Taking gas cartridges for soda makers, bicycle pumps and life jackets on a plane

Checked against official sources Β· Updated Β· About

The short answer

Small gas cartridges: up to 4 per person
50ml or less each, no flammable or toxic gas; carry-on or checked. Over 50ml: not allowed
Portable stove gas: not allowed
Neither carry-on nor checked. The stove itself is allowed with no gas left
Self-inflating life jackets: up to 2
Up to 2 spare cartridges per jacket. Spare cartridges alone: not allowed
Helium voice-changing gas: not allowed
Neither carry-on nor checked. Fire extinguishers aren’t allowed either

1. Small gas cartridges

Small gas cartridges that do not use flammable or toxic gases (used in beauty instruments, soda makers, portable bicycle pumps, beer servers, etc.) are handled as follows.

ItemCarry-on baggageChecked baggage
50ml or less per containerAllowed (up to 4 per person)Allowed (up to 4 per person)
Over 50ml per containerNot allowedNot allowed

The document notes that for carbon dioxide, 50ml is equivalent to 28g.

Source

Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)

2. Self-inflating life jackets (for marine rescue, motorcycles, etc.)

ItemCarry-on baggageChecked baggage
Life jackets (with 2 cartridges fitted)Allowed (up to 2 per person)Allowed (up to 2 per person)
Spare cartridgesUp to 2 per life jacket allowedUp to 2 per life jacket allowed
Spare cartridges only (without the life jacket)Not allowedNot allowed

Only life jackets intended to be worn by a person. Pack them so they cannot be activated accidentally.

Source

Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)

3. Gases and other items that cannot be taken

ItemCarry-on baggageChecked baggage
Gas cylinders for portable gas stoves and gas burnersNot allowedNot allowed
Portable gas stoves, gas burners (the unit itself)Allowed (with no gas left)Allowed (with no gas left)
Fire extinguishersNot allowedNot allowed
Helium gas (voice-changing gas cans)Not allowedNot allowed
Gas springs for wheelchairsAllowedAllowed

The document says that an electric wheelchair with a gas spring may not be allowed in the cabin depending on its size, so check with your airline in advance.

Source

Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)

Some airlines have stricter rules. On international flights, rules of other countries' authorities may also apply.

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