Key Points:
- Polymer clay is not a prohibited substance.
- No restrictions on carrying it in carry-on luggage.
- Appears as an opaque block in X-rays, might need manual inspection.
- Unbaked clay may be better in checked luggage to avoid confusion.
- Accompanying tools (blades, scissors) should go in checked luggage.
- Liquids associated with clay work should comply with standard liquid rules in carry-ons.
- Security protocols can vary by country and individual officers.
Airline Policies Comparison
| Airline Company | Carry-on | Checked Luggage | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Yes | Yes | Follows TSA Guidelines |
| Delta Airlines | Yes | Yes | Follows TSA Guidelines |
| United Airlines | Yes | Yes | Follows TSA Guidelines |
| Southwest Airlines | Yes | Yes | Follows TSA Guidelines |
| Ryanair | Yes | Yes | Follows TSA Guidelines |
Can I Bring Clay On A Plane in a Carry-on?
Yes. Polymer clay can be brought in carry-on luggage. There are no restrictions, but it might need manual inspection due to its appearance on X-ray machines.
Can I Bring Clay in a Checked Luggage?
Yes. It’s often easier to transport unbaked polymer clay in checked luggage to avoid any confusion during security checks.
Can you bring Clay through the TSA?
Yes. TSA does not prohibit polymer clay. It may be subject to manual inspection due to its X-ray appearance.
Can you bring Clay on an international flight?
Yes, but be cautious. Polymer clay is not prohibited, but security protocols can vary by country. It’s advisable to check the specific regulations of the destination country.
Different types of Clay
- Polymer Clay: Generally allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.
- Modeling Clay: Similar to polymer clay, likely allowed.
- Air-dry Clay: Should follow the same guidelines.
Similar items with Clay
- Playdough: Typically allowed, similar to clay.
- Sculpting Tools: Should be in checked luggage, especially sharp tools.
Will TSA throw away my Clay?
Unlikely. There’s no specific reason for TSA to confiscate polymer clay unless mistaken for a prohibited item.
What happens if TSA catches you with Clay?
Routine Check. If found in carry-on, it might be manually inspected for safety verification.
How much Clay can you fly with?
No specific limit. As long as it conforms to luggage size and weight restrictions.
Tips For Packing Clay in Your Luggage
- Keep clay in its original packaging for easy identification.
- Separate tools, especially sharp ones, into checked luggage.
- Follow standard liquid rules for any liquid materials related to clay.
- Label your items clearly to facilitate security checks.
Are Clays considered dangerous on a plane?
No. Clay itself is not considered dangerous, but its resemblance to certain prohibited substances may require inspection.