Dry Ice on Airplane: What’s Allowed in 2025?

Flying with frozen samples or a road‑trip cooler? Dry ice on airplane is legal, but only when you follow weight limits, venting rules, and UN 1845 labels. Each traveler may carry up to 2.5 kg / 5.5 lb; shippers can load 200 kg per cargo package under IATA 66‑ed. Breaking the rules can ground a flight or trigger a five‑figure fine.

dry ice on airplane

This Guide Covers

How much dry ice on airplane can you pack in 2025?
Which labels and paperwork stop last‑minute rejections?
How to vent and stow dry ice on airplane so CO₂ stays safe
New tech that cuts sublimation and carbon footprint

How Much Dry Ice on Airplane Can You Carry in 2025?

The personal limit is 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) per passenger, per flight segment—approved by the airline beforehand. For cargo, IATA Packing Instruction 954 caps each package at 200 kg and demands a Class 9 label.

Quick math: weigh your ice, note the net weight in kilograms on the package, and keep any remaining pellets at home. Overweight bags are confiscated, not re‑tagged.

Why the 5.5‑lb Rule Exists

Unchecked sublimation raises cabin CO₂; at 6 % concentration pilots can lose consciousness in minutes. Past over‑packed boxes have already caused cockpit incapacitation on the ground.

Scenario	Max. Trockeneis	Extra Steps	What It Means for You
Carry‑on cooler	2.5 kg	Airline approval, vented lid	Keeps samples frozen on short hops
Checked cooler	2.5 kg	Declare at counter; staff mark bag	Ideal for fish or meat weekend trips
Cargo AWB	200 kg	UN 1845 docs, Class 9 label	Bulk pharma or food shipments

Traveler‑Friendly Tips

Use a kitchen scale: Airlines compare declared weight to reality.
Leave a finger‑width gap: Vent holes or a loose lid stop pressure build‑up.
Print two labels: One for the outer bag, one for the cooler inside.

Real Case: A biotech rep flew Boston→Denver with 4 lb dry ice and serum vials. Proper labels and weight notes let TSA clear the kit in under two minutes.

Which Labels and Packaging Prevent Fines?

Every dry ice on airplane package must show “UN 1845, Carbon Dioxide, solid” and the exact net weight, plus a black‑white Class 9 diamond.

Choose vented hard‑side coolers—pop‑off plugs or pin‑holes work.
Affix labels on a flat, visible side; remove old haz‑mat stickers to avoid confusion.
Use absorbent pads if you also carry meat or fish to stop condensation leaks.

Vented Container Requirements

49 CFR § 175.900 states operators must judge ventilation rates versus ice mass to keep CO₂ below limits. Airlines may refuse sealed Styrofoam boxes.

Does Dry Ice on Airplane Affect Cabin CO₂ Levels?

In normal quantities, no—ventilation systems dilute CO₂ well below OSHA’s 5 000 ppm ceiling. Problems arise when limits are ignored or vents stay closed on the ramp. A 2024 study showed CO₂ spikes only during ground delays with un‑vented 30 kg loads.

Practical Risk‑Reduction

Place coolers in the hold, not the cabin.
Keep cabin doors open during extended boarding if carrying medical cargo on seats.
Ask ground crews to verify vent plugs are clear before pushback.

What Paperwork Does the Airline Need?

For passengers: Airlines simply note the weight on your reservation and attach a “DRY ICE” baggage tag. For shippers: IATA Acceptance Checklist 2025 requires AWB entries for UN 1845, Gewicht, and package count—no DG declaration needed if dry ice is the nur dangerous good.

Sample AWB Entry

Add state/operator variations if flying via countries with stricter caps.

2025 Trends: Smarter Dry‑Ice Logistics in Aviation

CO₂‑recovery pelletizers now supply 40 % of airline dry ice, slashing Scope‑3 emissions. Smart vent plugs with color tags turn green when airflow is blocked—already on three major U.S. carriers. Digital IATA checklists cut acceptance time by 30 %.

Highlights

Reclaimed dry ice contracts: Lower cost and carbon footprint.
Vent‑status indicators: Quick visual‑safety cue for ramp agents.
Self‑report apps: Pilots receive sublimation forecasts on EFBs.

Market insight: Airline perishables revenue is forecast to top US $8.3 B in 2027 as direct‑to‑consumer seafood programs expand.

FAQ

Can I bring dry ice on airplane without airline approval?
NEIN. Even 1 lb requires carrier consent because CO₂ is a hazardous material.

Do I need special TSA screening?
TSA only checks that packages are vented and labeled; approval paperwork comes from the airline. Expect extra inspection if pellets spill.

Is dry ice on airplane allowed on international flights?
Ja, but weight, labeling, and language must match IATA P.I. 954; some states impose tighter limits—check variations before booking.

Key Takeaways

Personal limit: 2.5 kg; cargo: 200 kg per package.
Labels must say UN 1845 plus net weight and show a Class 9 diamond.
Always vent containers; sealed coolers risk CO₂ build‑up and flight delays.
Airline approval and IATA checklist are mandatory; TSA enforces packaging.

Nächste Schritte

Use the Dry‑Ice Limit Calculator below to size your load.
Download our IATA 66‑ed cheat‑sheet to stay compliant.
Book a free packaging check with our aviation safety advisors.

About Tempk

We design FAA‑compliant, vented coolers and smart labels that turn green if your dry ice airflow is blocked. Our engineers test every shipper under 14 CFR § 175.900 protocols so your cargo sails through acceptance the first time.

Need help today? Chat with our cold‑chain team and fly confident.