Is it ok to bring a mirror onto an international airplane (US – POL)

8/6/2012 8:47:57 PM

If you are talking about a personal mirror like the one ladies carry in their purses, then it’s fine. But if you are talking about a large mirror like the ones to be hanged on the wall, then it’s a different story.

My day-to-day job is about this kind of things. There is nothing clear regarding Glass or Mirrors. For example, Glass bottles are totally fine, while the airplane’s mirrors are made of a non-glass based material. Considering the aviation safety textbooks as the source, the only things that can restrict you from bringing your mirror on board are:

  • Sharp edges. Mirrors are not mentioned specifically but in general most sharp items are not allowed.
  • Dimensions. Maximum allowed length for most airlines is 45 linear inches (the total of the height, width, and depth of the bag). Anything larger should be checked.
  • Weight. The heavier the item is, the more dangerous it is if it falls from the overhead compartments in case of turbulence or incidents. Most airlines have a limit for carry-on luggage but it’s different from one airline to another.

A personal advice to you is, do not bring it on board, the chances of having the mirror broken are not much greater if you check it in rather than take it on board. Plus I do not think the airport security and/or the airline staff will allow you to carry it even if there is nothing in the books to prohibit mirrors explicitly. Personally, if I was operating on that flight, I would definitely ask the ground staff to offload it because I have seen what real turbulence would do and the last thing I would want to see is pieces of glass flying all over the cabin.

To check it in, put it in a foam box or something similar, stick that fragile sticker and hopefully it will make it. Or just buy a new mirror in Poland 😉

Here are some resources:
Preparing to Fly
Prohibited Items
Carry-On Baggage Tips

Credit:stackoverflow.com‘

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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