What am I not allowed to bring on a bus in the USA?

Traveling by bus in the USA

Are you a Canadian planning to travel to the US? Maybe you’re taking a bus from Montreal to New York, or maybe you’re traveling elsewhere. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first time, there are a couple of no-brainers when it comes to crossing the border to keep it mind it to avoid delays, and even criminal charges. We’ve compiled a list below to keep in mind prior to boarding.

Whether you’re traveling by airplane or by bus, there are some strict safety standards each bus provider has to comply with in the US that you should know before you book a bus in the USA. The good news: Food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed on the bus!

Here are the things you are NOT allowed to take on a bus in the USA:

1 – Alcohol

Alcohol is forbidden on US buses. Also, it’s important to note that carriers can refuse boarding to passengers under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

2 – Animals

With a few exceptions, US bus carriers don’t allow animals on buses. Whether or not they’re transported in a cage doesn’t make a difference. The only exception is certain small, regional operators that allow you to check in animals in a hard carrier. However, they ask passengers not to bring their animals if they don’t feel comfortable having them transported with the other luggage in the underneath compartment of the bus. Service animals can be transported on all buses and can be taken on board, provided passengers have the proper documentation.

3 – Sharp objects

ou were planning on bringing your kitchen knife on board, unfortunately, this won’t work, as no sharp objects are allowed in the cabin! You can check in sharp, pointed objects but can’t bring them on board with you. The exceptions are rounded objects, nail clippers and files, safety razors, knitting and crochet needles, or scissors with blunt tips. So, if you love knitting on your bus ride, you have no reason to worry!

4 – Sports equipment

Whether it’s your basketball or baseball gear, it belongs in the bus’ lower compartment, along with the other checked baggage. We don’t know the exact reason, but we have to agree that balls or sticks aren’t needed on the bus!

5 – Flammable or explosive materials

This might seem self-explanatory, but some people might have tried transporting nitroglycerine or gunpowder in the past. For safety reasons, flammable and explosive materials are all banned from the bus—even from checked baggage. Exceptions are lighters and matches, which can be brought into the cabin.

6 – Weapons and tools

Weapons and tools can’t be brought on board. Yet, with the exception of gunpowder, flare guns, and unlicensed firearms, they can be checked in with the baggage. Self-defense items, such as pepper spray, are not allowed.

7 – Chemicals

Except for H2O, chemicals are one more thing you are not allowed to bring on board of the bus or even check in with your luggage. Even if ammonia or helium aren’t dangerous, this rule exists for all chemicals as they might react with Oxygen or Carbon when spilled or come into contact with fire.

Your trip could also be ruined if you don’t bring the right things. Did you know that you always need a valid ID when you travel in the US? Find out if you need your passport for bus travel in the USA, Canada and Mexico so you don’t get stuck at the borders

Search and book your bus tickets to and from the United States directly on Busbud.com