Don’t Let Sparks Fly This 4th of July

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the July 4 holiday approaching, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reminding the traveling public that they are not permitted to carry fireworks, including the smallest sparklers, aboard aircraft. This includes both carry-on and checked bags because of the tremendous fire risk they pose to aircraft in the air and on the ground. Fines for passengers who break the rules are stiff.

"Fireworks have no place in luggage," said acting FAA Administrator Robert Sturgell. "Passengers should think twice before they attempt to carry fireworks onboard an aircraft. It’s unsafe, and it’s against the law."

Friction can cause fireworks to ignite during flight, posing a safety risk to passengers and crew. Because of this danger, domestic and international regulations prohibit passengers from carrying fireworks and firework novelty items in their checked or carry-on baggage, or on their persons.

Violations of the hazardous-materials regulations can be extremely expensive. Civil penalties can range from $275 to $50,000 per violation. Criminal prosecutions can result in up to five years in prison with fines up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations.