Carry-on bags
Yes, with conditions
Checked luggage
Yes
Rules for Flights in the USA
On United States domestic flights, duct tape is allowed in carry-on and checked baggage without any restrictions. TSA doesn’t have any exceptions for tapes, and usually, masking, double-sided, scotch, gaffer, and sticky tapes are all welcome aboard.
For international destinations and layovers, passengers should opt for packing duct tape in checked baggage, as not all countries allow duct tape in hand baggage. Even if you’re traveling, it’s best to pack duct tape in checked baggage as it isn’t a necessity during the flight.
Rules for Flights in Other Countries
Canada
On Canadian flights, duct tape is permitted in cabin and cargo baggage without any restrictions.
Europe, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, China, and India
European, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Chinese, and Indian authorities don’t list duct tape as allowed or banned on planes. But, generally, the rules are similar to the United States, and duct tape is allowed on planes in carry-on and checked baggage. However, the policy of some carriers and airports might classify duct tape as dangerous, since it could restrict a passenger. Always consult directly with your airline or pack duct tape in checked baggage.
Australia
On flights in Australia, duct tape is not listed as banned, but items capable of restraining a person are forbidden in cabin baggage. Although duct tape is not mentioned specifically, there have been cases of passengers getting their duct tape confiscated by airport security.
Sources: For writing this article, we took information only from official sources, like airline regulators, government websites, and major airlines. If you want to confirm that our information is accurate and up to date, click on any of the links mentioned above. We linked out to where we found this information for each country.
Disclaimer: The final decision of whether you can bring duct tape on planes always rests on the security officer. Some airlines also have additional rules that may be different.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing Duct Tape on Planes
Are all types of tapes allowed on planes (masking, double-sided, scotch, gaffer, sticky, etc.)?
Generally, all types of tapes are allowed in hand and cargo baggage on planes in the United States. TSA doesn’t make any exceptions nor specifications on which tapes are permitted on domestic flights. Masking, double-sided, scotch, gaffer, and sticky tapes are generally allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. However, there have been cases of passengers getting their tapes confiscated by airport security in international destinations in the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. To avoid any conflicts, passengers should pack duct tape in checked baggage when traveling internationally.
Can I bring duct tape through security?
Yes, you can bring duct tape through airport security in the United States. TSA permits passengers to pack tape in carry-on and checked baggage regardless of the type of tape. Tape is considered a useful tool when traveling and it’s generally not a threat to other passengers. The RediTape Silver duct tape is travel size and easy to pack in your carry-on baggage without consuming too much space. However, you should keep in mind not all destinations allow duct tape in hand baggage. If you’re traveling internationally, check with your airline carrier if duct tape is allowed in the cabin.
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Is it better to pack duct tape in hand or checked luggage?
Overall, it’s best to pack duct tape in checked baggage when traveling in the United States. Although TSA allows duct tape in hand and checked baggage, some airlines might have restrictions for duct tape. If you’re traveling internationally, multiple destinations forbid duct tape in hand baggage as it could be used to restrict a passenger. Since it isn’t something you’ll need during the flight and it isn’t a valuable object, it’s best to pack duct tape in checked baggage.
Are zip ties also allowed on planes?
Generally, zip ties are allowed in hand and checked baggage in the United States. Many travelers use zip ties to lock their luggage and TSA allows it. If you’re packing a bunch for your trip, you can use a travel pouch to store your zip ties and have them ready in case TSA wants to do a physical inspection of them. TSA also permits you to use silicone zip ties to tie and organize the cables inside your luggage. If you’re boarding an international flight or doing a layover, keep in mind multiple destinations banned zip ties in hand baggage as they could be used to restrain a person.
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