Why would a snow globe be treated as a liquid?

It contains liquid inside, so TSA screens it the same as any other liquid container. Only very small snow globes (roughly golf-ball sized or smaller) are likely to qualify for carry-on; larger souvenir globes should go in checked luggage.

Snow Globe

Snow globes are allowed in carry-on only if the liquid inside fits the 3.4 oz rule, or unlimited in checked bags.

Carry-on

Allowed with conditions

Checked

Allowed

Carry-on details

Allowed with conditions. Because a snow globe contains liquid, it's treated like any other liquid in carry-on — it's allowed only if the entire globe (including its base) is small enough that the liquid inside is judged to be 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less, which in practice means only very small, palm-sized globes qualify.

Checked-bag details

Allowed. No restriction in checked baggage regardless of size.

Quantity limit

3.4 oz (per container)

Special instructions

Most souvenir-size snow globes exceed the carry-on liquid threshold and need to be checked — a TSA officer will make the final call at the checkpoint.

Related rules

The 3-1-1 Liquids Rule

FAQ

Why would a snow globe be treated as a liquid?: It contains liquid inside, so TSA screens it the same as any other liquid container. Only very small snow globes (roughly golf-ball sized or smaller) are likely to qualify for carry-on; larger souvenir globes should go in checked luggage.