your checked luggage if the volume is less than four ounces and less than 2% active ingredient of either CS or CN. Most bear repellents exceed these limitations. We suggest that you buy these items once you arrive at your destination and leave them behind when your trip is over.
Insecticides – Ant killers, cockroach killers, spider killers, etc., are prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage.
Camp Stoves – These can go in either your carry-on or checked bag. If you have a liquid-fuel stove, be sure to empty the fuel. There can also be no fumes emitting from the stove. The same goes with propane stoves. Propane tanks are prohibited from both checked and carry-on bags. Empty propane or gas cylinders are allowed in checked or carry-on bags as long as our officers can see inside.
Flare Guns – These are allowed in your checked baggage, but they have to be stored and declared just like a firearm. The flares are a no go.
Fishing Rods/Poles/Tackle - TSA allows fishing poles, but if you’re taking them as a carry-on, you might want to give your airline a call and see if the pole exceeds their carry-on limits. Tackle is OK as a carry-on, but be sure that you don’t have any knives or large deep sea fishing hooks. Also, tools can’t be larger than seven inches.
Spear Guns - These can’t go in the cabin, but you can check them in the belly of the plane.
Bows and Arrows - These items should be packed in checked luggage. Any sharp objects packed in checked luggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and security screeners.
Guns & Ammo - Allowed to be checked in the belly of the plane as long as you follow the guidelines outlined here: Traveling with Firearms and Ammunition.
Safety Matches - Permitted in your carry-on luggage one pack per passenger per FAA safety regulations. Strike anywhere matches are not ever permitted.
Lighters are permitted in your carry-on. Torch lighters are still prohibited.
Hatchets & Knives - These are permitted in your checked baggage, but not in your carry-on.
If you’re planning on participating and camping out at a renaissance festival this summer, we ask that you kindly not carry your crossbow, battle hammer, or mace through the checkpoint. Believe it or not, we have intercepted items similar to these and many other unusual items.
