So you are a flying tattoo artist on your way to an important job.
And you fly to get there.
Can I get a tattoo machine, needles and ink on an airplane?
Let’s check.
TSA rules for tattoo needles and equipment
The Transportation Security Administration determines what can and cannot be boarded in the United States.
They check carry-on baggage at airport security and also check backstage checked baggage.
This is what they have to say about bringing tattoo guns to the plane:
Therefore, you can receive your tattoo gun in either carry-on baggage or checked baggage.
TSA also treats tattoo inks like any other liquid.
If you carry tattoo ink in your carry-on baggage, it must be placed in a container of 3.4 ounces or less and packed in a 1 liter bag.
I had to search Twitter to find the answer about bringing tattoo needles to the plane:
You can carry your tattoo needle in your carry-on baggage and on the plane.
When packing checked baggage, make sure that TSA personnel looking for baggage cannot cut their hands or pierce their needles.
For checked baggage, it’s probably best to pack your gear in a tattoo travel kit or hard case.
Still not sure? Ask TSA
You can contact TSA on Twitter for the items you want to fly.
The TSA recommends checking international flights to see if tattoo needles are allowed to enter the destination country.
Larger ink sizes and quantities should be stored in your checked baggage:
Less than 10 can fit in a quart-sized makeup pouch, but anyway, where do you pack your shampoo if you fill it with tattoo ink?
Daniel asked about the pen tattoo machine and cartridge packaging.
The tattoo needle ink cartridge contains liquid and should be packaged in a quart bag with less than 3.4 ounces.
Hannah asked if she could put a microblading needle in her carry-on baggage.
She also replied that the TSA could use microblading needles in carry-on baggage.
Alexandre asked if he could take an electric eyebrow tattoo pen on the plane.
Tattoo pens are suitable for carry-on and checked baggage.
And this is not for professional tattoo artists …
You can pack temporary tattoo sheets in both carry-on and checked baggage!
Final result
Both carry-on and checked baggage can be packed with tattoo equipment such as guns, machines and needles.
The only limitation is tattoo ink.
Only a small amount of tattoo ink can be carried in a toiletry bag.