Can You Bring Resistance Bands On Planes?

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Carry-on bags

Yes

Checked luggage

Yes

Rules for Flights in the USA

On flights in the United States, resistance bands are allowed in hand and cargo baggage. TSA doesn’t make any exceptions, so different types of resistance bands including therapy bands, loop bands, figure 8 bands, tube resistance bands, and ring resistance bands are permitted in hand baggage.

Occasionally, however, a security agent might think a resistance band could be used to harm other passengers and might stop it at the security checkpoint. But, this rarely happens and, for the most part, resistance bands are welcome onboard.

Rules for Flights in Other Countries

On Canadian, European, United Kingdom, Australian, New Zealand, Chinese, and Indian flights, resistance bands aren’t listed as banned or allowed on planes. Yet, their rules are almost identical to the United States, and resistance bands are usually permitted in carry-on and checked baggage. On rare occasions, depending on the resistance band, it might be considered a potential weapon that could restrict or harm other passengers. But, in general, resistance bands are allowed on planes.

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 resistance bands on planes always rests on the security officer. Some airlines also have additional rules that may be different.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing Resistance Bands on Planes

Should I pack resistance bands in hand or checked luggage?

You should pack your resistance bands in checked baggage when traveling in the United States. Although resistance bands are allowed both in hand and cargo baggage, it’s usually best to leave space in the carry-on for essentials you’ll need during the flight or that you wouldn’t like to lose in the checked baggage. Also, occasionally, some agents might see resistance bands as potential weapons that could be used to restrict or harm other passengers, so they might be confiscated.

Do I need to take out resistance bands when going through security?

No, you don’t need to take out resistance bands when going through airport security in the United States. The general rule for TSA is that you should take out large electronics, liquids, and, large quantities of powder. However, keep your resistance bands in a pouch ready to be taken out in case the airport security agent wants to inspect them.

What other exercise equipment is allowed on planes?

In theory, most exercise equipment is allowed on planes in the United States. TSA doesn’t specifically forbid any type of exercise equipment in hand or cargo baggage.

However, dumbbells, kettlebells, weight plates, and medicine balls in carry-ons are usually considered potential bludgeoning weapons and aren’t allowed through security. TSA advises packing this type of workout equipment, regardless of its weight, in checked baggage. For their weight and size, barbells are allowed only in checked baggage. Weight vests are allowed in hand and hold baggage, but agents make the call on whether to allow them or not through security.

Resistance bands, stretch bands, gymnastic rings, and jump ropes, are permitted in the cabin, though, occasionally, some agents question their safety. Collapsible weights that you can fill up with water or sand at your destination like these sand kettlebells or sandbags are allowed through security (when empty) without any problem. Exercise mats are also allowed as long as they comply with the airline’s standards for carry-on.

What is the best workout equipment for traveling?

The best workout equipment for traveling is resistance bands, ankle weights, deflated yoga balls, collapsible weights, and gymnastic rings.

TSA doesn’t forbid dumbbells in hand baggage, but it’s recommended to pack them in checked baggage, as heavy objects are often considered bludgeon weapons. Dumbbells also add too much weight to your hand baggage. Although sandbells might be considered a reasonable option, they contain granular material which is also subject to the powder rule, and have a limit of 350 milliliters / 12 ounces in carry-on baggage. These collapsible sand kettlebells are a great alternative as you can fill them up with sand or water at your destination.