Magformers on flight

[Gracomom]

Can anyone think of a reason why Magformers (magnet toys) wouldn't be allowed in a carry on? We're booking a post New Years trip as a gift to the kids (not sure if it will be Disneyland or an all inclusive in Riviera Maya because of the Canadian $) as a Xmas present to the kids and planning some Xmas gifts to keep them busy on the flight, but wondered if there would be a reason strong magnets might not be allowed..

 

[ottawamom]

Just a guess, but it could theoretically interfere with the compass system of the plane. Probably not if you're the only one on the plane with them but if enough people on the plane had magnets then it could throw the plane off course. Could also interfere with other on board electronics.

edit to add: Magnets also affect people with pacemakers (etc)

 

[mab2012]

Can anyone think of a reason why Magformers (magnet toys) wouldn't be allowed in a carry on? We're booking a post New Years trip as a gift to the kids (not sure if it will be Disneyland or an all inclusive in Riviera Maya because of the Canadian $) as a Xmas present to the kids and planning some Xmas gifts to keep them busy on the flight, but wondered if there would be a reason strong magnets might not be allowed..

CATSA does not list any restriction on magnets in carry-on luggage. http://www.catsa.gc.ca/whatcanIbring. I didn't check TSA rules or whatever the Mexican equivalent is, but they're probably reasonably harmonized.

 

[bankr63]

Can't think of any reason why not.

Small magnetic fields like these are not a danger to the navigation system. The magnetic field drops off exponentially with distance, so the magnets won't have any effect from a few inches away, and the compass navigation system is generally safely located up in the nose cone of the aircraft. There are much stronger magnets on the plane in the APU's that generate the electricity that is used on the plane in flight.

I would worry about the old stick style magnet building kits that my kids played with as they have been deemed a hazard (small parts) and banned in some jurisdictions. That could cause some problems at customs (a la KinderEggs). But these kits are obviously sold in the US as well, so I can't see that being an issue.

 

[dis_guy]

You would have to have put the magnets right next to the compass in the cockpit for it to have any effect. Modern planes depend on radio navigation and GPS more than the compass, though it's still good to have one for cross checking, emergencies, etc.