Can You Bring a Blanket on a Plane?

Flights can be long, stressful, and sometimes surprisingly cold! In these circumstances, all you want to do is tuck yourself up in a blanket, and try to relax. That’s why airlines used to provide you with a blanket and a pillow, to make your journey as pleasant as possible.

Unfortunately, many airlines no longer offer a blanket or pillow to passengers. And if they do, it might not be the comfy and cozy blanket you’re looking for. In this situation, you’d much rather bring your own, and have a touch of home comforts to see you through your flight.

Leading you to ask yourself… Can I bring my own blanket on my flight?

If you want to take your blanket on a flight, but aren’t sure of the rules, then this guide can help you. You can take a blanket on an airplane, but it may count as part of your carry-on baggage, especially if you are flying a low-cost carrier, like Spirit.

Read on to find out all the details.

What Does the TSA Say About Blankets?

The TSA (the Transportation Security Administration) has no rules or restrictions regarding blankets. Blankets can be taken as checked baggage, or in your carry-on luggage.

Electric blankets are also allowed as carry-on luggage, or checked baggage.

The TSA has no specific rules listed regarding weighted blankets, but we can assume they’re covered under the blankets section. Anecdotal evidence suggests there’s no issue with taking a weighted blanket on an airplane (although you will have to be careful of the weight limits).

So, when you have a daunting 12-hour flight coming up, you can get that bit more comfortable with your blanket. And you can take your pillow as well!

Can You Bring a Blanket on a Plane as a Carry-on?

A blanket can be taken on an airplane as part of your carry-on baggage.

Ideally, your blanket should be able to fold up and fit into your carry-on bag. This way, it can be neatly stored under the seat in front of you, or in the overhead locker. However, you can also carry a blanket as a personal item, which means it doesn’t have to go into your bag!

Many of us have headed to the airport with a jacket and coat on, only to take them off as soon as we’ve checked our bags. Rather than battling to fold a coat into an already full bag, we just carry it in our hands. It doesn’t have to count toward your baggage allowance.

A blanket can be carried in much the same way. Airline security will simply consider it as a jacket.

Can You Take A Blanket In Your Checked Bags?

You can take a blanket in your checked bags, including electric and weighted blankets. However, make sure that the blanket doesn’t overload your weight limit!

The TSA has placed no limitations on blankets in checked bags. Padding your bag with a blanket might even be a way to keep delicate items safe. But if you do plan on packing a blanket, be careful of the weight limits. Blankets can be surprisingly heavy and might end up weighing your bags down.

Plus, if you have your blanket in your checked bag, you won’t feel the benefit on the flight!

Will Airlines Provide You with a Free Blanket?

Some airlines do provide a free blanket, but not all of them. And you will be expected to return the blanket at the end of your flight. Other airlines will charge you to use a blanket (and you might still be expected to return it).

Although a blanket used to be standard on most flights, they’re becoming increasingly rare — particularly for travelers in domestically or in economy class. Some flights won’t have any blankets at all, free or otherwise.

How Often Do Airlines Wash The Provided Blankets?

Keeping an airplane clean as passengers come and go isn’t easy. Unfortunately, that means blankets may be washed less frequently than you think.

A report by the Wall Street Journal showed that airline blankets are on average washed between every 5 and 30 days. So, you may have shared that blanket with multiple other passengers.

However, many airlines will provide you with a blanket in sealed packaging. This should indicate that the blanket is clean, and you’re the first person that day to use it.

If you take your own blanket on the plane, we recommend washing it afterward.

FAQs: Bringing a Blanket on a Plane

Airlines do have varying rules regarding carry-on bags, but in most instances, you should be fine to carry your blanket on board.

Can You Bring a Blanket On An American Airlines Flight?

American Airlines allows you to take a blanket on board. This can either be within the carry-on limits or as an additional item.

Can You Bring a Blanket On A Southwest Airlines Flight?

Southwest Airlines will allow you to carry a blanket on board, but it may count as your personal item. If the blanket will fit in the carry-on bag, then it doesn’t count as an additional item. But if you need to carry the blanket, this will be your personal item.

Can You Bring a Blanket On A Spirit Airlines Flight?

Spirit Airlines does allow you to take a blanket on the flight. If it’s too big to fit in your carry-on bag, it may count as a personal item and you may have to pay a fee.

Can You Take a Blanket On A Delta Flight?

Delta allows blankets as either part of the carry-on bag, or as a personal item.

Final Thoughts on Bringing a Blanket on a Plane

Airplane blankets can be a major disappointment, and that’s only if you can get your hands on one. Prepare yourself for an air-conditioned airplane cabin by taking your own blanket. That way, you can feel comfortable no matter how long the flight is.

The TSA has no restrictions regarding blankets, electric blankets, or weighted blankets as carry-on items or in checked bags. However, be careful of your airline’s luggage guidelines.

Just be aware… If the blanket doesn’t fit in your carry-on, then it may count as a personal item.