Throughout history, people have cherished the beauty of crystals for their mystical qualities. These gems come in various shapes, sizes, and colors; you’ll even see them now as part of the latest health and fashion trends.
However…
There is no surprise in any of these things since crystals are quickly becoming sought-after objects that are more prevalent nowadays.
These eye-catching crystals serve different purposes; some use them for healing, while others feel more protected when traveling with a quartz crystal and amethyst. So it makes some of us wonder, can you bring crystals on a plane? Let’s find out.
Understanding Facts About Bringing Crystals During Air Travel
Despite the skepticism of some individuals, it’s undeniable that more and more people lately are getting more comfortable exploring beyond the ordinary. Some claim that the human fascination with crystals is nothing but a placebo effect, while others find them handy tools for natural healing mechanisms.
It’s no longer unusual to find people who find it reassuring to bring crystals wherever they go. First-time travelers, most significantly, feel anxious during the flight, and such is the part where crystals often come in handy.
However, most people want to know, can you bring crystals on a plane? With the x-ray machine screening and walk-through metal detectors as part of airport security, you wonder if you can get through them with your packed crystals.
But before we get too far ahead, let’s go over some relevant considerations of whether or not bringing crystals on a plane is okay.
Bringing Crystals When Flying Domestically and Internationally
Most countries, including the United States, UK, Australia, Europe, and Canada, have no restrictions prohibiting you from bringing crystals and minerals on a plane.
Such is true whether you are flying domestically or internationally, as passengers of either flight need to undergo security screening. Due to this standard procedure in ensuring everyone’s safety, you may expect to encounter long lines at security checkpoints.
The extensive security procedures are in every passenger’s best interest, so we can all have the peace of mind of traveling safe and sound. To avoid causing a long line, you may do your part by checking the website of the Transportation Security Administration or TSA for the list of prohibited items.
Bringing Crystals in Carry-On Luggage
While carrying crystals on a plane is generally allowed, the final decision rests on the TSA officer in charge of the screening process. For your utmost convenience, it is always worth paying attention to relevant considerations when packing your luggage.
Most countries, such as the United States, UK, Australia, Europe, and Canada, have no restrictions prohibiting you from bringing crystals and minerals on a plane.
Such is true whether you are flying domestically or internationally, as passengers of either flight need to undergo security screening.
Due to this standard procedure in ensuring everyone’s safety, you may expect to encounter long lines at security checkpoints. The extensive security procedures are in every passenger’s best interest, so we can all have the peace of mind of traveling safe and sound.
To avoid causing a long line, you may check the website of the Transportation Security Administration or TSA for the list of prohibited items. If you bring rocks and pack them properly, you’ll unlikely encounter a problem at the security checkpoint, provided that you stay within your luggage’s weight limit.
You may place fragile items such as crystal glass and crystal balls in your carry on-bags if they are small and lightweight. However, the TSA does not allow rainbow flame crystals in carry-on bags, so placing them in your checked bags is a better option.
Such rocks you choose to go inside your carry-on bags must not take up too much space. Doing so will leave ample room for other valuable belongings you might need during the flight.
Bringing Crystals in Checked Luggage
The screening process for checked baggage allows you to bring rocks like you would in carry-on bags. However, if your checked bag triggers an alarm during screening, appears tampered with, or shows other security risks, airport security may require additional screening.
The TSA conducts a security screening of your checked luggage upon checking in, and once completed, airline staff will transport it to the baggage claim area. This organization takes charge of ensuring safe travel and screens checked bags and carry-on bags for any threats.
It only makes sense to place sizable crystals in checked bags to avoid wasting valuable space in your hand luggage. On the contrary, any fist-sized crystal ball or rock will do well in a carry-on bag.
Crystal Size, Weight, And Sharpness
While no restriction exists on transporting large-quantity rocks, you must be mindful of the weight limit. See to it that when packing crystals, choose hand luggage that can fit underneath the seat in front of you.
More than the shape of your preferred bag, the weight matters the most. Airlines have varying baggage allowances depending on the aircraft’s space.
For many airlines, the baggage allowance starts from 5kg onward. Thus, you must personally check with your travel airline before the flight to avoid incurring an additional cost.
Also, be cautious about bringing rocks with a sharp edge that may likely have a dual use. It is the airport security’s discretion to identify and ban any sharp objects that may be used as a weapon.
If you have crystals bearing sharp edges, try wrapping them well and placing them inside a sample box. This way, security officials will know that you have no intentions of using a sharp crystal as a weapon during the flight.
If the security officer approves of your crystal despite its sharp edges, you may place them in checked baggage. Please know that the final decision still depends on TSA.
Fragile items such as crystal glass are best to pack in a carry-on bag, but when you do so, you must do it with care. On the other hand, the sizable rocks can go in your checked baggage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some people want to bring crystals when traveling?
Some people feel stressed and anxious when traveling due to different reasons. Many individuals feel more reassured when they bring crystals, whether traveling by air, land, or sea. These crystals may also have sentimental value for certain people, and rocks like black tourmaline, moonstone, and amethyst are supposedly best for promoting safe travels.
How can you bring crystals on a plane?
Even if many of us see crystals as mythical, powerful objects useful for healing and clearing energies, it’s best to see them as decor when traveling. Hence, you may place them in transparent plastic bags and label your crystals so the customs officer can check quickly.
Nonetheless, since some crystals are fragile, you must transport them with care. Before you pack rocks and place them in your carry-on bags, ensure to clean them before rolling them in a piece of garment or a towel. You may pack larger rocks in a box instead of plastic.
What items can you put into carry-on bags during a flight?
TSA security screening occurs before you arrive at the airport to ensure maximum transportation security by eliminating any potential security risk. It’s only practical to plan the contents of your carry-on bag, including valuable items like medication and personal toiletries.
Although you may check the TSA’s list of things you can bring in your carry-on luggage, a security agent can still subject it to additional screening. It’s always best to check the list of prohibited items to avoid civil penalties and inconvenience.
Conclusion
The airport security wishes to ensure the best inflight experience for all passengers by reinforcing enhanced screening processes whenever necessary.
Aside from TSA’s comprehensive list of what a checked bag and carry-on baggage can contain, you will likely go through a security checkpoint before onboarding.
While bringing rocks during your flight is okay, you must check your belongings for a potential security risk or other security concerns. After all, an orderly and safe trip is everyone’s responsibility.
