Table of Contents
- Can you fly with a cast iron skillet?
- Factors that determine whether you can fly with a cast iron skillet
- Can I take an electric skillet on the plane?
- Electricity crisis
- Using as weapons
- Risk of catching fire
- FAQs
- Can I ask the request the flight attendant to allow carrying iron skillet?
- What if I am asked to remove the iron skillet from the luggage?
- How to protect a cast iron skillet when flying?
- What if I miss picking up my pan on arriving at my destination?
- Conclusion
Can you fly with a cast iron skillet?
If you’re planning a long trip and want to carry your favorite cast iron skillet with you, is it possible?
Most airlines allow you to carry pots in both checked bags and carry-on. However, it is not allowed to carry cast iron skillets in carry-on bags in some airlines. Therefore, it is advisable to check whether you can carry a cast-iron skillet with your airline.
To answer it in detail – whether you can put a cast iron skillet in your bag or not depends upon a few factors.
Let’s see what they are!
Factors that determine whether you can fly with a cast iron skillet
Personal weight allowance
The first thing to consider is your personal weight allowance. Airlines usually allow you to carry one bag weighing up to 50 pounds if you pay a fee for it. If your cast iron skillet weighs more than that, the airline may charge you an extra fee or ask you to check your bag into a cargo plane.
For this reason, many people opt not to bring their cast iron skillets on flights at all, even though they’re allowed.
Size and shape of the skillet
Another factor is the size and shape of your cast iron skillet. The preferred method of transportation allows suitcases with sharp corners to fit easily in the plane compartments under the seats.
This means that you should only carry a cast iron skillet in your carry-on baggage if it is round or box-shaped.
Don’t worry, though! There are many well-designed carrying bags for cast iron skillets, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs.
Cast iron skillet size chart
A size chart tells whether your cast iron skillet is suitable to carry on a plane or not. You can use a guide to ensure your skillet fits in the overhead compartment.
Type of plane you’re taking
Before boarding, ask an airline staff member whether they allow cast iron skillets on board or not. If they say no, wait until you reach your destination before cooking with your cast iron skillet.
Another factor is the size of the plane, and if the plane is a bigger one and has more capacity, you might be able to take your cast iron skillet with you.
Wrapping and packaging
Before putting the cast iron skillet in the luggage, make sure it is properly wrapped. It is recommended to use a bubble wrapper, then use the original packaging box to wrap it if possible. If you don’t have any of these, put your skillet in a casing or simply plastic bag and seal it properly.
Other items in luggage
This is also a determining factor. Of course, no one wants their expensive skillet to be smashed by other baggage. You should consider this if you plan to carry more than one item in your luggage, especially if they are heavy and bulky.
In short, there is no guarantee that your skillet will be safe when you travel back home. But if you want to carry it with you, make sure that your skillet is your only item in the luggage.
Unwieldy to lift
Ask yourself whether it is okay to carry the cast iron skillet on board? If it’s too unwieldy for you to handle, then leave it at home.
Travel destination
Imagine you’re flying to a tropical island. You’ll be cooking over an open fire. In this case, it may not be worth bringing your skillet because you won’t need it so much in such a different environment.
Make sure to think through everything before deciding whether or not to take your cast iron skillet with you on a trip!
Travel duration
If you are traveling only for a few days, you might not need to bring your cast iron skillet. The reason for this is that it takes a longer time to get used to cooking with a cast iron pan than, say, an electric frying pan.
For long flights lasting several hours or more, you can always pick up some food in the airport lounge area before boarding the plane. This way, you won’t have to worry about whether there are any suitable eating places at your destination or not.
Can I take an electric skillet on the plane?
If you have an electric skillet, then the short answer is no. Electric skillets are banned from all kinds of transport.
There are many safety and precautionary reasons.
Let’s discuss them one by one:
Electricity crisis
First of all, it is simply of no use to take an electric skillet with you if your travel destination has electricity issues. It is always better to carry and use a non-electric cooking utensil for your convenience.
Using as weapons
This is because they are easy to conceal in the luggage, making it possible for them to be used as a weapon. Thus, even if you take them furtively, they’ll find it. And you know what they’ll do? They’ll cancel your tickets as nobody knows for what purpose you put the electric skillet in the luggage.
Some people have even reported traveling with their electric skillet without knowing its prohibition. Don’t become one of these unlucky folks! Remember this rule when taking your next flight.
Risk of catching fire
Electric skillets are also known to be a fire hazard. But there is another reason why they won’t allow electric skillets on board.
That’s how it can happen: During the flight, there might be a power cut which causes the electric skillet to start heating up again without your knowledge. When this happens, you will smell something burning and then discover that your food is burnt or even on fire!
Imagine what would happen if everyone started brawling just because of this. Since this could create havoc inside the plane, airlines have banned electric skillets for a good reason.
So, in conclusion: no electric skillet allowed on planes – ever!
FAQs
Can I ask the request the flight attendant to allow carrying iron skillet?
Asking the flight attendant special favors is also not a good idea. They might even reprimand you for doing so.
What if I am asked to remove the iron skillet from the luggage?
That’s a problem. Because some planes don’t have overhead compartments because of their size, or others can’t take risks, the attendant will ask you to remove the skillet.
In this case, either call a nearby relative and hand it over to them. If no relative lives nearby, then ask someone who works there about where they keep cast iron skillets so that you can check it in when you pass by next time.
How to protect a cast iron skillet when flying?
First, make sure there’s no food residue left on the skillet using warm water and soap; wipe it dry using paper towels. Then place aluminum foil under the handle to prevent damage caused by baggage handling staff.
Try wrapping cloth around your skillet and secure it with rubber bands before placing it inside a suitcase (Do not pack clothing around it to prevent damage and scratches).
What if I miss picking up my pan on arriving at my destination?
This might happen because airlines deal with dozens of cases every day; seeing them come up on the airport conveyor belt may cause panic and confusion, prompting you to miss noticing whether or not yours appears.
However, if they’ve taken it out and placed it on a table for everyone to see and you’re missing it, you must ask around at once before someone else claims the skillet as their own.
Conclusion
There are many harmless items that you cannot take on a plane. Among those items, you cannot take an electric skillet on board – or any other electric cooking utensil or any other appliance for that matter.
Therefore, it is always advisable to travel by either a non-electric cooking utensil (such as cast iron) or re-heated food items using microwaves before boarding the plane. However, make sure you have the appropriate permits if you are in for a long journey.
Remember, safety is of paramount importance no matter where you go.
