Intro: Can You Bring Magnets On A Plane With You?

The short answer is, as long as you’re not bringing large magnets or a lot of magnets, small magnets are OK to bring through the security checkpoint in carry-on luggage or a personal item. Large quantities of magnets with a strong magnetic field or a different type of magnet, such as industrial magnets, are where the limit would become a concern.

Here’s what the Transportation Security Administration says on its TSA website. Magnets are allowed in Carry-On Baggage and Checked Luggage. So there shouldn’t be an issue with security officers bringing small magnets in your hand baggage or checking bags at the check-in counters. Still, their note specifies that the TSA agent has discretion on what to allow and what they consider hazardous items.

Are you preparing for a trip and unsure whether you can carry your magnets on the plane? When taking a plane, it’s important to know the rules and restrictions about magnets. In this blog post, we’ll talk about the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations and the maximum magnetic field strength that can be shipped by air.

We’ll also talk about the difference between weak magnets and small refrigerator magnets, as well as how to pack and label magnets. This page will help you figure out the rules and have a pleasant flight with your magnets, whether you’re a science fan who wants to bring magnets for a school project or a magnet collector who just wants to bring them along.

Different Types of Magnets

It’s crucial to comprehend the rules about airplane magnets for several reasons. It, first and foremost, makes sure that everyone on board is safe. Strong magnets more powerful than 0.00525 gausses are considered magnetic materials and dangerous goods.” If they are not wrapped and labeled appropriately, they could be dangerous to other passengers and the aircraft’s electronic systems. Additionally, if you are found in possession of magnets that do not adhere to the rules, you could be subject to fines, having to leave the magnets behind, or other sanctions.

Second, it can be time- and hassle-saving to be aware of the rules regarding airplane magnets. It’s wise to check with the airline or the TSA before your journey if you’re unsure whether or not your magnets are permitted on the plane. By doing this, you can avoid having to repack your magnets at the airport or leave them behind.

Magnetic Field Strength Limit and Hazardous Materials

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods precise guidelines capped the magnetic field intensity for air transportation. The IATA specifies a 0.00525 gauss or lower magnetic field strength restriction for transit. The magnets that are not considered to be dangerous objects are subject to this limit. Any magnets larger than this are in the dangerous goods category and must follow additional rules.

Gauss units express how strong a magnet’s magnetic field is. Magnetic field strength is measured in gauss units. It is vital to note that magnets that surpass the IATA’s limit of 0.00525 gausses are regarded as dangerous products. The majority of small refrigerator magnets won’t exceed this limit, which is a very low limit.

It’s vital to remember that this restriction only applies to magnets that aren’t considered dangerous items; other magnets are subject to extra laws. Before packing magnets, it is crucial to confirm with the airline or shipping company if there are any specific rules or limitations on bringing them on board or in shipping. It is also always advised to contact the magnets’ manufacturer to confirm the strength of the magnets you’re planning to bring.

How Big Of A Magnet Are We Talking?

The weight of a magnet does not determine whether or not it exceeds the 0.00525 gauss limit set by the US Department of Transportation & the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The magnetic field strength of a magnet is measured in gauss, and it is independent of the weight of the magnet. The limit of 0.00525 gausses applies to the magnetic field strength of the magnet, not its weight.

A magnet’s strength is determined by the type of material it’s made of, its shape, and the size of the magnet. For example, a small neodymium magnet may exceed the 0.00525 gauss limit, while a large ceramic magnet may not. Some magnets commonly used for industrial or scientific applications, like neodymium magnets, can be much more powerful than refrigerator magnets and produce a magnetic field strength above the 0.00525 gauss limit.

What Can Large Magnets Do?

There are several ways that magnets might obstruct an aircraft system. The biggest worry is that they might impact the aircraft’s electronic navigational equipment. Strong magnets create enormous magnetic fields that have the potential to interfere with an airplane’s electronic equipment, including its communication and navigation systems. This could result in device malfunctions or inaccurate results.

Strong magnets can also prevent the airplane’s compass from working properly. The compass is an important navigational tool. When there is a strong magnetic field, the compass readings will be different from the direction in which the airplane is going.

Although the magnetic basic compass is normally a backup to fancy GPS navigation systems, strong rare earth magnets could still have an unknown effect on other parts of the navigation system.

In conclusion, magnets can interfere with airplanes by interfering with the plane’s magnetic compasses, communication systems, and other electronic equipment.

Can You Bring Small Magnets On A Plane?

Small refrigerator magnets, commonly referred to as “fridge magnets,” are frequently constructed from pliable materials like plastic or rubber and have a relatively weak magnetic field. Small magnetic toys can be transported securely by ship or aircraft because they are not regarded as risky items.

They have the following traits:

• They are lightweight and compact.
• Their magnetic field strength is weak (usually below 0.00525 gausses)
• They come in a variety of sizes and styles.
• Refrigerators and other metallic surfaces can be used to hold documents or images.
• They are constructed of delicate materials like rubber or plastic.

Due to their weak magnetic fields, little refrigerator magnets are not considered harmful objects. They are not strong enough to damage other passengers or the aircraft’s technological equipment. Additionally, since these magnets are typically constructed of supple materials like rubber or plastic, they are less likely to harm other objects in your luggage.

Strong Magnets

Neodymium, samarium cobalt, or alnico are frequently used to make strong magnets, also called “heavy-duty” magnets. These strong magnets can produce magnetic fields that are stronger than the 0.00525 gauss limit set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations.

They are also much stronger than the magnets in your refrigerator. These magnets require prior approval to ship with HAZMAT forms and detailed information on the magnets, including a weight limit. They are frequently magnetic assemblies employed in scientific and industrial applications, including MRI machines for medical condition diagnosis, motors, and generators.

Their characteristics include the following:

• They are generally large magnets in size and heavier than refrigerator magnets
• They have a high magnetic field strength (usually above 0.00525 gauss)
• They are made of hard materials such as neodymium, samarium cobalt, or alnico
• They can have a powerful pull force
• They are commonly used in industrial and scientific applications

Strong magnets exceeding the limit of 0.00525 gausses are considered dangerous because of their powerful magnetic field strength. These magnets can interfere with electronic equipment and pose a risk to the aircraft’s electronic equipment and other passengers on board. Additionally, these magnets are generally larger and heavier than refrigerator magnets and can cause damage to other items in your luggage if not packaged properly.

TSA Rules & Airport Security Regulations

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has rules about what you can and can’t do with magnets on an airplane. According to the TSA, magnets are permitted in hand luggage or checked bag.

The safety regulations do have a restriction on the power of magnets that can be transported on an airplane, but it usually won’t apply to small souvenir types of magnets. According to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, the maximum magnetic field strength for transportation is 0.00525 gauss or below.

What’s the FAA and DOT say?

The restriction for magnetic field intensity for transportation is 0.00525 gauss or less, per the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations.

The magnets that are not considered dangerous commodities are subject to a lower limit, and those that are are subject to stricter limitations. The magnets must be handled and packaged carefully if their gauss value exceeds 0.00525 gausses, which will classify them as dangerous commodities.

Before packing magnets, it is always a good idea to ask the airline or shipping firm if there are any specific rules or limitations on carrying them on board or in shipping. To verify the strength of the magnets you intend to bring, it is always advised to contact the manufacturer.

If you dive into the Federal Aviation Administration rules, you’ll find this info at https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/173.21.

§ 173.21 Forbidden materials and packages.

Unless otherwise provided in this subchapter, the offering for transportation or transportation of the following is forbidden: 

(a) Materials designated “Forbidden” in Column 3 of the § 172.101 table.

(b) Forbidden explosives as defined in § 173.54 of this part.

(c) Electrical devices, such as batteries and battery-powered devices, are likely to create sparks or generate a dangerous evolution of heat unless packaged in a manner that precludes such an occurrence.

(d) For carriage by aircraft, any package with a magnetic field of more than 0.00525 gausses measured at 4.5 m (15 feet) from any packaging surface. 

Recap

Even though magnets are allowed on planes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations have set up a number of rules and regulations to keep everyone safe. Magnets with magnetic fields stronger than the maximum allowed for shipping, which is 0.00525 gauss, are considered dangerous and have to go through more controls.

Small refrigerator magnets are not considered dangerous because they have a very weak magnetic field, they are made of soft materials like plastic or rubber, and they can be safely transported by ship or carried on board. S

On the other hand, strong magnets that are greater than 0.00525 gauss can interfere with electronic equipment on board. They can also create misleading readings on the compass.

Before packing magnets, it’s crucial to confirm with the airline or shipping company if there are any specific rules or limitations on bringing them on board or in shipping. It’s also always advisable to get in touch with the manufacturer of the magnets to confirm the strength of the magnets you’re planning to bring.

Other questions about bringing items on planes at https://airtravelquestions.com/category/airline-travel/ for questions like transporting the following items: dry ice, power banks, nail polish remover, stun guns, power tools, pepper spray, lithium ion batteries, types of batteries allowed, or personal electronic devices