For many travelers, glue is a common item they may need to transport, whether for business purposes, craft projects, or other personal reasons. However, with strict security regulations on liquids, gels, and aerosols, knowing whether you can take glue on a plane is not always straightforward.
Can You Bring Glue on a Plane in Carry-On Luggage?
Glue is subject to the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-ons. This rule limits liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes to containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all fitting within one quart-sized plastic bag.
So for glue to be allowed in your carry-on, it must adhere to the following:
- The container cannot exceed 3.4 oz.
- All glue containers must fit in a single, quart-sized, zip-top plastic bag.
- You are limited to one plastic bag per passenger.
With that in mind, here are some common scenarios for glue in carry-ons:
Liquid School Glue and Glue Sticks
Liquid school glue and glue sticks are permitted in reasonable quantities, meaning what you would reasonably use during your trip. There is no 3.4 oz limit for these.
Glue sticks can go right in your carry-on bag. For liquid glue, the container just needs to be 3.4 oz or less. You can pack multiple glue containers in your quart bag as long as they fit comfortably.
Liquid Multi-Purpose and Craft Glue
These liquid glues must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule. Containers over 3.4 oz are prohibited, even if the bottle is only partially full. Any containers 3.4 oz or less must fit in your quart-sized bag with other liquids.
Super Glue and Instant Glues
The TSA allows super glue or other instant glues in carry-on bags if they meet the 3-1-1 criteria described above. However, some super glue contains flammable properties, in which case it would be banned (more details below).
If allowed, a small bottle of super glue would need to fit in your liquids bag. Limit it to what you need for the trip rather than the entire package.
Glue Sticks for Hot Glue Guns
Unopened packages of glue sticks for hot glue guns are permitted in reasonable quantities. But the glue gun itself would need to go in checked luggage.
Glues Prohibited in Carry-On Luggage
While the TSA allows certain glues in carry-on bags, others are prohibited:
- Flammable glues: Glues that contain flammable solvents or propellants are banned from carry-ons, including some super glues. This includes extra-strength or “industrial” super glues meant for construction and repair jobs.
- Glue containers over 3.4 oz: Any glue over 3.4 oz must go in checked bags, even if the bottle is partially used. This includes liquid school glue, craft glue, and non-flammable super glues.
- Glue guns: While glue sticks are allowed, the actual hot glue guns are prohibited from carry-ons.
Rules and Limits for Glue in Checked Bags
If you need to pack larger or prohibited glue items, you will have to place them in your checked luggage. Here are the main rules around transporting glue in checked bags:
- No flammable glues: Flammable glues are prohibited, period. These cannot go in carry-on or checked luggage.
- No quantity limits: For non-flammable glues, you can pack any amount, as long as the containers are less than 5 liters (1.3 gallons) each. This allows you to pack full bottles of school glue, craft glue, super glue, etc.
- Check airline rules: Call your airline to ask about any restrictions on the types or quantities of glue allowed in checked baggage. Airlines have their own policies that may go beyond TSA regulations.
- Careful packing: Make sure lids are tight and bottles secured to prevent leaks. Use plastic bags or zip-top bags for extra protection.
TSA and Airline Rules for Common Glue Types
To simplify the glue restrictions, here is a breakdown for some of the most common glue varieties travelers may need to transport:
White School Glue
- Carry-On: Allowed in any size container if 3.4 oz or less. Must fit in quart bag if over 3.4 oz.
- Checked: Allowed in any size container. No quantity limits unless imposed by airline.
Craft/Multi-Purpose Glue
- Carry-On: Allowed only if 3.4 oz or less. Must fit in quart bag.
- Checked: Allowed in any size container. No TSA quantity limits.
Super Glue (Non-Flammable)
- Carry-On: Allowed only if 3.4 oz or less. Must fit in quart bag.
- Checked: Allowed in any size container. No TSA quantity limits.
Flammable Super Glue
- Carry-On: Prohibited
- Checked: Prohibited
Hot Glue Sticks
- Carry-On: Allowed in reasonable quantities needed for trip.
- Checked: Allowed with no restrictions unless imposed by airline.
Hot Glue Guns
- Carry-On: Prohibited
- Checked: Allowed as long as airline permits.
Smart Tips for Flying with Glue
Here are some handy tips to ensure you can take glue in your carry-on or checked baggage without issue:
- Know your glue: Check the label to see if it is flammable or non-flammable. Any flammable glue is completely banned.
- Limit carry-on glue: Only bring small quantities needed for your trip to avoid problems at security.
- Check airline rules: Don’t assume the TSA rules are all you need to follow. Call your airline to confirm their specific policies on glue.
- Ask TSA officers: If in doubt, you can always request a final ruling from a TSA officer at the airport. They have the authority on interpreting the rules.
- Pack carefully: In checked bags, make sure lids are tight and bottles secured in plastic bags to prevent leaks or damage.
- Consider mailing: For important glue items, you may want to mail them instead to your destination if permitted.
- Buy glue at destination: If you will only need a small amount during your trip, consider purchasing it locally once you arrive.
What Happens If You Bring Prohibited Glue?
If you accidentally pack prohibited glue in your carry-on or checked baggage, here is what you can expect:
- Carry-on: Banned glue will be confiscated at the security checkpoint and you will not be able to take it on the plane. You may be able to mail it home if time allows before your flight.
- Checked bags: Prohibited glue will also be confiscated if found. However, TSA agents may not discover it until your bag undergoes screening, by which time you will have already departed.
- No penalties: You will not face any penalties or fines for accidentally bringing banned glue items. However, prohibited items will not be returned to you.
The key is to know the rules ahead of time so you can pack the right glue items in permitted quantities. By understanding what you can and cannot transport in carry-on vs. checked luggage, you can avoid losing prohibited glue or scrambling at the last minute to repack.
The Bottom Line
With some advanced planning and careful packing, you can take glue with you on an airplane in most cases. School glue, craft glues, and small quantities of super glue are generally permitted in reasonable amounts. The limits on carry-on quantities are designed to keep dangerous liquids off planes while allowing you to transport glue as needed for personal or business reasons.
The main exceptions are flammable glues and anything over 3.4 oz in a carry-on. By checking the specific type of glue against the TSA and airline rules, you can fly with glue hassle-free. Safe travels with glue allowed!
Here are some resources to help you decide:
- TSA website: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all has a searchable database for specific items.
- Airline website: Check your airline’s baggage allowance information for any additional restrictions.