Clearly there are many things you may wish to take on a plane that are made, at least in part, with metal. These could range from saucepans, knives, coins, keys or knitting needles to a piece of iron ore.
The question is, can you take metal objects on a plane and, if so, are there any exceptions?
The Quick Answer: You can take almost any metal object on a plane in either your carry on bag or your checked bag provided they are neither sharp objects that can be used as a weapon nor too large to be carried or packed in a suitcase.
Well if you were unable to take any objects containing metal with you on a plane then clearly there would be very few things you could take with you (even your carry on bag which will undoubtedly also contain metal parts.
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Can metal go in carry-on bag through airport security?
You are permitted to take almost any metal object through airport security provided it cannot be used as a weapon, or isn’t actually a weapon, of course.
So obviously, you cannot take a gun, a machete, a sword, a baton, a pocket knife, scissors (with blades longer than 4″) or any other similar weapon. However it also includes things such as a large metal bar, a metal baseball bat and any other item that could be used as a weapon, even though its legitimate use is not for that purpose.
There is one strange exception. While you can take saucepans and other metal cookware, this is only permitted if they are not made of cast iron. Cast iron cookware must go in checked bags.
Most things like the above can actually go in checked bags in most cases.
If you are carrying a metal water bottle then this must be empty otherwise it will be confiscated. You can fill it after security.
Below are three examples of the TSA’s replies to passengers enquiring about carrying metal objects, including a piece of a crashed aircraft, a saucepan and pieces of steel, that, in most cases, they can go in a carry on bag.
A saucepan …..
Steel blocks ……
However, in this 4th example, a small steel rod that is just over 7 inches long, the passenger is told it must go in checked baggage. This seems ridiculous as you are permitted to take metal knitting needles that are longer than this in checked bags. What is the difference?
Do you have to take metal out of your carry-on?
Metal items can stay in your carry on bag when passing through the x-ray screening at airport security.
You may be pulled aside for additional screening by a TSA officer if the x-ray operator cannot identify what an object is or, if it is hollow, then to carry out a manual search to ensure there is nothing inside which is not allowed that may not show up on the x-ray image.
Can I bring metal plates on a plane?
Metal plates can be taken through airport security and on a plane. They can also be packed in your checked bags.
The only restriction will be the size.
If the metal plate, such as a license plate, is small enough to fit in your carry on bag then it won’t be an issue.
If it is too large to easily fit in an overhead bin in the cabin then it may have to go as checked baggage (at extra cost). You should check with your airline to find out whether your metal plate is an acceptable size.
Is metal allowed in checked luggage?
You can take a wider range of metal items in your checked bags than you can in a carry on bag.
This is because, for example, anything that might possibly be used as a weapon (if sharp or heavy) is not available during a flight if it is in the aircraft’s hold on a checked bag so is not a potential threat to the flight’s security.
Can you bring gold on a plane?
Clearly passengers can take gold in the form or a piece of jewelry or a wedding ring on board a flight with them. But what about larger quantities of gold?
Gold is heavy so there would certainly be a limit governed by how much weight you could actually carry in a cabin bag. If you filled a maximum-size cabin bag with gold then even the world’s strongest man couldn’t lift it.
Can you bring gold coins on a plane?
You can bring gold coins on a plane. If you are carrying more than a few it is advised that you preadvise the TSA that you would like a private screening so that others will not know what you are carrying.
Can you bring gold bars on a plane?
You would think that anyone who can afford to carry gold bullion/bars would probably fly on a private jet rather than on a commercial flight but apparently some do.
The same applies to gold bars as to gold coins so you would be advised to request the TSA for a private screening.
Importing gold into the US
Although there appears to be no duty payable on gold US customs state the following:
There is no duty on gold coins, medals or bullion but these items must be declared to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer. Please note a FINCEN 105 form must be completed at the time of entry for monetary instruments over $10,000. This includes currency, ie. gold coins, valued over $10,000.
https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1594
Related posts:
If you are flying with metal implants after surgery you may wish to read –
Will surgical screws set off metal detectors?
Can I wear an underwire bra through airport security?
Can you wear jewelry through TSA checkpoints
Metal frequently asked questions
Can you put aluminum foil in your suitcase?
You are permitted to put a poll of aluminum foil in your suitcase and also things wrapped in foil. However, when the suitcase is scanned there is a higher probability that it will be opened by security officers for a manual check which may mean your bag is delayed so may miss your flight.
Can airport scanners see through metal?
The x-ray scanners at the airport cannot see through many metals as they give an opaque image on the screen. In this case a carry on bag will be put aside for manual screening.
Can you bring quarters on a plane?
You can bring quarters and any other coins on a plane either in your carry on or checked bags. If they are in your pocket then they will set off the metal detector so you need to remove them and either place them in your carry on bag or place them in the security bin before being screened.
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
