RESTRICTED ITEMS

FROM ALLOWED CONDITIONALLY
TO JUST NOT ALLOWED  

Certain items are considered hazardous and, by federal law, are prohibited from all Delta flights. Check here, before you try to check it or carry it on. Keep in mind, this is not a comprehensive list. Visit the TSA’s What Can I Bring and/or the FAA’s Pack Safe for the most current list of what can and cannot be transported on passenger aircraft.

Learn More:

  • Alcohol or Liquor

    Alcohol or liquor purchased after going through the security checkpoint are allowed onboard as checked or carry-on baggage, as long as it adheres to these guidelines:

    • Alcohol content may not exceed 140 proof
    • Up to 5 liters of alcohol per person between 48 and 140 proof is permitted
    • Alcohol under 48 proof is not considered hazardous and is permitted
    • Alcohol must be in its original unopened retail packaging to be permitted onboard the plane
    • If the alcohol is purchased before going through the security checkpoint, our security rules apply for carry-on or checked baggage.
  • Ammunition — South Africa

    As required by law when departing South Africa, weapons and ammunition departing from South Africa must be packed in a small box or case and placed in checked baggage (locked).  Ammunition cannot be stored in the same case as the weapon.

    Please read important information regarding packaging and presenting/declaring firearms at check-in.

  •     Ammunition and Firearms – South Korea

    When traveling to and through South Korea, all firearms and ammunition in checked baggage must be declared at the time of check-in/baggage drop off.

    Failure to declare firearms and ammunition may result in confiscation of the firearms/ammunition in South Korea, refused entry to South Korea or continued travel, and possible fines. Customers must declare exact quantity and type of firearms (serial number of available) and exact quantity of ammunition.

    Please read important information regarding packaging and presenting/declaring firearmsopens in a new window at check-in.

  •  
    Ammunition – United Kingdom - UK

    As required by law when departing United Kingdom, weapons and ammunition must be packed in a small box or case (locked) and placed in checked baggage. Ammunition cannot be stored in the same case as the weapon.

  • Automotive

    In general, auto and vehicle parts are allowed in carry-on or checked baggage only if they've been properly purged and if there is no fuel or traces of fuel present.  Car engine parts may be placed in checked luggage only if the parts are packed in their original box and free of hazardous chemicals such as gasoline and oil.

    Here's more information on specific car parts:

    • Shock absorbers that are sealed with compressed gas will not be allowed in checked baggage.  Even if a shock absorber is not sealed with compressed gas, if it contains a residue or vapors of oil or gasoline, it is considered a hazardous material and will be removed from checked baggage.
    • Car batteries are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage, per FAA regulations.
       
    • Vehicle airbags are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage, per FAA regulations.
       


    If the vehicle parts you are planning to pack are used or you are not sure you can remove all hazmat residue or vapors, we recommend that you ship them to your destination using a parcel shipping service instead.

    Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns.  The final decision rests with the TSAopens in a new window on whether to allow any items on the plane for security reasons.
     

  • These devices typically contain a cylinder of compressed nonflammable gas. Some models also contain a small explosive charge (squib) to release the cylinder contents.

    Though allowed in checked baggage by international (ICAO/IATA) regulations, these devices are not allowed in baggage in the U.S. unless the gas cylinder is empty and there is no explosive charge.

    Though not restricted as a hazardous material when the gas cylinder is empty and no explosive charge is present, airport security screeners may still want to examine the gas cylinder to ensure it is empty.

  • Battery Powered Self-Balancing Personal Transportation Device (Hoverboards)

    To ensure the safety of our customers and employees, Delta will not accept the transport of balance gilders, hoverboards, powered skate boards, motorized riding suitcases and self-balancing boards of any type which use lithium or lithium-ion batteries on board its aircraft. These items are prohibited as both carry-on and checked baggage.

    Delta reviewed the hoverboard product specifications and found that manufactures do not consistently provide detail about the size or power of their lithium-ion batteries. These devices often contain battery varieties above the government mandated 160 watt hour limit permitted aboard aircraft. While occurrences are uncommon, these batteries can spontaneously overheat and pose a fire hazard risk. 

  • Dry & Wet Ice

    Dry-ice packages in amounts of 5.5 lbs. (2.5 kg) or less is allowed when used to cool non-hazardous perishables in carry-on or checked baggage. The package must:

    • meet carry-on baggage restrictions
    • allow the release of carbon dioxide
    • state on the package, "Dry Ice" or "Carbon Dioxide Solid"
    • specify the net weight of the dry-ice material on the packaging
    • include the contents being cooled, in writing, on the packaging

    If possible, instead of dry ice, we encourage the use of gel packs or similar products to keep frozen perishable items fresh. For more information, you can download the Guidelines to Transport Dry Ice.

    Wet-ice shipments are not allowed as carry-on baggage, checked baggage or cargo on Delta or Delta Connection® flights.

  • E-cigarettes

    Battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices (e.g., e-cigarettes, e-cigs, e-cigars, e-pipes, e-hookahs, personal vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems) when carried by passengers or crewmembers for personal use must be carried on one's person or in carry-on baggage only. Recharging of the devices and/or the batteries on board the aircraft is not permitted. We recommend traveling with them in a designated carry case to prevent damage and/or unintentional activation.

    If your travels take you international, be mindful that certain countries may restrict and/or completely ban the import, export, or use of electronic cigarettes. Delta Air Lines recommends that you check with the local Customs Authorities regarding entry restrictions prior to beginning your travel. Delta Air Lines is not responsible for items confiscated by local authorities.

  • Fireworks or Explosives

    Don't even think about it. Firecrackers, signal flares, Christmas crackers or sparklers are not allowed — as carry-on or checked baggage — at any time.

  • Flammable Liquids or Solids

    Guidelines for carrying flammable liquids are as follows:

    • A fuel lighter is permitted in your pocket or in carry-on baggage only
    • Up to two lighters are allowed in your checked baggage if they are properly enclosed in a U.S. Department of Transportation approved case
    • Lighters without fuel are allowed as checked or carry-on baggage
    • Lighter refills, fuels (such as gasoline or Sterno cans), paints, stains, lubricants, and "strike-anywhere" matches are not allowed
    • One regular matchbook is permitted in your pocket as long as it isn’t the "strike anywhere" matches
    • Torch or blue flame lighters are strictly prohibited.
    • Lithium battery powered lighters without a safety cap or means of protection against unintentional activation are prohibited in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, and as when carried on one’s person.
  • Fuel Cell Systems

    Guidelines for fuel cell systems are as follows:

    • Portable electronic devices (i.e. cameras, cellular phones, laptop computers and camcorders) powered by fuel cell systems, and not more than two spare fuel cell cartridges per passenger are allowed when transported in carry-on baggage.
    • No more than two spare fuel cell cartridges maybe carried by a passenger.
    • Fuel cell systems containing fuel and fuel cell cartridges, including spare cartridges are permitted in carry-on baggage only.
    • Fuel cell cartridges may not be refillable by the user. Refueling the fuel cell systems is not permitted, except that the installation of a spare cartridge is allowed.
    • Each fuel cell cartridge and system must be durably marked by the manufacturer with the wording: "APPROVED FOR CARRIAGE IN AIRCRAFT CABIN ONLY".
  • Gasoline-powered Devices

    Gasoline-powered equipment, such as chainsaws and lawn equipment, is only allowed if it's new and in its original packaging and has never been opened.

  • Household Items (Aerosols, bleach, etc.)

    Aerosols (i.e. spray disinfectant and starch), bleach, cleaning solvents, drain cleaners and pesticides are not allowed.

  • Liquid Nitrogen (Dry-shipper)

    Insulated packaging, containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen is allowed as checked and carry-on baggage as long as it is fully porous material, intended for transport of non-dangerous products and kept at a low temperature. For more information you can download the Guidelines to Transport a Refrigerated Liquid Nitrogen (Dry Shipper)opens in a new window.

  • Lithium Batteries

    As you probably know, traveling with consumer electronic and medical devices containing lithium cells or batteries (e.g. watches, calculators, cameras, cell phones, laptops, camcorders, hearing aids, etc.) is allowed onboard as carry-on. Spare lithium batteries are allowed as carry-on only, and must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.

    Tips to properly transport spare lithium batteries:

    • Pack spare batteries in carry-on baggage.
    • Keep spare batteries in the original retail packaging to prevent unintentional activation or short-circuiting.
    • If original packaging is not available, effectively insulate battery terminals by isolating spare batteries from contact with other batteries and/or metal.
    • Specifically, place each battery in its own protective case, plastic bag or package, or place tape across the battery's contacts to isolate terminals.
    • Take steps to prevent crushing, puncturing, or putting a high degree of pressure on the battery, as this can cause an internal short circuit, resulting in overheating.

    Size Limits for Lithium Batteries:

    Passengers are permitted to travel with lithium ion batteries that contain a maximum of 160 watt hours per battery.  Any lithium ion battery containing more than 160 watt hours is prohibited from carriage on all passenger aircraft. Lithium ion batteries installed in a personal electronic device can be transported as checked or carry on baggage. Lithium ion batteries not installed in a device (spares) must be in carry-on baggage and no more than two (2) spares between 100 and 160 watt hours are allowed.

    Quantity Limits for Lithium Batteries:

    Each person is limited to a maximum of 20 spare batteries.

    For more information on dangerous goods, visit the FAA's Pack Safeopens in a new window page and TSA What Can I Bringopens in a new window page. Damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries must not be carried in carry-on or checked baggage. Additional information concerning recalled consumer batteries and battery systems may be located on the Consumer Product Safety Commissionopens in a new window website. 

  • Although Delta Air Lines is aware of various state laws that allow recreational or medical marijuana possession, the TSA has stated that possession of marijuana, even medical marijuana, is illegal under federal law and that it will refer passengers traveling with marijuana to law enforcement authorities. Accordingly, Delta Air Lines does not allow passenger to transport marijuana on our flights. 

  • Meals Ready to Eat (MREs)

    Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) are forbidden in a person's checked or carry-on baggage.

  • Personal Care Items
    • Personal oxygen canisters also known as “canned oxygen,” “recreational oxygen” and “flavored oxygen” are forbidden in aircraft cabin, carry-on baggage, and checked baggage.
    • Personal care items, such as cologne and hairspray, are allowed in checked baggage without prior approval, as long as there are less than 16 ounces of each item and less than 70 ounces total. Personal care items in smaller quantities, which comply with TSA rules may also be placed in carry-on baggage.
    • One butane curling iron per passenger is permitted in carry-on baggage. No refills are allowed and the safety cover must be on the curling iron. It is not permissible to be used on the aircraft at any time. Butane curling irons are not permitted when traveling to Switzerland.

  • Personal Flotation Devices

    Though we provide life jackets to each and every passenger, you are welcome to bring your own. One self-inflating life jacket, containing no more than two small carbon dioxide cylinders plus no more than two spare cylinders, is allowed as checked or carry-on baggage.

  • Personal Medical Devices

    Personal medical devices must meet specific requirements and be approved by Delta prior to travel. Liquid oxygen is not permitted.

  • Portable Electronic Devices

    Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) should be transported in carry-on baggage and not placed in checked baggage. 

    When that is not possible: the devices should be completely powered down to the OFF position (they should not be left in sleep mode), protected from accidental activation, and packed so they are protected from damage.

    Each person is limited to a maximum of 15 PEDs.

    Damaged, defective or recalled lithium batteries must not be carried in carry-on or checked baggage. Additional information concerning recalled batteries and battery systems may be located on the Consumer Product Safety Commissionopens in a new window website. 

  • Recent developments of innovative baggage with integrated lithium batteries, commonly known as "smart baggage" are being marketed and sold to the traveling public. These devices include integrated lithium batteries, motors, power banks, GPS, GSM, Bluetooth, RFID or Wi-Fi technology. The presence of the lithium batteries can contravene various regulatory requirements. These devices require careful attention - even if permitted by the applicable regulations. 

    Examples of "smart" baggage include features such as:

    • Lithium-ion battery and motor allowing it to be used as a personal transportation device, either as a stand-up scooter, or sit on vehicle. These devices do not meet the criteria of a mobility device
    • Lithium-ion battery power bank that allows charging of other electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops
    • GPS tracking devices with or without GSM capability
    • Bluetooth, RFID and Wi-Fi capability
    • Electronic baggage tags
    • Electronic Lock/s
    • Lithium-ion battery, motor and tracking device (GPS) allowing the bag to self-propel and 'follow' the owner

    Restrictions that apply to the carriage of this smart baggage. Specifically that:

    • The lithium-ion batteries must have a power rating of not more than 100Wh unless the customer has approval from the operator, in which case the lithium battery must not have a Watt-hour rating exceeding 160Wh
    • Customers checking a smart bag with a removable lithium-ion battery must remove it and take it with them into the cabin. Customers carrying-on a smart bag containing a removable lithium-ion battery must remove it from the designed enclosure prior to boarding the aircraft. Once the battery is removed from the bag’s designed enclosure, the battery may be placed inside the carry-on bag. The removable battery does not need to be carried separately from the smart baggage.
    • Where a bag intended to be carried in the cabin is surrendered at the boarding gate or on the aircraft to be loaded in the cargo compartment, the customer must remove lithium-ion batteries from the bag before it can be loaded into the cargo compartment. The spare battery/power bank must then be carried in the cabin.
  • Sports Equipment
    • Camping equipment containing fuel or fuel residue, including butane or propane canisters, is not allowed.
    • Self-inflating devices or equipment containing compressed gas cylinders are allowed as long as the cylinders are less than 50 milliliters (mL).  A total of four (4) cylinders may be carried if installed inside the device or as spares. (e.g., rafts or paintball cartridges). For self-inflating life jackets, see Personal Flotation Devices.
    • You may bring compressed gas cylinders, including scuba tanks, as carry-on or checked baggage, as long as the regulator valve is completely disconnected from the cylinder, as required by current TSA requirements. Please read the full instruction on the TSA websiteopens in a new window.
    • Parachutes - you may bring skydiving rigs with and without Automatic Activation Devices (AAD) as carry-on or checked baggage. Typically, a rig will move through the checked luggage or carry-on security screening process without needing physical inspection. If security officers determine that they need to open a rig to inspect it, you must be present and will be allowed to assist. For this reason, skydivers should add at least 30 minutes to the airline's recommended arrival window when they are traveling with their parachutes.

      When checking the parachute in as checked baggage, pack the rig separately without any other items in the bag. Additional items, if suspicious, could trigger an inspection of the entire bag. Parachute owners may help security officers unpack and repack the rig.

  • Weapons

    We allow small arms ammunition, in quantities not exceeding 11 lbs. (5 kg) per person, as checked-baggage only. The weapon must be securely boxed and intended for that person's own use. More than one passenger may not combine quantities into one package. See more details/guidelines under shooting equipment.
     

    You are responsible for knowledge of and compliance with all Federal, State or local laws regarding the possession and transportation of firearms. For more information about this regulation you can visit the TSA websiteopens in a new window.

    Note: Gunpowder (e.g., Pyrodex, black powder, mace, pepper spray and tear gas) is never permitted.

  • Wheelchairs/Mobility Aids with Lithium-Ion Batteries

    Lithium-ion batteries that power mobility devices and are within the federal restrictions listed below are allowed on passenger aircraft. 

    For collapsible mobility aids, customers will be allowed two (2) spare batteries if less than 160 WH for collapsible mobility aids, or one (1) spare battery if less than 300 WH.

    For mobility aids where the lithium battery is installed as an integral part of the device, there is no battery size limit.

    Other Lithium-ion Battery Requirements:

    • The battery terminals must be protected from short circuiting.
    • The battery must have been tested per UN Part III, Section 38.3.
  • Wheelchairs/Mobility Aids with Spillable and Non-spillable Batteries

    Wheelchairs and mobility device that require batteries are allowed as checked baggage, albeit some rules, of course. Here are the guidelines for both spillable (wet-cell) and non-spillable (gel) batteries:

    • Battery must be able to be visually inspected and disconnected
    • Terminals must be protected from short circuit
    • Battery must be able to be securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid

    Note: If the wheelchair cannot be loaded on the aircraft in an upright position, spillable (wet-cell) batteries must be removed and packaged in special packaging, provided by Delta.

  • Other Possible Hazardous Items

    The below items are not considered "dangerous goods" and are allowed when packaged properly, in accordance with TSA regulations:

    • Knitting/scissors
    • Hiking or trekking poles
    • Knives/swords
    • Hair dryer/Straightener
    • Hair spray
    • Sunscreen/bug spray
    • Batteries
    • Food as a carry on
    • Fishing hooks
    • Fragile glass items

    Further restrictions may apply to the above items, please visit the TSAopens in a new window website for more information.

    Allowed When Packed Properly
     

    Please remember that infectious substances, poisons and radioactive materials are not permitted.
     

    • Heat-Producing Items — We allow battery-operated underwater torches (diving lamps) and soldering irons, 7 inches (18 cm) or less in length, as carry-on baggage only.
    • Mercury Barometer or Thermometer — These items are allowed if carried by a representative of a government weather bureau or similar official agency, and as carry-on baggage only.

    If you have one of the above two items (2) or an item that is not listed in the Restricted Items section, but think it might be a "dangerous good", please contact Delta's Dangerous Goods Department ten days in advance to confirm the item is allowed on the flight. For immediate questions, please contact Reservation Sales.

    Additional resources to assist you can be found on the FAAopens in a new window websites.