Hazardous materials policy
Summary
We want to help you avoid carrying anything onboard that violates U.S. Federal Law because violators are subject to imprisonment of up to five years and penalties of $250,000 or more. Some ordinary products can be dangerous because changes in temperature and pressure can cause leaks, toxic fumes or fires. Please ensure these items are not in your bags.
Bags may contain items that are required to be carried with you onboard the aircraft. For example, spare lithium batteries for portable electronic devices and cigarette lighters must be removed from checked or gate-checked bags and carried onboard the aircraft. Electronic cigarettes are not permitted in checked bags, however you can travel with them in your carry-on bag. Traveling with medical oxygen, liquid oxygen, mobility aids and other assistive devices may require airline pre-approval or be restricted from carriage entirely. Passengers requiring these items should contact the airline operator for information on use of such devices.
Special exceptions
There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your bags and certain smoking materials on your person. For further information, contact your airline representative.
Penalties
We want to help you avoid carrying anything onboard that violates U.S. Federal Law because violators are subject to imprisonment of up to five years and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). For details, consult Safetravel.dot.gov, TSA.gov, FAA.gov or aa.com.
Regulations from 49 CFR:
Notification at air passenger facilities of hazardous materials restrictions
(a) Each person who engages in for-hire air transportation of passengers must display notices of the requirements applicable to the carriage of hazardous materials aboard aircraft, and the penalties for failure to comply with those requirements in accordance with this section. Each notice must be legible, and be prominently displayed so it can be seen by passengers in locations where the aircraft operator issues tickets, checks baggage, and maintains aircraft boarding areas. At a minimum, each notice must communicate the following information:
1. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your luggage or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals.
2. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. For further information contact your airline representative.
(b) Ticket purchase. An aircraft operator must ensure that information on the types of hazardous materials specified in paragraph (a) of this section a passenger is permitted and forbidden to transport aboard an aircraft is provided at the point of ticket purchase. During the purchase process, regardless if the process is completed remotely ( e.g., via the Internet or phone) or when completed at the airport, with or without assistance from another person ( e.g., automated check-in facility), the aircraft operator must ensure that information on the types of hazardous materials a passenger is forbidden to transport aboard an aircraft is provided to passengers. Information may be in text or in pictorial form and, effective January 1, 2015, must be such that the final ticket purchase cannot be completed until the passenger or a person acting on the passenger's behalf has indicated that it understands the restrictions on hazardous materials in baggage.
(c) Check-in. An aircraft operator must ensure that information on the types of hazardous materials specified in paragraph (a) of this section a passenger is permitted and forbidden to transport aboard an aircraft is provided during the flight check-in process.
1. Effective January 1, 2015, when the flight check-in process is conducted remotely ( e.g., via the Internet or phone) or when completed at the airport, without assistance from another person ( e.g., automated check-in kiosk), the aircraft operator must ensure that information on the types of hazardous materials a passenger is forbidden to transport aboard an aircraft is provided to passengers. Information may be in text or in pictorial form and should be such that the check in process cannot be completed until the passenger or a person acting on the passenger's behalf has indicated that it understands the restrictions on hazardous materials in baggage.
2. When the check in process is not conducted remotely ( e.g., at the airport with the assistance of an airline representative), passenger notification of permitted and forbidden hazardous materials may be completed through signage (electronic or otherwise), provided it is legible and prominently displayed.
Liquids, aerosols, and gels in carry-on bags
There are limitations for travelling with liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in your carry-on bag. You are allowed to bring these items in your carry-on bag as long as:
- The size of each LAG container does not exceed 3.4oz (100ml). The limit is 1 (one) liter and 10 containers per passenger.
- LAGs required for medical purposes or special need in containers over 100 ml are allowed. In this case, an agent may request verification of the type and quantity of LAGs being carried.
TSA allows certain duty-free liquids through security in your carry-on bag if they’re packaged in a security tamper-evident bag. If you’re travelling with liquids or are unsure about any item, please contact the TSA.