Motor Oil in luggage

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Mar 31, 2012
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Palmer, AK
I'd comment on this thread, but it's locked down for some reason. (Also a couple other threads I've found)

That posting came up when I google searched "engine oil in carry on luggage" and I wanted to comment on it as some of the info in that thread is not correct. One post even claims engine oil is classed as Dangerous Goods. That is completely false.

Engine oil is not Dangerous Goods/HAZMAT and is perfectly fine to ship in checked baggage. It can be in carry on as well, but would be limited to the TSA limit on volume of liquids, gel, creams of 3.4oz total. That allows for "travel sized" qty of cosmetics... mouth wash, shampoo, tooth paste, etc.

The specs are that it needs to be well packed and in sealed containers.

I did run into an issue a couple weeks ago and the agent wanted it in original containers, but couldn't provide me with any documentation stating such. (We had it in 1 gallon jugs like used for windshield wash just labelled as motor oil.) I suppose a person could put anything in there and call it "motor oil" though. Once we explained the situation they were fine with it. Oddly, this was the first time there was a hassle, and have been flying various motor oil and grease 8-10x a year for almost 3 years. Have flown 5 gallon pails a few times as well.
Long story short, having it in the original container and a sturdy box (original would be good) should alleviate any question. THOUGH each airline has the final say.

I work in bulk lubes as well as deal with HAZMAT. The only things that are legit HAZMAT we deal with are things like methanol, solvents like brake cleaner, parts washer (stoddard), diesel, gasoline, a few fuel additives like Power Service. Most HAZMAT items are not ok in checked luggage. It would need shipped as cargo and the proper paperwork filed.... and some things aren't flyable at all.

If you live in AK or HI, you've likely run into this when trying to "mail order" something that is HAZMAT, even things you wouldn't think twice about like little batteries for watches, or products with an internal battery, spray paint, even common chemicals like WD-40... even some markers and paint pens!

Also wanted to add, I don't know about other countries. My info is just for USA.
 
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Its locked down because the last person to comment in it, did so 14 YEARS ago.
The posts come up when searching on Google, as well as the "AI" google makes it's "facts" from and has wrong info, so I wanted to correct it. (or have Google not use it as valid info"?)
 
I was in China going through airport security and a big argument ensued after a woman carrying a gallon of cooking oil was stopped trying to get it through security as a carry on. That was all she had in the suitcase. A gallon of what looked like cooking oil.
 
The posts come up when searching on Google, as well as the "AI" google makes it's "facts" from and has wrong info, so I wanted to correct it. (or have Google not use it as valid info"?)
Just because Google links it doesn't make it "fact".

and the agent wanted it in original containers, but couldn't provide me with any documentation stating such. (We had it in 1 gallon jugs like used for windshield wash just labelled as motor oil.) I suppose a person could put anything in there and call it "motor oil" though. Once we explained the situation they were fine with it.
If they had confiscated it and tossed it (proper disposal, of course !), I would agree with them for doing so. They don't need documentation either - they are allowed a lot of discretion. Putting one product in a bottle clearly used for a product of a different type is questionable and as you say, it could be anything.
 
Who in their right mind needs to put motor oil in their luggage? That’s extreme, even for BITOG!
Not in luggage, but a separate box. I can fly 5 pieces of luggage at no added cost. Quite common for people to fly coolers, toolboxes (like the Milwaukee packouts), totes, etc. People aren't just flying for a romantic getaway as one person said. Lots of folks fly out to a remote site to do work and have to bring what they need with them. Wouldn't be crazy to go out to do a repair work on equipment and just need a couple gallons of oil.

In my case, it has been for for moving small qty of product quickly, samples, product that needs testing, etc. Our main shipping is by semi truck.
 
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Just because Google links it doesn't make it "fact".


If they had confiscated it and tossed it (proper disposal, of course !), I would agree with them for doing so. They don't need documentation either - they are allowed a lot of discretion. Putting one product in a bottle clearly used for a product of a different type is questionable and as you say, it could be anything.
Wasn't a bottle used for anything else. Was a brand new plastic gallon jug and the contents were labelled. We use them to bottle product. I used the example of windshield wash as it's a common use for that style bottle.
 
Just because Google links it doesn't make it "fact".
Exactly, but google spouts misinformation in their AI that comes up with a search as fact when it's often not even close.

In this case I had typed in "can I put motor oil in checked luggage" and the google AI claimed it was HAZMAT and NO... and when I looked into it more, it sited the link I gave in my first post as its main source.
I knew the answer, but was curious. Had I not known, I'd maybe thought it was true. I've run into that many times looking info up for a truck, heating, plumbing, electrical code, etc, etc. I'd much the google AI not give an info if it's not been proven correct as spreading disinformation does no favors to anyone.
 
Its locked down because the last person to comment in it, did so 14 YEARS ago.
I dig into info that was published in the 1800s sometimes. Don't know why 14 year info would be considered not relevant. I mean my NEWEST piece of equipment is almost 14 years old. The average age is probably more around 25 years.
 
Maybe we need the government or UN to fact check everything on the internet. Uh, Oh wait. Maybe some people should just go to the source, like the FFA or the airline they're going to fly on, and not worry about censoring the 'net.
 
Who in their right mind needs to put motor oil in their luggage? That’s extreme, even for BITOG!
I did it once. It was just a quart of oil and I packaged it well - 1. wrapped in paper towel, 2. in a ziplock bag, 3. wrapped in cardboard with plenty of tape around it.

The posts come up when searching on Google, as well as the "AI" google makes it's "facts" from and has wrong info, so I wanted to correct it. (or have Google not use it as valid info"?)
How much oil do you want to transport?
Oil vapors are flammable above 400°F. Oil bottles are not under pressure and oil is not highly volatile. Your deodorants and colones in the checked baggage are much more flammable than motor oil because they contain ethanol.

Motor oil is not listed under flammables on the tsa website:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/flammables
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security...otor+oil&field_item_category_value=All&page=0
 
I did it once. It was just a quart of oil and I packaged it well - 1. wrapped in paper towel, 2. in a ziplock bag, 3. wrapped in cardboard with plenty of tape around it.


How much oil do you want to transport?
Oil vapors are flammable above 400°F. Oil bottles are not under pressure and oil is not highly volatile. Your deodorants and colones in the checked baggage are much more flammable than motor oil because they contain ethanol.

Motor oil is not listed under flammables on the tsa website:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/flammables
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security...otor+oil&field_item_category_value=All&page=0
Exactly. Not sure why there's info in the posts claiming it's Dangerous Goods(aka HAZMAT) and not allowed.
In any case, I just wanted to correct false info.
 
This thread is really relevant. I’m surprised no one has commented about potentially bringing a jug of Valvoline Restore and Protect 10w-40 from Australia.
 
I just shipped my son back to San Diego with a Milwaukee screw gun and impact. “No power tools” in carry on luggage but li ion batteries were fine. He got flagged at tsa and had to check the tools but had to carry the batteries in his backpack. Real brain trust stuff at work here.
 
Who in their right mind needs to put motor oil in their luggage? That’s extreme, even for BITOG!
That was me that started that old thread back in 2011! 🤪 I couldn’t get Pennzoil Ultra in Canada back then and the border crossings used to take way longer as well so I wasn’t popping across to do shopping at that time. It was a trip down memory lane reading that thread! My girlfriend became my wife and then we divorced after ten years together and now we’re best friends and have a business together 😃
 
Have flown about 50 gallons at this point, 3-4 gallons at a time.
Plus we flew several 5 gallon pails out to a site, was just loaded with the other cargo.
 
You might be banned because it is flammable instead of hazmat. Imagine someone wants to bring a gallon of gasoline on a plane.

Now the cooking oil in Chinese flight by an old lady, I guess that's understandable. I was once trying to bring 3lbs of frozen broccoli back from Alaska because I couldn't finish all of that before my trip ends and I have space in my luggage.
 
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