As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) is reminding air travelers that fireworks – even small sparklers – are illegal, and can pose a tremendous fire risk to aircraft. 

The DOT’s blog warns travelers that it is illegal to transport all fireworks in airplanes. Other summertime items that might find their way into luggage – like bug spray or cookout supplies – are allowed, but should be packed and stored using the tips on found on the DOT’s Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)’s www.Safe Travel website. 

Aerosols, lighters, lighter fluid, matches and ammunition are allowed on planes when travelers meet DOT and the Department of Homeland Security's TSA requirements.