Can I take hand warmers on a plane?

Hand Warmers, Toe Warmers, Body Warmers These air-activated body-warming pads are not regulated as hazardous materials for transportation and may be carried in carry-on or checked baggage. Note: Hand warming devices using flammable liquids or gases are forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage.



Yes, you can take hand warmers on a plane, but the rules depend on the type of hand warmer you are carrying. Disposable air-activated hand warmers (like HotHands) are perfectly fine in both carry-on and checked luggage; they contain iron powder and salt which are not considered hazardous. Electronic/Rechargeable hand warmers are essentially power banks; because they contain Lithium-ion batteries, they must be kept in your carry-on luggage and are strictly prohibited from checked bags due to fire safety risks. Crystallizing/Reusable gel warmers (the ones you "click" to activate) are generally allowed, but since they contain a liquid/gel solution, they are subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule in carry-on bags; if the warmer is larger than 100ml (3.4 oz), it must go in your checked luggage. In 2026, always check the specific battery capacity of electronic versions, as units exceeding 100Wh may require airline approval, though most pocket-sized models are well under this limit and travel-ready.

People Also Ask

Damaged or recalled batteries and battery-powered devices, which are likely to create sparks or generate a dangerous evolution of heat must not be carried aboard an aircraft (e.g. carry-on or checked baggage) unless the damaged or recalled battery has been removed, or otherwise made safe.

MORE DETAILS

Almost any sharp object you can imagine will not be allowed on-board a plane in your hand luggage. This includes obvious items like knives, saws, swords, and machetes, but also small items with blades like pairs of scissors that are 4 or longer in size.

MORE DETAILS

With the exception of balls, many pieces of sporting equipment such as baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, martial arts weapons, hiking poles, and tent spikes/poles, are prohibited from carry-on luggage and must be transported in checked baggage.

MORE DETAILS

Baggy clothing can include low-hanging pants, flowy skirts, heavy sweaters or sweatshirts, and loose dresses – things that would allow malicious travelers to hide prohibited items. Airport security may need to do a pat-down inspection if your clothes are too loose and they suspect you may be hiding prohibited items.

MORE DETAILS

Lithium batteries, which power everyday devices, can catch fire if damaged or if battery terminals are short-circuited. Devices containing lithium metal batteries or lithium ion batteries, including – but not limited to – smartphones, tablets, cameras and laptops, should be kept in carry-on baggage.

MORE DETAILS

Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only. With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium ion batteries (101–160 Wh) or lithium metal batteries (2-8 grams).

MORE DETAILS

Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only. With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium ion batteries (101?160 Wh) or lithium metal batteries (2-8 grams).

MORE DETAILS

Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

MORE DETAILS

Toothpaste is considered a liquid by the TSA (Transport Security Agency), even though it's technically a paste. In fact, all pastes, gels, waxes, and lotions are also classified as liquids. And even today, these substances are still restricted by the 3-1-1 rule in hand luggage due to safety threats.

MORE DETAILS

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

MORE DETAILS