Aviation - Notification of HAZMAT Restrictions

Although it is not possible to train every passenger on hazardous materials regulations, operators at air passenger facilities must notify passengers of what is permitted and forbidden to be carried onboard the aircraft, either as checked baggage or as carry-on articles.

Passengers are made aware of these requirements, and the penalties for failure to comply, by posted notifications and through questioning by operator staff. Operators must notify passengers of forbidden hazardous materials at the time of ticket purchase. When tickets are purchased over the Internet or through automated devices, the ticket purchase must not be completed until the passenger has indicated that they understand the restrictions of hazardous materials in baggage.

Operators must also notify passengers of forbidden dangerous goods at the time of check-in. This information can be presented in text or pictorial form, but it must be presented in a manner so that the check-in process cannot be completed until the passenger has indicated that they understand the restrictions on hazardous materials in baggage. Furthermore, check-in staff should question passengers with baggage that may contain hazardous materials.

Notices of forbidden materials should be prominently displayed and include visual examples. These notices should be displayed where tickets are issued, near passenger check-in locations, aircraft boarding areas, cargo acceptance points, and baggage claim areas.

At a minimum, notices must communicate the following information:

1. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your luggage or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more. Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives, and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals.
2. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. For further information contact your airline representative.

Any organization other than an operator that is involved in the air transport of passengers, such as a travel agency, should inform passengers about the types of hazardous materials forbidden from air transport.

To learn more about Aviation HAZMAT visit our DOT Aviation HAZMAT Online Training web page.