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GLOW STICKS

Can you bring glow sticks on a plane?

TSA allows glow sticks in carry-on and checked baggage, but the carry-on set follows the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Keep the sticks intact and unactivated.

Sources checked: 2026-09-24

Source scope: United States · TSA

Carry-on baggage

Allowed with conditions

Each glow stick in carry-on must meet the 3.4 oz/100 ml liquid limit and fit the quart-size liquids bag.

Checked baggage

Allowed

TSA allows intact glow sticks in checked baggage. Cushion them so they cannot snap or leak.

Sealed unactivated glow stick with a protected tube
TSA applies the 3-1-1 liquids rule in carry-on.

Chemical light and the liquids bag

A glow stick is a sealed liquid tube, not a sparkler. Organize multiple sticks so they fit with your other liquids in the quart-size bag.

Each carry-on tube must have a container capacity no greater than 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml, even when partly empty. All your ordinary liquids must fit in one clear, resealable quart-sized bag per person. TSA allows intact glow sticks in checked baggage without the carry-on 100 ml container limit. Keep tubes sealed and protect them from bending and leaks. Hazardous chemical products require a separate FAA check.

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USA: sealed glow sticks, carry-on tube capacity and the shared liquids bag.
Infographic
Ordinary sealed glow sticks at US airports: carry-on allowed with conditions, checked baggage allowed. Each carry-on tube has a maximum container capacity of 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml. All ordinary liquids share one clear, resealable quart-sized bag per person. Keep tubes intact and cushion them to prevent bending and leaks. Hazardous chemical products need a separate FAA check.
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  1. Single stick

    Check the liquid amount and keep the tube sealed.

  2. Bundle

    Fit the carry-on bundle into the liquids bag without crushing it.

  3. Broken tube

    Do not pack a leaking chemical light.

BEFORE LEAVING HOME

Keep the tubes intact

  1. Check the size of each sealed tube.
  2. Place cabin sticks in the quart-size liquids bag.
  3. Protect the bundle from bending before travel.

BASIS FOR THE ANSWER

Sources checked

  • Transportation Security Administration

    TSA: complete item list

    United States — security screening

    Checked:

    Status: current

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