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Can you take magnets on a plane?
The short answer
Only if they are weak enough. The FAA says a magnetised item fails if its field is more than 0.00525 gauss measured at 4.5 metres (15 feet).
The FAA test
The FAA treats a magnetised item as dangerous if it has a magnetic field of more than 0.00525 gauss measured at 4.5 metres (15 feet). Our own conversion: 4.5 metres is 14.8 feet, so the FAA figure of 15 feet is rounded.
What this means for you
The FAA test is a measurement, not a list of items. If you carry strong magnets, such as large neodymium magnets, ask your airline before you fly.
Sources: FAA PackSafe: magnets. Read 7 November 2026. Rules change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Are fridge magnets allowed?
The FAA page we read gives the measurement limit and does not name individual items. If in doubt, ask your airline.