Can You Bring A Blanket On A Plane? TSA Blanket Rules

Can you bring a blanket on a plane? there would be essential items for your girl or boy to carry such as a small blanket. In fact, you might also require a small blanket for your own use if you fear the cooling of air conditioners would be high onboard. So, if you need to keep a blanket in your bag, here is something mandatory you must know.

While it feels exciting to finalize the travel destination, it becomes tedious to get ready with bags packed with all things right. You might still be in the middle of packing bags if you are heading on airplane travel.

As per the regulations formed by the TSA, passengers are not allowed to bring everything on a plane. If you bring a forbidden item with you, it is possible that your items will be seized or destroyed at the security checkpoint.

So, you must go ahead, and read this article in detail. 

Can You Bring A Blanket Through TSA?

Absolutely! TSA recognizes the fact that passengers may need such items onboard if they are traveling with their kids or infants. So, there are no rules or limitations defined for bringing blankets on a plane. You can bring them in both types of baggage.

Nonetheless, if there are any other types of blankets and related items involved with them, TSA can have different rules for the same. Like, as found on Twitter, someone asked the TSA about taking a picnic blanket comprising plastic spikes. Responding to the query, TSA didn’t prohibit taking such a blanket on the flight but did tell about packing the plastic spikes separately in the checked baggage.

If you are also in a dilemma, you can post your question in a tweet while tagging their handle @AskTSA. They will respond soon.

Hence, it is always better to confirm before packing your bags, as it depends on the TSA officers whether they will let you go through airport security or not.

But, the TSA also advises you to confirm the size of the blanket or whether it can be taken as a personal item or not with your airline.

Carry-On Vs Personal Item

First of all, let’s understand the difference between the two. Carry-on is the hand luggage or the cabin baggage that you take onboard. Bigger in size than a personal item, your carry-on must fit into the overhead compartment bin located above your seat.

On the other hand, a personal item is smaller than a carry-on. It could be a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. Ideally, you should be able to fit it under the seat in front of you.

But, you must always remember that all the airlines have their own rules for taking personal items on their flights. An item considered personal by airline A might not be a personal item for Airline B. Also, the size limit of your personal item varies from airline to airline. So, be on the safer side, and confirm with your airline about something you wish to take on a plane.

Does A Blanket Count As A Personal Item?

You have already read that there are no restrictions by the TSA for taking a blanket on a plane, but it also depends on the airline you are traveling with.

Usually, passengers are allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item like a laptop bag, camera, purse, briefcase etc. But, there are different rules by different airlines. Some airlines count a blanket under the category of personal items, while some do not. And, you might be asked to pack it in your carry-on if you need to use it on the flight, otherwise, it’s good to go in your checked luggage.

Following are some of the major airlines in the USA that count a blanket under the category of a personal item:

• United Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• American Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Delta Airlines

Nonetheless, if you have made a booking with any of these airlines, you must still confirm with them if you can bring a blanket as a personal item, or whether there are further instructions on the same.

You may also be charged by some airlines for bringing a blanket, along with a carry-on and a personal item. So, as the blanket is small, it’s better if you can wear or wrap it over your clothes as a stylish garment during verification at the airport. Then you won’t have to take it separately on the plane.

Can You Take A Blanket On A Plane In A Carry-On?

As per the TSA is concerned, passengers are permitted to take a blanket in a carry-on bag. However, these rules depend from airline to airline. It is beneficial to get in touch with the customer service team of the airline you have made a booking with. They may tell you to fit your blanket into the carry-on or take it as a personal item that can easily fit under the seat in front of you.

Can I Take A Blanket On A Plane In Checked Luggage?

There should be no such concerns bothering you when it comes to packing a blanket in your checked luggage. It is as simple as placing your clothes or other items in this bag. So, you are ok to go with it. But, of course, do this while maintaining the baggage allowance or limit set by your airline.

What Size Blanket Can You Bring On A Plane?

You just need a small blanket that is enough for a single person to wrap around and/or cover feet. As 18′′ x 14′′ x 8′′ is the usually accepted size by airlines for personal items, you need to fit it into your carry-on bag. 

Nevertheless, we advise you to carry out your full research about everything offered by your airline or there could be some added instructions. If you do this homework before heading for the air journey, this will definitely save you from any trouble you may have to face at the airport. 

Can You Bring A Weighted Blanket On A Plane?

As such, there are no specific rules regarding not to carry weighted blankets on flights. But, there have been situations at the TSA security checkpoints when some passengers were denied to take them ahead. On the contrary, some were allowed to go further with them.

The TSA may confiscate weighted blankets as they could be filled with illegal stuff or other dangerous items with the intent of harming the passengers.  

But, if you have taken such a weighted blanket owing to medical reasons or as prescribed by a medical expert, you must keep the proof or receipt handy and produce it at the security checkpoint. 

Even if it is not due to medical reasons, you can show the usual receipt to the TSA officer. This will prove that it’s a general item purchased from a seller. 

Best Type Of Blanket To Bring On A Plane?

It is important to choose the right type of blanket for your airplane journey, as you need to use it for long hours. Also, the shape and size shouldn’t be something flowing over the other passenger sitting right next to you.

Select The Best Blanket Before Air Travel

1. You must keep in mind the size. Ideally, a small square size will be compact and fit easily into your carry-on bag. But, you may also choose to bring a small rectangular blanket, as per preference. The only point of concern is that it shouldn’t fall free on the floor and is sufficient for you to wrap around and/or cover your feet. 

2. The material must be soft and shouldn’t cause you discomfort or irritation on your skin. You may consider cotton or fleece fabric, as per choice. 

3. If you bought a new blanket, that’s great. But, if it’s an old one, please keep in mind to check it does not stink and is washed properly. Of course, you won’t like to bear such uneasiness due to a smelly blanket.  

Do You Get A Blanket On A Plane?

Every airline has its own rule. Some may offer you a blanket free of cost while some may charge you for the same. Furthermore, if you are traveling on a budget airline, there is a probability of not getting this facility by that airline.

Well, if you are planning to use a blanket provided by the airline itself, you must gather information about such a facility and the applicable charges. 

Why Should You Bring Your Own Travel Blanket For An Airplane?

Here is why it is always better to bring your own travel blanket.

1. Although you may get a blanket on board, it may not be as comfortable as you would like it to be. Undoubtedly, you will have to bear that cold temperature on the flight. 

2. You never know if you face a sudden flight delay being at the airport, you will have to wait for your next flight and spend time in some area at the airport. So, a blanket will be useful. 

3. There may be a chance that you need to travel through any other mode of transport before reaching your airport. So, a travel blanket can be used if that’s a lengthy journey and you feel cold.

Concluding Lines

While pondering over the fact that a blanket is a personal item or not, we suggest you must ask the backend team of your airline about all such important questions well in advance. Hence, pack your bags accordingly. Whether you are flying domestically or internationally, blankets can be packed for any of the flights.

Frequently Asked Questions