May 13, 2022
Can You Bring a Weighted Blanket on a Plane?
After hearing friends and family (and the occasional social media influencer) rave nonstop about their weighted blanket, you finally caved and got one for yourself. And you absolutely love it! You’ve never slept better. Your blood pressure is down, and the dreadful Sunday Scaries are officially a thing of the past.
But perhaps you have a vacation coming up and can’t bear the thought of being without your weighted blanket for the entire trip. Or maybe you experience debilitating flight anxiety and need something to help calm your nerves when you’re 36,000 feet up in the air. In either case, you want to know the answer to one simple question: Can you bring a weighted blanket on a plane?
Generally speaking, you should have no trouble making it past security with a weighted blanket. However, there are a few things you should know before you check a weighted blanket in your luggage or bring one on a plane with you.
Read on to learn how to fly with a weighted blanket and enjoy a stress-free flight.
What the TSA Says About Flying with Weighted Blankets
Ever since airlines stopped providing blankets to passengers on domestic flights, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has seen countless blankets pass through its security checkpoints. The agency, which is in charge of ensuring flight security, says on its website that blankets can be checked in with luggage or packed in a carry-on bag (provided you have sufficient space). They make no specific rules regarding weighted blankets, so one can assume that weighted blankets fall under this category.
In case you need reassurance, the AskTSA team on Twitter gets questions about weighted blankets all the time and regularly confirms that they are good to go through security screening checkpoints.
Note that the TSA is in charge of ensuring the security of flights within and connecting to the United States only. If you’re flying outside of the United States, you’ll need to double-check with your country’s airport security agencies. For instance, CATSA, the Canadian authority that oversees Canadian airport security, advises passengers to place weighted blankets with glass or ceramic beads in a checked bag instead of a carry-on.
Can You Bring a Weighted Blanket on a Plane?
Weighted blankets are widely accepted through TSA screenings. But the question remains: Can you bring one on a plane? The answer comes down to the airline’s baggage policy, the size of your weighted blanket and the ticket you purchased.
Most airlines let you board the plane with one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a backpack or a purse. The general rule is that carry-on bags must weigh less than 35 pounds and have dimensions no bigger than 22” x 14” x 9” (confirm with your airline before your trip).
Since most weighted blankets are under 30 pounds, you should be OK to carry one on the plane with you, assuming that your carry-on isn’t already loaded with other heavy items. The bigger issue is the size of your weighted blanket.
Unlike purses and books, blankets typically don’t count as personal items. If you can’t fit your weighted blanket in your carry-on bag, it will count towards your carry-on baggage. This could be problematic if you purchased a low-fare ticket that doesn’t allow for a full-sized carry-on item (hello, basic economy).
Tips for Flying with a Weighted Blanket
Traveling with a weighted blanket should reduce your stress, not add to it. For a relaxing trip, keep the following tips in mind as you travel with a weighted blanket.
- Call the airline in advance. Ask the airline about the ticket you’re purchasing, as well as their carry-on baggage policies. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises!
- Downsize your weighted blanket. Leave your full-size weighted blanket at home and opt for a travel weighted blanket instead. Our travel weighted blanket delivers the same stress-relieving, sleep-promoting benefits as a regular weighted blanket, only it comes in a compact size and easy-to-carry bag!
- Show up early. While most weighted blankets make it through TSA security checkpoints without any trouble, some X-ray machines may flag your blanket as being suspicious. Budget time for this to avoid unnecessary stress.
- Don’t leave your weighted blanket unattended. If you need to use the restroom or grab a snack, bring your weighted blanket with you. (This is where having a bag specifically for your weighted blanket comes in handy!)
- Consider other sleep-inducing options. Want to travel light without sacrificing your sleep? Consider packing other products that might enhance your sleeping situation, such as a high-quality sleep mask to block out light or airplane pressure-relief earplugs to reduce noise and improve your comfort.
Fly Stress-Free with Gravity Blankets
Who says that traveling with a weighted blanket needs to be a huge hassle? Whether you’re looking for a way to conquer your flight anxiety, improve your sleep on vacation or enhance your comfort on a long-haul flight, our compact and easy-to-carry travel weighted blanket is the ideal travel companion for every adventure. Get your Gravity travel blanket today and maximize your comfort wherever you go!
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