So can you bring a tent on a plane? Is it allowed to take a tent as a carry-on and checked item?
Yes, you can bring a tent on a plane without any restrictions. Make sure to pack tent poles, pegs and stakes in a checked bag.
The TSA allowed you to bring a tent as a normal carry-on and checked bag items. But avoid tent equipment to carry on luggage.
The equipment like tent poles, stakes and pegs are not allowed in checked bags. Because these items can easily be used as a weapon or sharp items. So the airline wasn’t allowed to carry them on the plane.
Suppose you travel to a mountain or explore the beautiful world. Then you want to carry a tent instead of staying in a hotel.
You must also wish to carry camping equipment on outdoor adventures or activities. So if you are planning to carry a tent and equipment on a flight, you may carry them.
Continue reading the article to learn the rules of getting tents and other gear on a plane.
TSA Rules On Bringing Tents On Planes:
The TSA allowed passengers to bring the tents on the plane. The tent can carry both carry-on and checked bags. But the gear or equipment must be packed in a checked bag.
The airline security does not consider a tent (fabric) as prohibited or dangerous. So you can indeed be allowed to bring it in a carry-on bag.
For the equipment, skates, pegs and tent poles are allowed on a checked bag. These gears consider sharp, harmful and weapon items. So the airline was not allowed to bring them in carry-on bags.
The TSA stated that a passenger with a tent could double-check with airline security. Do the tents fit in the plane’s underneath seat or overhead bin?
You must check the destination or arrival airline security rules before planning the pack of items like tents and gear.
In Checked Bag:
Sure, you can take tents in a checked bag without any restriction. Tents are mostly advised to pack in a checked bag. If you carry a large tent, pack it in a checked bag.
The equipment is only allowed in a checked bag. Most airlines count it as a normal check bag. You can check the airline regulations.
You can transmit it without any extra cost if it is included in the airline luggage rules.
In Carry-On Bag:
Yes, you can take a tent in a carry-on bag. If the tent size is within the carry-on luggage limit, you can easily pass through the security checkpoint.
Security will inspect your tent bag if you carry a tent that exceeds the weight and size of carry-on luggage.
Let’s say you have a small, easy-to-carry tent which is effortlessly fitted into a bag. It will do great work. It can speed up your boarding process.
Most airlines count tents as sports equipment. They may not be allowed to bring them in carry-on luggage.
So it is better to check your airline’s sport equipment rules.
How To Pack A Tent For Travel?
- You should pack a tent inside your luggage to carry on and check-in.
- The bag should not exceed the weight limit of allowed luggage
- The carry-on bag must be fitted in the cabin and underneath the seat of the plane
- Other camping gear, like pegs and stakes, must be packed in a checked bag.
Are Tent Pegs Allowed On A Plane?
Yes, tent pegs are allowed on a plane. The pegs must be packed in a checked bag because it is not allowed to carry a carry-on bag. If you do, then it will be confiscated.
Which Camping Gear Is Allowed On A Plane?
Here are some camping gear and extra accessories the airline security can carry on the plane. Before packing for the flight, you must know the items which are allowed by the airport.
Sleeping Bag:
Most airlines allow sleeping bags and pads on the plane. It depends on the airline’s rules and policies.
Depending on the airline rules, you can bring sleeping bags in carry-on or checked bags. Sleeping pads are like air mattresses.
These can be allowed as carry-on items with exceptional instruction. The sleeping bags with built-in pumps are allowed in hand luggage.
Those without built-in pumps can be packed in a checked bag.
Knives:
Knives are allowed to bring in a checked bag. They are securely wrapped to avoid damage to the bag handler or anyone.
Knives are counted as harmful and sharp items, so it is prohibited to bring them on the plane as carry-on items.
Hiking Poles:
You can bring hiking poles in checked poles. Avoid bringing poles as carry-on items because it is prohibited.
Camping Stove:
Camping stoves are only allowed in hand luggage; they cannot be packed in a checked bag. It is permitted to bring as hand luggage items if it is clean and carry no fuel in them.
It is a fragile and dangerous item, so carrying it in a checked bag is prohibited. It can easily bend and damage when thrown around.
Firestarter:
Firestarters are only allowed to bring a carry-on bag. You can take one refillable lighter and a pack of safety matches on the plane. But only in hand luggage.
Refrain from packing them in a checked bag.
Flashlights:
Yes, flashlights are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. You can bring it on a plane without any restrictions.
Which Camping Gear Is Not Allowed On A Plane?
Suppose you plan to pack a tent and equipment on the flight. You want to know about prohibited camping gear on planes. Here enlisted some of the not allowed gears of camping.
Stove Fuel:
These items are prohibited from bringing in either carry-on or checked luggage. So don’t get in trouble if you pack this in a bag. Avoid it.
Bear Spray:
Bear spray is not allowed in both carry-on or checked bags. Because it is flammable. The best way is to bring these items to your camping area and leave it behind.
You can easily find bear spray at your destination, so avoid bringing it on a plane.
Firelighters:
Firelighters are prohibited from bringing in planes. The only refillable fire lighter is allowed on planes. These must be clean and empty if you carry them in a bag.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can You Take Camping Gas On A Plane?
TSA does not allow camping gas on a plane. It is flammable and dangerous for the flight, so it is prohibited to bring in the plane.
Do Tents Get Damaged On Planes?
It depends on the packing of the tents. If you carefully packed tents and securely put them in the luggage. Then there is no way to get a damaged tent.
You can pack it in a separate sports equipment bag for more secure and protected use.
Do You Have To Clean A Tent Before It Goes On A Plane?
Yes, always clean the tent and dry it before packing. It can keep the tent in a safe and good condition.
Otherwise, it is not a strict rule to keep a tent clean before it goes on a plane. Before packing the tent, it can be an excellent effort to clean it.
Can I Bring A Tent On Southwest Airlines?
Yes, you can bring a tent on southwest airlines. You can bring them in a carry-on checked bag without restriction.
Tent stakes and pegs must be packed in checked bags. For other items, you should check out their airline website.
To Sum Up:
The tents are allowed to bring on a plane. You can pack it either in carry -on and checked bag. The tent gears, like pegs, and skates, are carried in a checked bag.
The TSA allowed you to bring a tent (fabric) in a carry-on bag and a checked bag. But their equipment is prohibited from bringing in a carry-on bag.
A tent bag or any camping bag such as a sleeping bag. In most airlines can be considered a separate luggage.
Ensure that if you carry a tent in a carry-on bag, the bag must be fitted on the overhead bin and underneath the seat.
The weight and size of the bag do not exceed the weight limit of allowed baggage. Otherwise, it is preferable to pack tents in a checked bag rather than carry them on.
Safe Travels:
