Can You Take a Folding Chair on An Airplane?

folding chairs are renowned for their portability, making them a convenient choice for outdoor enthusiasts. These chairs can be easily packed and carried on your back wherever you travel. However, can you take a folding chair on an airplane?

The burning question: Can you bring folding chairs on a plane without causing inconvenience to yourself or fellow passengers, and will the TSA and airlines permit it? Well, here’s the scoop:

You can indeed take a folding chair on a plane, provided you follow the airline’s baggage guidelines. According to the TSA’s own statement, they do not oppose the inclusion of folding chairs in your luggage. Depending on its size, you may be able to place your foldable folding chair in either your carry-on or checked baggage.

To ensure a smooth journey with your folding chair, it’s essential to pack it correctly. Additionally, it’s a wise move to directly contact your airline to inquire about their specific policies regarding carrying folding chairs on board.

If you prefer not to make that call, keep reading for an overview of the typical luggage regulations for most airlines. I’ll also share some valuable tips for bringing your folding chair aboard a plane.

How to Carry Folding Chairs on a Plane?

Bringing a folding chair on a plane is a straightforward process. Most folding chairs are designed for portability, making the task of flying with one quite effortless.

You have the option to bring the chair as part of your carry-on luggage or check it in. The choice ultimately depends on the chair’s size. In the following sections, we will explore the possibilities of flying with your folding chair, both as a carry-on item and as checked baggage.

Before addressing your airline’s policies, however, you’ll need to navigate the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checkpoint. If you’re unsure whether TSA will permit your folding chair, read on for more information.

Will TSA Allow a folding chair to Pass Through Security?

The TSA is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the transportation system in the United States. They are the first line of defense when it comes to checking your luggage and preventing prohibited items from being carried on board.

Fortunately, folding chairs are not on the list of prohibited items according to the TSA. While their website may not explicitly mention folding chairs, numerous individuals have asked this question on platforms like Twitter, and the answer remains consistent.

As of 2021, the rule still stands true.

In essence, you should encounter no issues with bringing a foldable folding chair on the plane through TSA security. The primary concern arises when the chair has sharp edges that could potentially pose a threat to fellow passengers or baggage handlers.

However, it’s important to note that TSA approval is just one part of the equation. The next challenge is ensuring that your folding chair falls within the size and weight limits specified by the airline you’re flying with.

Bringing Your folding chair as Carry-on Luggage

If your chosen airline permits it, you can indeed carry a folding chair as part of your carry-on luggage. However, it’s important to note that most airlines typically allow passengers to bring only one carry-on bag to stow in the cabin, along with one personal item that can be placed beneath the front seat.

To transport your folding chair in this manner, you’ll need to fold it, pack it efficiently, and fit it inside your backpack. This option is viable primarily for smaller chairs, as larger ones simply won’t fit inside a standard backpack.

Additionally, you must ensure that your carry-on adheres to the airline’s specified weight and dimension limits. Exceeding these limits could result in extra charges or, in a worst-case scenario, refusal to allow the item on the plane.

As a general guideline, the dimensions of your carry-on bag should not exceed 22 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in height (22x14x9). While there typically aren’t strict weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, it’s advisable to keep it under 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms).

Another viable option is to categorize your folding chair as a personal item. Most airlines grant passengers the ability to carry a personal item alongside their carry-on bag, which can be stored under the seat in front of them.

However, it’s essential to recognize that the dimensions allowed for personal items may vary depending on the airline you choose to travel with. The following table illustrates the permitted dimensions for personal items on a selection of major airlines.

Refer to this table to determine if the dimensions of your folding chair align with those specified by the airline you’re flying with. If your chair falls within the personal item size limits, don’t hesitate to consider it as a suitable option.

Transporting Your folding chair in Checked Luggage

Opting to place your folding chair in your checked luggage is perhaps the most convenient and practical choice if you prefer not to carry it as part of your carry-on. This method also offers an advantage when it comes to chair size.

Packing your folding chair within your checked luggage is a more straightforward process. It’s especially ideal for larger folding chairs since checked baggage typically allows for greater dimensional leeway.

There are no fixed dimensions for checked luggage, but you should aim to keep the total dimensions (length + width + height) under 62 inches. In economy class, the weight of a single checked bag should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms), while in business class, this limit can go up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms).

Fortunately, weight is rarely an issue when flying with a folding chair, as they tend to be lightweight. Your primary concern should be ensuring that the chair’s dimensions comply with the airline’s baggage regulations.

For most folding chairs, they will fit comfortably within a duffel or rolling suitcase that you can check in. Just be diligent in confirming that your bag’s overall dimensions remain below the 62-inch limit. Should you exceed this limit, you may incur additional charges imposed by your airline.

It’s worth noting that certain premium airlines permit two pieces of checked baggage at no extra cost. This means you could allocate one bag for your folding chair and the other for your belongings. For precise details, it’s advisable to check with your airline directly.

If your folding chair happens to be oversized or you have more than two bags, there’s no need to fret. You can still bring them with you to your destination by paying an additional fee, typically ranging from $40 to $150, depending on your airline and travel route.

Helpful Tips for Flying with a folding chair

Now that you’re well-informed about how to take your folding chair on a plane, rest assured that there’s no need for apprehension. Nonetheless, it’s wise to remember these essential tips when doing so:

Efficient Packing

Safeguard your folding chair by packing it meticulously. Employ bubble wrap, foam sheets, and cardboard to provide adequate protection.

Consider a Dedicated Bag

If you’re carrying multiple folding chairs, consider investing in a dedicated travel bag to prevent storage issues.

Watch for Sharp Edges

Ensure that your folding chair doesn’t have any sharp edges that might raise concerns at the TSA checkpoint. Sharp objects could pose a threat to fellow passengers and baggage handlers.

Accessibility Matters

Pack your folding chair in a way that allows for easy retrieval. You may be asked to remove it at the security checkpoint, so having it within arm’s reach can save you valuable time.

Oversized Luggage

If your folding chair or the bag containing it surpasses the allowed baggage dimensions, don’t panic. You can still transport them by paying an additional baggage fee.

Consult with the Airline: When in doubt, it’s always best to contact your airline directly. If your bags exceed the permissible dimensions by only a few inches, your airline may waive any fees if you inform them in advance.

What to Do If You Prefer Not to Fly with Your folding chair

There are circumstances where bringing your folding chair on your journey might not be the best choice. Here are some scenarios to consider:

• Size and Weight: If your folding chair is exceptionally large or heavy, it could be uncomfortable to transport.
• Extended Travel: If you’re embarking on an extensive tour and wish to avoid the hassle of lugging your folding chair around.
• Airline Restrictions: If your chosen airline has strict policies against carrying folding chairs in your luggage.
• Concern for Chair: If you’re apprehensive about potential damage to your cherished folding chair.

In such cases, you retain the right to decide whether to bring your chair along. But what alternatives exist if you opt not to travel with it?

One option is to send your folding chair ahead of your journey through a mailing service. This ensures the chair’s safety and spares you the inconvenience of lugging it around. Numerous mail services offer premium shipping options with expedited delivery.

You can arrange for delivery to your hotel or to someone you know in the destination area. If you’re camping on private property, you can even inquire if the site’s management can receive the chair and other camping gear on your behalf.

Alternatively, if neither of these options is viable, you can request that the mailing service holds the chair until your arrival at the destination. This way, you can personally retrieve your folding chair from their office.

Another alternative is to rent folding chairs at your destination. Many shops now offer camping gear rental services, including folding chairs. This is an excellent choice for those prioritizing comfort and convenience. You won’t need to worry about carrying the chair or sending it ahead.

It’s important to note that both of these alternatives may come with added expenses. Traveling with your folding chair remains the most cost-effective option. 

However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more for enhanced comfort, you can choose either option that suits your needs.

In Conclusion

Traveling with a folding chair is hassle-free when you adhere to the airline’s luggage guidelines. Depending on the chair’s size, you can either include it in your carry-on or check it in as part of your checked luggage.

As for the TSA, they do not prohibit carrying a folding chair in your luggage. Numerous individuals have sought clarification on this matter through platforms like Twitter, and the response consistently confirms that folding chairs are allowed through TSA checkpoints.

To ensure a smooth journey with your folding chair, make certain to pack it securely. If it’s compact in size, you can carry it as part of your carry-on. For larger chairs, placing them in checked luggage is the recommended course of action.

Even if you exceed the prescribed limits, you’ll typically incur only a modest additional fee. If you’re traveling with multiple folding chairs, take advantage of the fact that most airlines permit up to two pieces of checked luggage per person.

Remember to reach out to your airline directly if you have any uncertainties. In cases where your bags slightly surpass the allowable dimensions, your airline may choose to waive any fees if you inform them in advance.