Space tourists run into strict weight and size limits that are nothing like what you see with regular airlines. Commercial space providers set their own rules for personal items.
Some companies let you bring a tiny carry-on, but others say nope—no luggage at all.
Commercial space flights put heavy restrictions on what you can bring, way more than airlines ever do. Virgin Galactic lets passengers take only small personal items, and the total can’t weigh more than 3 pounds.
Blue Origin’s rules are even tighter. Passengers only get to bring what fits in their flight suit pockets.
Most suborbital flights cap personal items at 5 pounds max. The reason? Every pound counts—it affects fuel use and flight performance.
You have to fit your things into storage compartments that are about 8x6x4 inches. Not exactly roomy.
SpaceX’s orbital missions set their own standards. Crew Dragon passengers can carry personal items, but each one has to weigh under 1.5 pounds.
The spacecraft’s storage is tiny, so everything has to fit in small personal kits. SpaceX screens every item for safety before approving it for the flight.
Instead of traditional luggage sizes, these companies care about compactness. Most of them want your items to fit inside a 6-inch cube.
They’ll reject anything with sharp edges, loose bits, or stuff that could float around and cause trouble in zero gravity.
Forget checked bags—space tourism doesn’t allow them. Passengers can only bring things that stay secured during the flight.
Everything has to fit into special storage areas in the cabin.
Hand-carried items go through strict safety inspections months ahead of launch. Companies ask for a detailed list of every item you want to bring.
Medical devices, cameras, or personal keepsakes all need specific approval.
Virgin Galactic passengers tuck approved items into seat-back pockets during powered flight. Items stay put until you hit apogee and get those few minutes of weightlessness.
Blue Origin uses under-seat compartments for storage. The protocol’s almost the same.
Prohibited items? The list is long. No electronics with lithium batteries, no liquids, no unapproved meds, and nothing magnetic.
You can’t bring food, perfume, or the usual travel gear, either.
Virgin Galactic gives passengers the most leeway among suborbital companies. You can bring cameras, jewelry, or keepsakes, as long as you stay under the 3-pound limit.
They even offer detailed packing advice and pre-flight consultations.
Blue Origin runs a tighter ship. Safety comes first, so they only allow things like wedding rings, small flags, or coins—stuff that fits in a pocket.
Anything larger needs special approval.
SpaceX’s orbital flights sometimes allow scientific experiments or research materials if you’re a qualified passenger. These missions let you bring a bit more if it’s for approved research.
But for tourists, the restrictions look a lot like the other companies.
Axiom Space lets orbital passengers bring up to 2 pounds of approved personal items. Since their missions last longer, you get custom storage containers built for zero gravity.
Each company sets its own approval timeline. Virgin Galactic wants item lists 60 days before launch.
Blue Origin needs 90 days. SpaceX asks for 120 days to finish safety checks.
Every big space tourism company has its own baggage policies. These rules depend on the spacecraft design and what the mission requires.
Weight limits are almost always stricter than on airlines. Most companies say you can’t bring more than 10 pounds in total.
Virgin Galactic enforces some of the toughest baggage restrictions in the industry. If you’re flying on VSS Unity, you only get 3 pounds of personal items.
The company gives you a special flight suit with small pockets for essentials. Your stuff has to fit in these pockets or in a small pouch they provide.
You can bring:
Loose objects aren’t allowed. Everything must be secured in pockets or compartments.
VSS Unity operates as a space plane, so weight and balance are a big deal. Extra weight can keep the vehicle from reaching its target altitude—about 50 miles above Earth.
Blue Origin lets passengers bring a little more than Virgin Galactic. The New Shepard capsule allows up to 5 pounds of personal items.
You get a small drawstring bag that fits under your seat. Everything you bring has to stay in that bag for the whole 11-minute flight.
You can pack small keepsakes, lightweight cameras, or mementos. Blue Origin screens all items much like airport security does.
You can’t bring:
The capsule’s automated system and tight space mean weight management is crucial. Blue Origin checks weight and balance for every flight to keep things safe during launch and landing.
SpaceX handles baggage differently depending on the mission. Dragon capsule passengers on orbital flights usually get to bring 10-15 pounds of personal items.
That’s a lot more than suborbital flights allow.
If you’re on a multi-day mission, you can pack clothing changes, hygiene items, and maybe some things for fun. SpaceX supplies detailed packing lists based on how long you’ll be up there and where you’re headed.
You have to use the crew bags they provide, which fit into the Dragon capsule’s storage system. Everything must be secured during launch and reentry, when the forces are strongest.
SpaceX reviews every item before flight and makes the final call on what’s allowed, always putting safety first.
If you’re headed to the International Space Station, you have to follow extra NASA rules. Sometimes, scientific or educational materials count toward your total weight.
Space tourism companies put tight limits on what you can pack—usually between 2 and 5 pounds per person. Most operators provide the main clothing and gear you’ll need, so you only have to think about a few personal comfort items or specific garments that meet safety rules.
Most companies let you bring 2-5 pounds of personal stuff on suborbital flights. Blue Origin allows up to 5 pounds per person, but Virgin Galactic keeps it at 2 pounds.
What’s usually allowed:
Everything goes through a safety inspection before boarding. Metal objects get extra checks because of cabin pressure.
Anything with sharp edges, loose pieces, or breakable parts will get turned away.
No liquids, aerosols, or batteries in your bag. Food needs pre-approval from the medical team.
A lot of tourists end up bringing sentimental things like family photos or medals.
Companies attach secure storage pouches to your seat. These keep your stuff from floating away when you’re weightless.
Operators give you a flight suit, but you wear your own undergarments and shoes. Virgin Galactic says you need closed-toe, non-slip athletic shoes.
Essentials:
Skip anything with metal zippers, buttons, or flashy decorations. Cotton works better than synthetics, which can get staticky.
Blue Origin recommends gym-style clothes. Loose clothes can mess with harnesses and emergency procedures.
Most companies give you a custom-fitted flight suit during training. These suits have built-in comms and safety features.
You wear the suit over your regular clothes for the flight.
Keep jewelry to a minimum, and make sure it’s secure. Dangly earrings or loose necklaces can become a hazard in zero gravity.
Space tourism operators keep prohibited item lists that focus on passenger safety and protecting the spacecraft. These rules exist because microgravity brings unique risks, and companies have to follow federal aviation regulations.
Companies ban anything that could cause trouble during launch, flight, or landing. Flammable stuff is at the top of the no-go list because spacecraft carry extra oxygen.
No lighters, matches, or aerosols allowed. Hairspray, perfume, and spray deodorants stay home. Alcohol-based products usually get banned too.
Sharp objects? Not a chance. Knives, scissors, even nail files can’t come along.
Glass containers and breakables are out, since floating shards could damage equipment or hurt someone.
Electronics get extra attention. Lithium batteries have to meet specific watt-hour limits. Removable battery devices need safety team approval before the flight.
Medical items need pre-approval, even if a doctor prescribed them. Liquid meds must follow quantity rules.
Emergency meds like EpiPens can get approved, but you’ll need documentation.
Operators control all space suits and safety gear. Passengers can’t bring or modify personal safety equipment.
The Federal Aviation Administration oversees commercial spaceflight and enforces baggage rules similar to regular aviation. Operators have to follow these federal guidelines and add their own safety protocols.
International passengers face extra restrictions, depending on where they launch. Different countries might have longer lists of banned items.
Documentation can get tricky. Items needing permits or licenses often get restricted. Sometimes, even a camera needs pre-approval due to export rules.
If your space flight crosses international borders, customs regulations apply. You have to declare valuables and can’t bring restricted imports or exports.
Operators inspect all personal items before the flight. They can refuse anything they think is unsafe, even if it’s on the approved list.
This final check happens during pre-flight prep.
Some companies let you store restricted items in checked storage that stays on Earth. That way, you can bring certain things to the launch site, but not into space.
Weightlessness changes everything for personal belongings. You have to keep items secured the whole flight, and materials behave in weird ways compared to what you’re used to on Earth.
If you don’t use proper restraint systems, personal items just turn into projectiles in microgravity. Every bag needs a couple of anchor points to keep it from floating around and putting people or equipment at risk.
Space tourism companies rely on Velcro strips, elastic nets, and magnetic locks to keep belongings in place. These setups attach directly to storage areas inside the passenger cabin. Anything bigger than a smartphone? It gets at least two connection points to keep it from drifting.
Passengers have to pack their stuff in containers that compress or collapse when they’re empty. Old-fashioned suitcases just hog space since they keep their shape. Soft-sided bags with compression zippers are way better for the confined environment.
Tiny personal items create the biggest headache. Coins, jewelry, and loose electronics can drift into air vents or behind panels where you’ll never get them back. Space tourism operators insist that passengers keep all small items sealed in pouches during the weightless parts of the flight.
Fabric and material properties really change in microgravity. Standard luggage materials just don’t behave like you’d expect when gravity isn’t a factor.
Leather and rigid plastics tend to get brittle with the temperature swings inside a spacecraft cabin. Without gravity, materials don’t settle or conform the way they do on Earth. Even metal zippers can bind up differently since gravity doesn’t help line them up.
Synthetic fabrics with moisture-wicking features are honestly the best choice for space luggage. They handle the temperature swings, and they don’t let condensation build up inside your bag. Natural fibers like cotton? They hang onto moisture and can cause issues in a closed environment.
Static electricity gets worse in microgravity because stuff doesn’t discharge through grounded surfaces anymore. Luggage with anti-static treatments helps prevent your things from sticking to cabin walls or floating off in weird directions.
Space tourism operators usually let families and groups pool their individual luggage allowances. This setup gives everyone a bit more freedom when packing for their space experience.
Most commercial spaceflight providers allow baggage pooling if everyone books together on the same reservation. Say a family of four is traveling—they can combine their allowances into one larger total.
This comes in handy if someone needs extra space for special gear. The photographer in the group can pack more camera equipment while someone else brings just the basics.
Standard pooling rules:
Space tourism companies calculate the total allowance per booking, not per person. Three people with 20-pound allowances each get a 60-pound pool to share.
The system works well if some travelers pack light. Kids usually need less, which frees up weight for adults who want to bring more.
Group bookings get extra perks beyond just pooling. Operators know groups often share gear and supplies during their trip.
Corporate groups can split technical equipment across several allowances. One person might carry the team’s communication devices, and others stick to personal stuff.
Group-specific benefits:
Some companies even offer group discounts on extra baggage fees. If a team books several seats, they can sometimes negotiate lower rates for the extra gear they need.
Educational groups get special treatment for scientific instruments. Student teams running experiments can pool their allowances to bring research equipment that would be too much for one person.
Military families flying space-available routes get the most generous pooling options. These programs let families combine their 70-pound allowances however they want, with no rules about which bag carries what.
Space tourism operators enforce strict baggage policies because weight and space are at a premium. If you go over the limit, you’ll face real consequences, and oversized items need special approval.
Space tourism companies take baggage violations seriously. Weight restrictions are all about safety and how the spacecraft performs.
Virgin Galactic won’t let passengers board if they exceed the 3-pound personal item limit. Instead, they reschedule the trip at no extra cost.
Blue Origin has similar rules for New Shepard flights. If you bring unauthorized stuff, they’ll remove you from the manifest right away.
Weight penalties mess with fuel calculations and passenger safety systems. Every pound shifts the center of gravity during launch and landing.
SpaceX Dragon missions allow up to 2 pounds of personal items per passenger. If you go over, mission planners have to recalculate the payload.
Most operators offer secure storage at the launch site, so you can leave excess items and pick them up after your flight.
Rescheduling usually tacks on 30 to 90 days to your plans. Some companies add administrative fees if you cause manifest changes by violating baggage rules.
Oversized items need approval from mission planners ahead of time. Operators review each request based on spacecraft capacity and safety.
Digital storage replaces most physical items these days. Passengers get high-res photos and videos of their space trip, so there’s no need to lug a camera.
Virgin Galactic lets you bring wedding rings and small jewelry, but they check and weigh these at the spaceport.
Blue Origin allows prescription meds in their original packaging. Medical items get special treatment during pre-flight prep.
Sentimental stuff like family photos must fit in a 4×6 inch envelope. Mission specialists secure them in special compartments for passengers.
Some operators team up with shipping companies for post-flight delivery. You can send larger items home straight from the launch site.
Professional space photographers capture your moments during the flight. These digital packages are way better than bringing your own camera.
Space tourism vehicles just don’t have much cabin storage compared to regular planes. Passengers have to pack smart for zero gravity. You need to keep your stuff secure during launch, flight, and re-entry.
Commercial spacecraft come with designated storage compartments for your things. Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo has under-seat storage for small bags—think medications, cameras, or a keepsake.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard capsule uses overhead compartments like you’d see on a plane. These sealed units keep things from floating around during weightlessness. Each passenger gets about one cubic foot of storage.
SpaceX Dragon capsules use modular storage built into the seats. Your stuff goes into soft-sided pouches that zip closed. With the pressurized cabin, Dragon offers more storage than suborbital vehicles.
Most companies limit carry-ons to essentials only. Electronics, medications, and small keepsakes are usually allowed in the cabin. Bigger items or bulky gear need to be shipped ahead to recovery locations.
You can’t get to your luggage during active flight phases because of safety rules and the way the vehicle is built. During launch and re-entry, everything has to stay put so nothing turns into a hazard.
During the weightless segment, some operators let you grab small items from storage. Virgin Galactic passengers, for example, might pull out a camera for a quick photo. Crew members have to approve any access, though.
Emergency procedures always take priority over personal items. If the crew says to keep compartments closed, that’s the rule. Most space tourism flights last only 90 minutes to three hours, so you probably won’t need to dig through your stuff anyway.
SpaceX orbital missions offer extended access once you’re safely in orbit. Passengers can get to their things after the crew gives the all-clear for cabin movement.
Space tourism companies use security protocols that go way beyond what you’ll see at an airport. Passengers have to prepare for some pretty thorough screening, all designed for the quirks of commercial spaceflight.
Operators run multi-stage baggage inspections, starting weeks before launch. Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX all ask passengers for a detailed list of personal items at least 30 days before flying.
Security teams use advanced X-ray tech tuned for space. These machines spot materials that could cause problems in zero gravity or inside a pressurized cabin.
Prohibited items cover all the usual aviation stuff and some space-specific hazards too:
Passengers fill out pre-screening questionnaires about medical devices, supplements, and personal care products. Every item needs sign-off from flight safety engineers.
Final inspections happen 24 hours before launch at secure facilities. Specialists check each item by hand and with special scanners made for spacecraft.
Operators have to meet FAA commercial space transportation rules and International Space Station cargo safety protocols. These rules cover what you can bring into space.
The Commercial Space Transportation division sets strict guidelines for passenger belongings. Everything has to pass flammability tests using NASA’s standards for spacecraft.
Items with organic compounds need extra paperwork. Foods, cosmetics, and meds get checked to make sure they won’t give off harmful gases in the cabin.
Documentation requirements include safety data sheets for manufactured products. Passengers have to provide certificates of origin for jewelry, watches, or commemorative items.
International partners like the European Space Agency help shape safety standards for commercial flights. These protocols make sure nothing you bring will endanger the spacecraft or crew safety during orbit.
Operators keep databases of approved products and manufacturers. That way, common personal items get approved faster without sacrificing safety.
Space tourism companies work with passengers who need medical devices or specialized gear, as long as you plan ahead and get approval. Medical supplies usually get special handling much like on commercial flights, while other gear goes through safety review.
Passengers can bring prescription meds and essential medical devices on spaceflights if they follow adapted aviation guidelines. Most operators allow unlimited prescription drugs in carry-ons, as long as they’re labeled with pharmacy info.
Essential medical equipment gets priority during boarding. Stuff like insulin pens, inhalers, or blood glucose monitors stays in the pressurized cabin so it works properly.
Space tourism companies suggest packing critical meds in duplicate. One set goes in your carry-on, and backup supplies ride in checked baggage in case something gets lost.
Medical devices with batteries need extra attention before launch. Operators accept devices with non-spillable batteries that meet spacecraft electrical standards.
If you need syringes, auto-injectors, or similar tools, pack them in clearly marked medical bags. As long as you have the right prescription paperwork, you can bring these items even if they’d otherwise be restricted.
If you want to bring specialized equipment, you’ll need to get formal approval 60-90 days before your scheduled launch. Space tourism operators look at each device for electrical interference, weight distribution, and emergency access.
Required documentation covers manufacturer specs, power consumption info, and details about how you plan to use the item. If you need medical equipment, you’ll have to include a physician’s letter explaining your needs.
Oversized medical devices face strict size limits because of spacecraft cabin layouts. Engineers review ventilators, dialysis machines, and mobility aids one by one to see if they’ll work in flight.
Safety teams check every device for electromagnetic compatibility with spacecraft systems. If your device generates radio frequencies or magnetic fields, expect extra scrutiny during evaluations.
You’ll get a written approval letter if your equipment passes. The letter lists what’s allowed, any restrictions, and how you need to stow it. You’ll need this letter during all pre-flight screening.
Space tourists deal with tight weight restrictions, so every gram really matters. Honestly, the trick is picking multi-use items and sticking to the guidelines from space tourism companies.
Most space tourism companies set weight limits for personal items between 5 and 15 pounds. Virgin Galactic only lets you bring up to 3 pounds of small personal items. Blue Origin gives a bit more leeway for things that fit in a small pouch.
Essentials come first. You’ll want to pack prescription meds, contact solution, and key personal care products. You can’t get replacements once you’re up there.
Clothing rules vary. SpaceX Dragon missions issue custom flight suits. Virgin Galactic gives you a spacesuit to wear over your own clothes. Blue Origin also provides flight suits, but you can wear personal layers underneath.
Multi-purpose items are your best friend. Your smartphone can be your camera, entertainment, and communication device. Tinted moisturizer with SPF can take the place of several cosmetic products. Prescription glasses usually weigh less than contacts plus solution.
Pick lightweight containers for your stuff. Soft pouches weigh less than hard cases. Compression bags can shrink the volume without adding extra ounces. Every container counts toward your limit.
Suborbital Mission Essentials (3-5 pounds max):
Orbital Mission Additions (up to 15 pounds):
Prohibited items include lithium batteries above certain watt-hours, liquids over 100ml, sharp things, and flammable stuff. Space tourism operators will give you a full list of restrictions at pre-flight briefings.
Weight distribution really matters for balance. You’ll usually carry your stuff in pouches that attach to your seat. Items must stay secured for the whole flight—floating debris in microgravity is a big no.
If you pack smart, you can bring comfort items that matter to you and still stay under the weight cap.
Space tourism companies seem to be moving toward standardized baggage systems as things mature. For now, suborbital flights will probably keep weight limits at 20-40 pounds per passenger.
Digital luggage tracking will be the norm soon. Passengers will scan their stuff before boarding and use mobile apps to keep tabs on their belongings during flight.
Commercial space stations will roll out extended stay packages with higher luggage allowances. If you’re staying 7-14 days, you might get up to 100 pounds for personal items, compared to today’s 20-pound limit.
Smart packaging solutions are on the way. Companies are making compression bags that shrink gear by 60% and magnetic storage systems to keep things from floating off.
Medical equipment policies will grow as older passengers head to space. Blood pressure monitors, insulin, and prescription meds will get their own allowance categories, separate from your personal stuff.
Luxury orbital flights plan to add premium luggage services. You might see space hotels offering clothing rentals and personal care kits, so you don’t have to pack as much.
Return cargo policies are shifting. Soon, tourists will send space-made products and zero-gravity experiments back to Earth as souvenirs, which means new customs and shipping rules.
Lunar tourism missions will need mission-specific packing lists. Survival gear will take priority, and weight limits will be even tighter because of Moon flight fuel costs.
Private space companies are working on universal packing standards so you can transfer between different spacecraft without repacking everything.
Space tourists have lots of questions about luggage, weight limits, and what they can actually bring on commercial spacecraft. Every company has different rules and security checks, and they’re nothing like what you’d find at a regular airport.
Space tourism companies set strict weight caps depending on the spacecraft and the mission. Virgin Galactic lets you bring 5-10 pounds of personal stuff in a small carry-on.
Blue Origin allows just a few small items for their quick 11-minute flights. They focus more on safety gear than luggage since the trip is so short.
SpaceX orbital missions offer more generous allowances for longer trips. On Inspiration4-style missions, each crew member can bring up to 2 pounds of personal items.
Every pound matters because it affects fuel and performance. Companies work out the exact weight balance to keep flights safe.
Space tourism operators let you bring a handful of personal items as long as they meet safety and size rules. Most allow small keepsakes, photos, or commemorative items that fit in approved containers.
Electronics are tricky due to electromagnetic interference. You’ll need company approval for smartphones and cameras, and sometimes they require special tweaks to work in space.
Medical items get top priority if you have documented needs. Companies help passengers bring essential meds and medical gear.
Personal hygiene items need to work in zero gravity. Standard toiletries might not cut it—space-rated versions prevent floating messes.
Space tourism doesn’t use checked bags at all. Passengers keep approved items in small pouches or containers attached to their suits.
Ground crews inspect every item before loading it onto the spacecraft. This process takes longer than airport security and requires advance approval for almost everything.
Spacecraft have barely any storage compared to airline bins. Personal items stay with you or in secure pouches the whole flight.
Insurance for your stuff works differently than airline policies. Space tourism companies usually limit how much they’ll cover for lost or damaged belongings.
Space tourism security is more intense than at airports. Every personal item goes through X-ray, chemical testing, and manual checks by trained staff.
Passengers go through background checks, and companies verify all planned personal items weeks before launch. You’ll need to provide a detailed list for clearance.
The list of banned items is longer than for airlines. Anything that could interfere with the spacecraft or create hazards in microgravity is out.
Final security checks happen during suit-up on launch day. Technicians make sure your approved items are still secure and safe for flight.
Most companies include basic personal item allowances in your ticket. You can bring approved items within the limit with no extra charge.
If you want to bring more than the standard allowance, you might pay extra. Companies look at these requests individually and charge based on weight and other factors.
Commemorative items sold by the company often cost more than similar stuff on Earth. They’ll offer certified space-flown merchandise with paperwork.
If you want insurance for valuables, that’s usually separate from your flight insurance. You’ll need to decide if coverage for expensive items like jewelry or heirlooms is worth it.
Space tourism companies usually hand out specialized pouches and containers for anything you’re allowed to bring. You won’t find traditional suitcases or your regular carry-ons aboard a spacecraft.
For suborbital flights, soft-sided pouches with secure closures seem to work best. They keep your small personal items from floating off during those wild weightless moments.
If you’re heading out on an orbital mission, things get a bit more technical. Companies give you vacuum-sealed containers and tethering systems to keep your stuff in place for a few days.
You’ll notice all containers need to use fire-resistant materials. Regular luggage just doesn’t cut it for flame resistance or outgassing, which is a big deal in space.
