Yes, you can bring pastels on a plane. Traveling by air with pastels is a common practice for artists.
Traveling with Pastels by Air
Many artists successfully travel with their art supplies, including pastels. The primary consideration often revolves around how to pack them and which bag they should go in during your journey.
As someone who has frequently traveled by air with pastels, it is certainly possible. The focus tends to be on ensuring your pastels are secure and easily accessible, or safely stored depending on whether they are in your carry-on or checked luggage.
Carry-On vs. Checked Baggage
When flying with pastels, you typically have two options: packing them in your carry-on bag or placing them in your checked baggage.
Based on the experience of artists who travel with pastels, they often consider bringing them in their carry-on bag. This aligns with the standard airline policy that most airlines allow a carry-on bag and one personal item (similar to a woman's purse). Keeping pastels with you can reduce the risk of breakage compared to them being handled in checked luggage. When choosing a carry-on or personal item for your pastels, it's wise to "Consider the size and weight" as mentioned in the reference, remembering "you will be carrying them at all times."
Alternatively, pastels can be packed in checked baggage, provided they are securely protected to prevent damage.
Tips for Flying with Pastels
To make traveling with your pastels less stressful, consider these practical tips:
- Secure Packing: Use sturdy containers, foam padding, or individual wraps to protect pastel sticks from breaking during transit, whether in carry-on or checked bags.
- Carry-On Preference: For valuable or fragile sets, carrying them in your carry-on bag allows you to monitor them and keep them secure. Ensure your carry-on meets airline size and weight limits.
- Personal Item Option: If you have a small set, it might fit within your personal item bag, which is permitted in addition to a carry-on on most airlines.
- Keep Tools Separate: While the pastels themselves are generally fine, sharp tools sometimes used with pastels (like blades) should always go in checked baggage.
Traveling with pastels is permissible, and with careful packing, you can transport your art supplies safely to your destination.
