When traveling, it can be hard to keep up with your workout regime, so you might be wondering if you can bring weights on a plane.
While the TSA do not explicitly state that they do not allow passengers to bring dumbbells on a plane, we recommend that you pack them in your checked bags to avoid the possibility of having them confiscated.
The TSA state that “sports equipment that can be used as a bludgeon is prohibited in the cabin of the plane and must be transported in your checked bags.”
They give the example of bats and clubs, and do not specifically state anything about dumbbells.
But you can certainly make an argument that weights can be used as a bludgeon.
Note that the TSA also state that “the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.”
So to be on the safe side, we recommend avoiding packing your weights in your carry on bags.
Bringing Weights in Your Checked Bags
If you want to bring weights on a plane in your checked bags, you will have no problem doing so.
Just keep in mind that most airlines have a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds for standard checked baggage, so you might want to check in an additional bag just for your weights.
Whether you’re flying domestically within the USA or internationally, we recommend that you pack your weights in your checked bags.
It’s very likely that you will run into the same issue worldwide, which is that dumbbells have the possibility to be used as a weapon.
To be on the safe side, pack your dumbbells in your checked bags.
By Airline
Airlines typically follow TSA guidelines, which means that they do no explicitly state whether you can bring dumbbells on a plane in your carry on bags.
Again, regardless if you’re flying with Southwest, Delta, United, or any other regional or major carrier, pack your weights in your checked bags to be on the safe side.
You Can Also Bring Ankle Weights
The TSA does not specifically state if ankle weights are allowed on a plane or not.
As most ankle weights weigh just a few pounds, you should be fine bringing them in either your carry on or checked bags.
To be on the safe side, the heavier the ankle weights are, the better it is to pack them in your checked bags, though.
As Well as a Weight Vest
Again, the TSA do not specifically state on their website if weight vests are allowed on a plane or not.
However, people have asked the TSA’s official account on Twitter and have been told that weight vests are allowed in both carry on and checked bags.
Bringing Other Fitness and Sporting Equipment on a Plane
Basketballs/Baseballs/Footballs/Soccer Balls: Allowed in both your carry on and checked bags.
Baseball Bats: Allowed in your checked, but not your carry on bags.
Bicycle Pumps: Allowed in both your carry on and checked bags.
Bocce Balls: Allowed in both your carry on and checked bags.
Bowling Balls: Allowed in both your carry on and checked bags.
Bowling Pins: Allowed in your checked, but not your carry on bags.
Bows and Arrows: Allowed in your checked, but not your carry on bags.
Boxing Gloves: Allowed in both your carry on and checked bags.
Exercise Mat: Allowed in both your carry on and checked bags.
Fishing pole: Allowed in both your carry on and checked bags.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
