Can You Bring Laser Pointers and Other Laser Tools on Planes?

Rules for Flights in the USA

In general, laser pointers and laser devices are allowed both in carry-on and checked baggage on flights in the United States without any restrictions. The US, contrary to many other countries, doesn’t prohibit using and owning lasers of any power, so even class 3 and 4 lasers are allowed through the TSA.

Laser toy guns, however, should travel only in checked baggage. Laser plasma lighters, on the other hand, should only travel in carry-on luggage.

Rules for Flights in Other Countries

Canada

On flights within Canada, laser pointers and tools aren’t mentioned specifically as banned or allowed. This means that most likely, lasers are allowed, but the final decision always rests on each security officer. Most commonly, people don’t have any issues when traveling with lasers there.

However, only class 1, 2, and 3R lasers are legal to own for regular consumers, which are under 5 mW in strength. Stronger classes, such as 3B (5-500 mW) and 4 (500 mW+), are illegal to own because they can cause serious eye injuries. So if you travel with class 3R lasers or stronger over there, the security agent will most likely ask you to step aside, you’ll be taken for private questioning, and they might even get in touch with the local police.

Europe and New Zealand

European and New Zealand flight authorities don’t list laser pointers and tools as allowed or banned in luggage, but generally, they’re allowed on planes in hand and checked luggage. Just keep in mind that only lasers with class 1 and 2 strength outputs are legal to own over there, which are under 1 mW. So if you’ll be traveling with class 3R lasers and stronger, you might get in trouble.

United Kingdom

United Kingdom flight authorities also don’t specify if laser pointers are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage in airplanes. But overall, class 1 and 2 lasers (under 1 mW) are considered safe for consumers, so they’re allowed on planes. Authorities might confiscate lasers over Class 2 (1 mW) if you’re carrying them without a justification. Sometimes they’ll also ask you to explain why you’re carrying at all, even if it’s below 1 mW. Although owning a laser isn’t totally illegal, pointing a laser at other people is.

Australia

Laser pointers are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage in Australia with certain restrictions. Laser pointers shouldn’t surpass an emission level of 1 mW and even then, the carrier should have a reasonable excuse to have a laser (i.e. a teacher, astronomer, etc.). Laser pointers over 1 mW are considered a weapon, and so the importation of such lasers is illegal in the country.

China and India

Chinese and Indian flight authorities don’t specify if laser pointers are allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. But, due to multiple cases of lasers being pointed at aircraft, some airports have banned laser use inside or nearby their facilities. As result, carrying a laser, particularly a high-power one, might involve further inspection and questioning. So avoid traveling with lasers there.

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 laser tools onboard airplanes always rests on the security officer. Some airlines also have additional rules that may be different.