Crystals are very popular to take on a trip to give as gifts and also to bring back as a souvenir as a reminder. Also, many people believe that some crystals have healing properties so would wish to take some with them on a plane.
But can you bring crystals on a plane?
Naturally, when I refer to crystals and rocks I am not referring to any form of slang terms for drugs, which of course you cannot take on a plane.
The Quick Answer: Can you take crystals on a plane? You should have no problems bringing crystals, minerals. lava or rocks in any quantity with you when traveling, particularly if you put them in your checked luggage. Any large or sharp pieces of crystal that potentially could be used as a weapon should not be carried in carry on luggage.
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Can you take crystals through airport security?
There are no specific restrictions on taking crystals through a security checkpoint at the airport. They are generally allowed and can be left in your carry on bag when the bag goes through the x-ray machine so you do not need to remove them and place them in a separate tray.
However, you will see from the TSA replies below that if you are bringing crystals in carry on luggage that are quite large then this could cause an issue at the checkpoint due to a perceived potential security risk.
So if the security agent believes it might have the potential to be used as a weapon then they have the final word on what can or can’t be taken through the checkpoint.
The Transportation Security Administration offers a very good service on Twitter and Facebook where you can ask a specific question about whether you can take something through the security checkpoint and they will respond quickly.
This is an example response to a passenger’s question regarding carrying a small heart-shaped crystal:
The TSA recommends that larger crystals be packed in your checked bags to prevent any issues at the security checkpoint with your crystals being confiscated.
I believe this is because they could potentially be used as a weapon but frankly, that is stretching the imagination a bit too far in my opinion. “I have this crystal and I’m not afraid to use it!”
Can I bring crystals in my carry on?
There are no restrictions on taking crystals or rocks through a security checkpoint at the airport. They can be left in your carry on bags when the bag goes through the x-ray machine so you do not need to remove them and place them in a tray.
As stated above, if the crystals are large and perhaps have a sharp edge, then that may cause a problem.
There would be no problems if you bought a piece of crystal in an airport shop after you pass through the screening process. You could take this, no matter what the size, in your carry on bag.
What about crystal balls?
I would have thought that this passenger could have just looked into her crystal ball to find out the answer rather than asking the TSA:
Can you take crystals in your checked bags?
As with many things, even items that are potentially contentious from an airport security point of view, you can often carry in your checked bags. Crystals and rocks are no exception so you can put them in your checked bag or bags if you are taking any.
In fact, the TSA recommends that any larger crystals are packed in checked baggage rather than in carry on bags to prevent any issues at the TSA checkpoint.
But don’t carry bleach crystals as bleach in any form is a banned substance on a plane in either checked or carry on bags:
Can you bring rocks on a plane?
You will be able to bring rocks through airport security and onto a plane without a problem and the same applies to minerals.
The TSA do state “Generally, rocks are allowed in carry-on bags. Please note however that even if an item is generally allowed, it may be subject to additional screening if it triggers an alarm during the screening process or poses other security concerns based on size or weight. The final decision rests with our checkpoint officers.”
You can also pack rocks in checked baggage and if the rocks are quite large that would be a better place for them than in your hand luggage.
Can you bring crystal glass on a plane?
You can take crystal glass or cut glass crystal on a plane in either carry on bags or checked baggage. Obviously, crystal glass can be easily broken so you should ensure that it is well packed to keep it safe, particularly if packing it in checked luggage.
Also read: Can you bring glass on a plane
Summary
Can You Bring Crystals on a Plane? You should have no problems bringing crystals or bringing rocks in any quantity with you when traveling, particularly if you put them in your checked luggage.
Any large or sharp pieces of crystal that potentially could be used as a weapon should not be carried in carry on luggage.
Have a good and stress-free flight.
Crystal FAQs
Can you bring rocks through customs?
Although you can bring rocks through US Customs, you must declare them to the customs officer. There is no mention of bringing crystals through customs but to be safe you would be advised to declare them. If flying domestically there is no need to declare them.
Can you bring gemstones on a plane?
There are no restrictions on taking gemstones on a plane if flying domestically in either carry on bags or in checked luggage. If importing them into the US they should be declared if their value is over $10,000.
Can you take Rainbow Flame Crystals on a plane?
Rainbow flame crystals can be taken on a plane but only in checked bags. They are not permitted in carry on baggage.
Can you bring kinetic sand on a plane?
Kinetic sand can be taken on a plane in either carry on or checked bags. Obviously your kids cannot play with it while onboard as it would make too much mess.
I have been traveling around the world by air since the early 70s and living overseas too. I worked for British Airways for a number of years and I am also a private pilot. About Me
