Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows snow globes in carry-on if they contain 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less of liquid and fit in your quart-sized liquids bag.
✈️ Larger snow globes must be packed in checked baggage.
⚠️ Duty-free snow globes purchased after security are allowed in the cabin if sealed.
Details
- Carry-on:
- Snow globes are considered liquids because of the water inside.
- Only allowed if the liquid volume is ≤3.4 oz (100 ml) and it fits in your liquids bag.
- Most souvenir snow globes are larger and exceed this limit.
- Checked luggage:
- Larger snow globes must be checked.
- Wrap carefully to avoid breakage and leaks.
- Duty-free exception:
- Snow globes purchased post-security at duty-free shops are allowed if sealed in secure bags.
- International flights:
- Most countries follow the same liquid restrictions for carry-on.
TSA Snow Globe Rules Summary
| Item Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Small globe ≤3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (must fit in liquids bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Large globe | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Size misjudgment: TSA may reject a snow globe if the liquid volume is unclear.
- ✈️ Fragility: Glass globes are easily broken — pad carefully in checked bags.
- ✈️ Duty-free loophole: Globes bought after security are fine to carry on if sealed.