Super glue has become an essential among households. This high-strength, instant adhesive can bond with almost any material, such as glass ceramic, metal, wood, and other substances. It has come in handy many times, which is why people always bring one with them wherever they go.
While a super glue is relatively small, it can pose a risk during flights. If you’re planning to carry one on your next local or international trip, here’s everything you need to know about bringing super glue on a plane.
Quick verdict
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Carry-on | A non-flammable super glue is allowed in a tube of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less, inside your quart bag. |
| Checked | Allowed with no hazardous material quantity limit, unless the label says flammable. |
| Flammable adhesives | Barred from both bags. Model glue, rubber cement and pipe cement are the usual examples. |
| How to check | Read the safety data sheet. A flash point at or below 140 F (60 C) makes it a flammable liquid. |
| Brand names | No brand is banned by name. The chemistry decides, which is why one tube flies and another does not. |
| Leaks | A tube that opens in a bag ruins clothes and slows the line. Tape the cap and bag it separately. |
Can You Bring a Super Glue on a Plane?
Non-flammable super glue can fly in your carry-on in a tube of 3.4 oz or less, and a flammable glue cannot fly in either bag.
Their website states, “Most model glues, rubber cement, and industrial-strength adhesives are flammable and not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage. Only super glues and other household glues that are not flammable would be allowed in baggage.
If you want to see if they are flammable, check the product label or the manufacturer’s material safety data sheet (MSDS). When checking the MSDS, a “flash point” at or below 140° F (60° C) indicates it is a flammable liquid and may not be carried in airline baggage.”
Based on this guideline, a glue with a flash point at or below 140° F (60° C) is flammable and cannot fly in either bag, while a non-flammable one can. They will only allow a super glue on your luggage if it’s confirmed to be non-flammable. (Read Can You Bring Condoms On Plane)
Types of Glues Allowed on Plane
Now that you can’t bring your super glue on your trip, let’s look at the types of glue that are allowed on a plane based on FAA’s guidelines:
School Glue
Yes, Elmer’s glue is allowed on a plane, both in liquid and glue stick form. School glue is manufactured to be safe and nontoxic since kids at school often use them. While it might not be as high-strength as super glue, it provides just enough to bond that works great for household jobs, crafting, and school projects.
PVA Glue
For PolyVinyl Acetate, PVA glue is safe, water-based, and nontoxic like school glue. Unlike school glues, PVA glues dry quickly and form a permanent bond for home crafts, joinery, cabinetmaking, and other wood repair projects. Also called wood glue or carpenter’s glue, they are non-flammable and do not produce fumes, making them safe to bring on a plane.
Glue Gun
According to TSA, glue guns are allowed both on carry-on and checked bags. However, note that airport security might require additional screening if your baggage triggers an alarm during the screening process. They may also ask for further screening if your luggage appears to have been tampered with or if it poses other security concerns.
Fabric Glue
Fabric glue might be a liquid adhesive, but it is not an explosive type of adhesive. They are usually used to repair and mend flexible materials such as vinyl seats, cushions, and other clothing. Note that some fabric glues can be flammable when wet but are safe once dried.
Other Types of Glue Not Allowed on Plane
There are also other types of glue not allowed on the plane because they’re flammable. Here are some:
Nail Glue
Nail glues are not allowed on planes because they contain cyanoacrylate, the same chemical found in many household superglue types. If you’ve been using nail glues for your acrylic nails and other nail designs, you know how hard it can be to take it off, making it reminiscent of superglues.
Adhesive Promoter
As mentioned by FAA and TSA, all kinds of flammable adhesives, from adhesive tapes to solvent-based ones, aren’t allowed on a plane. When a netizen particularly asked about bringing adhesive promoters, TSA said they are highly flammable and are not permitted on the aircraft in either carry-on or checked bags. (Read Can You Bring Chewing Tobacco Through TSA)
Gorilla Glue
Whether Gorilla Glue can fly depends on the product, not the brand. Check the safety data sheet for the flash point, because a flammable adhesive cannot travel in either bag.
Model Glues
As mentioned, model glues aren’t allowed on the plane because of their flammability. This type is typically used to hold projects such as miniature aircraft, ships, or cars. Since they need to be reliable, they are made to be strong enough when used.
Bringing Allowed Glue on a Plane
When you bring allowed glue on a plane, there are some things you need to keep in mind to make sure you won’t encounter any problems with airport security.
According to TSA, non-flammable follows the liquids rule stated on the TSA website, which is as follows:
- 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller-size container that fits in 1 quart-sized container may go in carry-on and through checkpoint security.
- Meanwhile, containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) must be in checked baggage regardless of the amount inside.
This means the glue you would bring is allowed in a carry-on bag as long as it is in a container less than or equal to 3.4 oz. You can also use a one-quart-size bag as your container.
But if you’ll bring more significant amounts than 3.4 oz, such as a 1-liter Elmer’s glue, you should place it in your checked bags.
The final decision still lies on the security agent, that will check your luggage to see if they will allow the glue that you’ll be bringing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bring nail glue on a plane?
No, you can’t bring nail glue on the plane because it’s highly flammable. But if the nail glue doesn’t have flammable components, it can be allowed on the plane.
Is nail glue flammable?
Yes, most nail glues are flammable since they contain cyanoacrylate, the same chemical in super glue.
Can you bring krazy glue on a plane?
No. This brand name of super glue is not allowed on plane because of its flammability.
Can you bring Epoxy glue on a plane?
Epoxy resin kits are usually allowed on the plane since they are non-flammable. However, the combustible epoxy glues mixed with a hardener can pose potential hazards on aircraft.
How will I know if a particular glue is allowed on a plane?
The best you can do is check the product label or the manufacturer’s material safety data sheet to ensure they don’t contain any flammable materials. They are allowed on planes if it’s not a flammable liquid.
Final Thoughts
Safety will always be an airline’s priority. So, when they ban an item, best believe it’s for the benefit of the passengers.
There is no need to stress out if you’re planning to bring glue on your next trip. If you need to carry one, keep in mind whether it is flammable. You can also refer to our list above to know which types of glue are permitted by most airlines. Remember, as long as it’s a non-flammable glue, it’s safe and good to go! (Read Can I Bring Frozen Food On A Plane)
If you still have questions or concerns regarding the glue you plan to bring, you can always contact @AskTSA on Twitter to confirm. Happy travels!
Frequently asked questions
Can you bring super glue on a plane?
It depends on the tube. The FAA allows non-flammable super glues in baggage, and in carry-on the TSA still applies the 3.4 oz / 100 ml container limit and the quart bag. A glue whose safety data sheet lists a flash point at or below 140 F cannot fly in either bag.
Is super glue flammable?
Some super glues are and some are not. The FAA says most model glues, rubber cement and industrial adhesives are flammable, while some super glues and household glues are not. Check the label or the safety data sheet rather than assuming from the brand.
How much super glue can you take in hand luggage?
A container of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less, inside your quart bag. Most super glue tubes are a fraction of that size, so the practical limit is the number of tubes rather than the volume of any one of them.
Can you put super glue in checked luggage?
Yes, if it is non-flammable. The FAA sets no hazardous material quantity limit for a non-flammable adhesive, so a larger bottle can go in the hold. A flammable one cannot be checked or carried into the cabin.
Does the brand decide whether glue can fly?
No. Krazy Glue, Gorilla Glue and own-brand tubes are judged on the same test, which is the flash point on the safety data sheet. A brand name on the label tells you nothing about whether the contents are a regulated flammable.
Primary source: FAA PackSafe, Adhesives.
What to do next
Find the safety data sheet for the tube you plan to carry and look for the flash point. Above 140 F it can fly, with the 3.4 oz limit in carry-on; at or below that, leave it at home.
