Many common household and workplace items may seem harmless, but when transported by air, can be very dangerous. In flight, variations in temperature and pressure can cause items to leak, generate toxic fumes or start a fire.
Listed below are examples of hazardous materials that should be left at home when you fly.
Fireworks, Weapons
- Fireworks, explosives, signal flares
- Firearms
- Ammunition*
- Gunpowder
- Mace, tear gas, pepper spray*
Pressure Containers, Flammable Liquids or Solids
- Spray cans
- Lighter fluid, matches*
- Propane tanks
- Scuba tanks (empty cylinders allowed)
- CO2 cartridges
- Self-inflating rafts
Poisons, Household Chemicals
- Poisons, including bug and weed killers
- Drain cleaners
- Solvents (including cleaning products)
- Dry ice*
- Infectious substances
Power Tools, Camping Equipment
- Chainsaws, lawn equipment, engine powered skateboards, etc.**
- Camping equipment containing fuel**
- Gasoline-powered tools containing fuel**
- Wet-cell batteries
*See exceptions below.
**Including vapors.
Exceptions
Exceptions for personal care, medical needs, sporting equipment and items to support physically challenged passengers include:
- Personal care items – One clear transparent resealable 1-quart (1 liter) size plastic bag, which may contain liquids, gels and/or aerosols in containers of 3 oz. (90 ml) capacity or less per container. The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably and the plastic bag must be completely closed/sealed and subjected to x-ray inspection separate from the passenger's carry-on bag.
Radioactive implants or radiopharmaceuticals that have been ingested or injected are acceptable. A small medical mercury thermometer in a protective case may also be carried onboard. - Medicines in any form or type (for instance, pills, injectables, or homeopathic) and associated supplies (syringes, Sharps, disposal container, pre-loaded syringes, pens, infusers, etc.) are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. Medications should be labeled so they are identifiable.
- Disposable Lighters – limited to 1 lighter (gas or absorbed liquid) allowed on your person. Torch lighters remain banned in carry-ons. (Torch lighters create a thin, needle-like flame that is hotter (reaching 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit) and more intense than those from common lighters. Torch lighters are often used for pipes and cigars, and maintain a consistent stream of air-propelled fire regardless of the angle at which it is held.)
- Matches, one book of matches allowed on your person, but all matches are prohibited in checked baggage.
- Firearms and ammunition may not be carried by passengers on the aircraft. However, unloaded firearms may be transported in checked luggage if declared to the agent at check-in and packed in a locked suitable container. Boxed small arms ammunition for personal use may be transported in checked luggage. No more than 11 pounds of ammunition per person may be transported in checked baggage.
- Dry ice (5.5 pounds or less per person) for packing perishables may be carried on or checked onboard an aircraft provided the package is vented. Boxes must be properly marked. Agent must be notified of contents at check-in. Please Note: There will be a service charge of $50 (one way) for passengers checking dry ice in baggage.
- Electric wheelchairs must be transported according to airline requirements. The battery may need to be dismounted.
- One self-defense spray not exceeding four fluid ounces by volume that incorporates a positive means to prevent accidental discharge may be carried in checked baggage only.
Further restrictions may apply to the above items. If you are unsure whether the item you wish to pack in your luggage or ship by air is hazardous, contact Midwest Airlines at 800-452-2022 for more information. You can also click on the links below for additional information about materials that may be hazardous when transported on an aircraft. More hazardous materials information.
Warning: Violators of federal hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180) may be subject to a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124).