People, who love to travel, always explore something exciting on each visit. They love to collect beautiful miniatures like rocks or mineral samples. Are you one of them who found some momentous item on a recent trip and want to take it home? But don’t know how can you take rocks on a plane? Then you landed at the right place.
It might seem stupid to take rocks on a plane. But what if you’re on a few day’s trips and just have hand luggage with you? Then it becomes your compulsion to have it in your carry-on. However, there are some factors and limitations that you should consider before leaving for a flight.
So, without any ado, let’s have a detailed look at them.
Can you take rocks on a plane?
When it comes to TSA policies and conditions, you are allowed to pack rocks in your carry-on or checked bags. Before boarding, you must consider your rock size or sharpness so that you won’t go through any hurdle at the checkpoint.
So, if you want to take mementos rocks from your adventure with you, feel free and have them in your handbag. But don’t forget to consider the following factors.
Dimension of rocks
Rocks size is the first thing to look at when you are carrying it in your hand luggage. Rock having a size of several inches is OK to have on a plane as it doesn’t seem to have any damage. But if you have a stone with more than the required dimensions, it can be alarming.
Airport security won’t allow you to take big rocks on a plane because they can be used as arms on a plane. You can pack them in your checked- bag. This way, they are less likely to create a harmful situation for you.
Sharpness of rocks
It’s not necessary that the rock or mineral sample you choose to take has a smooth round shape. It might be possible that it has a pointed shape or edge that can be problematic. Airport security won’t allow you to take such stones like obsidian with you as they have super tapered sides and can pose a security threat.
So, if you are thinking of taking such rocks with you, take a pause and look at TSA guidelines thoroughly. It will keep you away from any checking hassle at the time of boarding.
Cleanliness of Rocks
Custom agents take into account the cleanliness of items first hand. Traveling internationally with dirty rocks or mineral samples can create a problem. Because most of the countries prohibit items carrying foreign microbes, soil, or seeds.
Be careful and clean significant soil clumps and dirt thoroughly to avoid any trouble at the checkpoint. We prefer you to keep rocks in a separate sealed bag before placing them in your carry-on luggage.
Check out your carry-on weight precisely
Carry-on luggage weight varies from country to country, so look at the weight limitations carefully before placing rocks in it. Because of weight constraints, you don’t want your precious goodies like rocks to get out of the luggage. So it’s better to consider such restrictions beforehand to keep yourself safe from extra charges and throwing out valuable items.
We prefer that if you want to take rocks in your hand luggage, be very precise and have only those essentials that are your priority.
Can you bring rocks through customs?
When it comes to bringing rocks through customs, then every country has its custom policies. Undoubtedly, TSA has allowed you to take stones on a plane, but customs rules sometimes go differently.
They prohibit or restrict some items and raise questions like why you are bringing that special goodie. So be very informative about the customs rules of the country you are traveling to.
How to pack rocks in your baggage?
After getting the mystery solved that can you take rocks on a plane or not, the next step you think of it is packing. Packing smartly in an organized and precise way is important. To pack rocks, clean your rock and roll it in a blanket or any other clothe like your t-shirt and place it first in your hand luggage. This way it will not roll down and damage the other essentials in a bag.
If you are bringing multiple rocks of big size then pack them in a box and place them in your checked luggage rather than hand carry.
How many rocks can you bring on a flight?
The number of rocks you want to take on a plane totally depends on your hand-carry size and the limit set by TSA. There is a specific weight limit set by TSA for hand luggage so take the rocks as per your bag demand. In the United States, the maximum weight you can carry in hand luggage is 100 pounds so if you exceed this weight the airline will not accept you.
Can you bring gemstones on a plane?
If you want your gemstones to take on a plane, we prefer that you wear them instead of packing. Because when you put them in a carry-on or checked bag, they will be X-rayed at the security airport. So, it would be best if you wear them at the time of checking and take it off after screening.
Another option is to place them in a sealed plastic bag and request a hand inspection to the security. The choice is yours.
Conclusion
Everyone loves to take precious items or goodies from a particular city or country during traveling. But it’s important to consider their allowance at the checkpoint. In this article, we have discussed how can you take rocks on a plane without going through any hassle. If you want to know about the allowance of other items, ask below in the comment section.
