Dangerous Goods

Certain items are considered hazardous and, by federal law, are prohibited from all Delta flights. For your safety and the safety of your fellow passengers, check the rules about any items that may be considered hazardous before you pack and travel.

Attention Cayman Island Passengers

For now, we're not able to accept any baggage containing dangerous goods to, from, or through the Cayman Islands.

If you have questions or concerns about a specific item, contact Reservation Sales.

   
Hazardous Items Rules for Delta Flights
Alcohol or Liquor Products

If purchased inside security checkpoint as checked or carry-on baggage, products:

  • Over 140 proof are not allowed.
  • Between 48 and 140 proof are limited to 5 liters per person.
  • Under 48 proof are not considered hazardous.
  • Must be in retail packaging.

If purchased outside the security checkpoint, security rules apply for carry-on or checked baggage.

Fireworks or explosives Any type of firecrackers, signal flares, and sparklers are not allowed.
Flammable liquids or solids

Lighters with fuel are allowed on one's person or in carry-on baggage only. However, up to two fueled lighters are allowed as checked baggage if properly enclosed in a U.S. Department of Transportation approved case.

Lighters without fuel are allowed as checked or carry-on baggage.

Lighter refills, fuels (e.g., gasoline or Sterno cans), paints, stains, lubricants, and "strike-anywhere" matches are not allowed.

Non-“strike-anywhere” matches are allowed, but only on one's person and is limited to one (1) book per passenger.

Household items Aerosols (e.g., spray disinfectant and starch), bleach, cleaning solvents, drain cleaners, and pesticides are not allowed.
Personal Medical Oxygen Devices Personal Medical devices must meet specific requirements and be approved by Delta prior to travel.

Liquid oxygen is not allowed.
Sporting equipment Camping equipment containing fuel or fuel residue, including butane or propane canisters, are not allowed.

Self-inflating devices or equipment containing compressed gas cylinders (e.g., rafts, life jackets, avalanche rescue backpacks, paintball cartridges) are not allowed. For self-inflating life jackets see Personal Flotation Devices.

Compressed gas cylinders, including scuba tanks, meeting current TSA requirements of having the regulator valve completely disconnected from the cylinder, may be transported as carry-on or checked baggage.
Weapons Small arms ammunition, in quantities not exceeding 5 kg (11 lbs.) per person, are allowed as checked-baggage only when securely boxed and intended for that person's own use. More than one passenger may not combine quantities into one package.

Firearms are allowed as checked-baggage with special requirements.

Gunpowder, mace, pepper spray, and tear gas are not allowed.
Dry Ice

Delta will accept packages containing 4.4 lbs. (2 kgs) or less of dry ice when used to cool non-hazardous perishables in carry-on or checked baggage. The package must:

  • Meet carry-on baggage restrictions.
  • Allow the release of carbon dioxide.
  • Be plainly marked with: "Dry Ice" or "Carbon Dioxide Solid," the net weight of dry-ice material, and the contents being cooled.
Packages containing more than 4.4 lbs. (2 kgs) may not be accepted as carry-on or checked baggage.
Personal Floatation Devices Delta will accept one self-inflating life jacket that contains no more than two small carbon dioxide cylinders plus no more than two spare cylinders as checked or carry-on baggage.
Personal care items Perfumes, colognes, hair sprays, and medicines containing alcohol are allowed as checked baggage in quantities less than 18 ounces per item and no more than 70 ounces total per passenger.

Carry-on articles are subject to TSA rules.

Wheelchairs/Mobility Aids with Batteries

Both Spillable (Wet-Cell) and Non-Spillable (Gel) Batteries are allowed as checked baggage provided the:

  • Battery can be visually inspected and disconnected.
  • Terminals are protected from short circuit.
  • Battery can be securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid.

Note: If the wheelchair cannot be loaded on the aircraft in an upright position, Spillable (Wet-Cell) batteries must be removed and packaged in special packaging provided by Delta.

Lithium Batteries

Consumer electronic and medical devices (e.g. watches, calculators, cameras, cell phones, laptops, camcorders, hearing aids, etc.) containing lithium cells or batteries may be transported as carry-on or checked baggage for personal use. All spare lithium batteries not housed in electrical devices must be in carry-on baggage only and individually protected to prevent short circuits.

To properly transport spare lithium batteries:

  • Pack spare batteries in carry-on baggage.
  • Keep spare batteries in the original retail packaging to prevent unintentional activation or short-circuiting.
  • If original packaging is not available, effectively insulate battery terminals by isolating spare batteries from contact with other batteries and metal. For example, place each battery in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package or place tape across the battery's contacts to isolate terminals.
  • Take steps to prevent crushing, puncturing, or putting a high degree of pressure on the battery, as this can cause an internal short circuit, resulting in overheating.

Learn more about traveling with batteries by reading the DOT's Safe Travel information at www.safetravel.dot.gov.

Fuel Cell Systems Fuel cell systems and spare fuel cartridges used to power portable electronic devices (e.g., cameras, cell phones, laptops, camcorders, etc.) are not allowed.
Other hazardous items Gasoline-powered tools including chainsaws and lawn equipment, infectious substances, poisons, and radioactive materials are not allowed.
   

The following items may only be transported with approval from Delta’s Hazardous Materials Group. Please contact Delta's HAZMAT Department with details and requests prior to your scheduled travel date.

   
Hazardous Items Rules for Delta Flights
Heat Producing Articles Battery operated underwater torches (diving lamps) and soldering irons are allowed as carry-on baggage only.

Note: TSA guidelines require items to be seven inches or less in length.

Mercury Barometer or Thermometer These items are allowed if carried by a representative of a government weather bureau or similar official agency as carry-on baggage only.
Liquid Nitrogen (Dry Shipper)

Insulated packagings containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen are allowed if fully absorbed in a porous material, intended for transport of non-dangerous products and kept at a low temperature.

   

Disclaimer: Further restrictions may apply to the above items, visit FAA and TSA websites for more information. If you are unsure whether the item you wish to pack in your luggage or ship by air is hazardous, contact your Delta Air Lines representative.

 

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