Crutches
Crutches are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage and don't count toward your carry-on bag limit.
Carry-on
Allowed
Checked
Allowed
Carry-on details
Allowed. Crutches are a mobility aid, so they don't count against your carry-on or personal-item limit — you can bring them along with your normal bags. They go through the X-ray like any other item; if you need them for walking, tell the officer and they can screen them by hand or send them through quickly and hand them right back.
Checked-bag details
Allowed without restriction, though most travelers keep crutches with them rather than checking them since they're needed to move through the airport.
Special instructions
If your crutches can't fit through the X-ray machine, a TSA officer will visually inspect them instead. You can request to be reunited with them immediately after screening.
FAQ
- Do crutches count as my carry-on bag?
- No. Mobility aids like crutches are exempt from carry-on baggage limits and don't count against your allowance.
- What happens if my crutches don't fit through the X-ray?
- A TSA officer will inspect them by hand instead, and you can ask to have them returned to you right away.
Related items
Source: TSA — What Can I Bring? · Last verified: 2026-07-31
Final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.