🧊 Dry ice

At the security checkpoint itself, dry ice is not the main concern — it will pass through if properly packaged. The critical rule is the airline declaration: if you check a bag containing dry ice without notifying the airline at check-in, the bag may be refused or removed from the hold after the fact. Always tell the airline you have dry ice before you hand your bag over.

The 2.5kg (5.5 lbs) per-passenger limit comes from IATA regulations and applies across all regions covered by this site. However, IATA sets a minimum standard and individual airlines may apply stricter limits or additional conditions. Some carriers require advance notice 24–48 hours before departure, and a small number do not permit dry ice at all — always confirm with your specific airline before you travel.

When you declare dry ice at check-in, the agent will typically weigh the dry ice, verify the packaging allows CO2 to vent, and apply a special handling label to the bag. The crew is then notified so the bag can be placed appropriately in the hold. Skipping this declaration step means the bag travels without the required label and the crew may not know to manage ventilation — a genuine safety concern.

Use a polystyrene or insulated cooler that has a small vent or imperfect seal — airtight packaging is not permitted because CO2 must be able to escape as the ice sublimates. Do not use a fully sealed hard container. Wrap food or other contents in a layer of insulation between them and the dry ice to prevent freezer burn, and check the quantity just before you leave for the airport since dry ice sublimates quickly.