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Liquid Limits

Can I take a snow globe on a plane?

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Short answer

Snow globes count as liquids. In your cabin bag they only fly if the whole globe is small enough to plausibly hold under 100ml — about a tennis-ball-sized globe or smaller. Larger globes have to go in checked luggage, well-padded.

General guidance

Rule basis: General airport security guidance — rules can vary between airports and change over time. Confirm with your departure airport before you fly.

What to do: Pack to 100ml per container in one clear bag (up to 1 litre in the UK/EU; quart-sized at US airports) unless you've confirmed a larger allowance at both your departure airports.

Liquid Limits is a travel planning tool, not an official aviation source. Always confirm with the airport before you travel.

Quick answer

Tiny snow globes (smaller than a tennis ball) may pass cabin screening. Anything bigger goes in checked baggage.

Cabin vs checked

SizeCabinChecked
Mini (<6cm diameter)Usually OKYes
Standard souvenir (8–10cm)NoYes, padded
Large display globeNoYes, padded

Why so strict

Security can't measure liquid sealed inside glass. They size up the whole container — if it looks like it could exceed 100ml, it's out. TSA, UK DfT and EU all apply this rule.

Packing tips

  • Wrap in clothes inside a hard-sided suitcase
  • Put in a zip-lock bag in case the globe cracks at altitude
  • Buy it duty-free after security where possible
  • Avoid handing it as a gift at the gate — it'll be checked again

FAQs

Can I take a snow globe through TSA?

Only if it visibly holds less than 3.4oz/100ml of liquid. Most do not.

Will it survive the hold?

Yes if well padded. Pressurised cargo holds don't typically crack sealed snow globes.

What about a sealed gift box?

Doesn't matter — security will open it.

Check your trip

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