Air And Space Museum Bag Policies

So, there I was, standing in line at the Air and Space Museum, my trusty backpack filled to the brim with snacks, water bottles, and a book to keep me company during the long queues. You know the drill, right? I mean, who wants to spend a day looking at amazing aircraft and space artifacts on an empty stomach?

But then, the security guard tapped me on the shoulder and pointed at my backpack. "Sir," he said, "we don't allow bags larger than 16x16x8 inches in here." I looked at him, then at my backpack, then back at him. "But... it's just a backpack," I stammered. He just smiled and handed me a bag tag. "You can check it in over there," he said, nodding towards a small booth.

And that, my friends, is when I realized that the Air and Space Museum has some serious bag policies. I mean, I get it, security is important, but who knew my trusty backpack was a potential threat to the Wright Brothers' Flyer?

Why the strict bag policies?

Alright, let's get serious for a moment. The Air and Space Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, is home to some of the most valuable and fragile artifacts in the world. From the original Wright Flyer to the Apollo 11 moon landing module, these items are not just pieces of history, they're our history. And they deserve to be protected.

That's where the bag policies come in. The museum wants to ensure the safety of these artifacts, and that means controlling what comes in and out of the building. Bags can hide all sorts of things, from harmful liquids to, well, my overstuffed backpack.

What are the bag policies?

Now, I don't want you to end up like me, standing in line with a bag tag and a disappointed look on your face. So, let's talk about the bag policies. First off, no bags larger than 16x16x8 inches. That's about the size of a small purse or a decent-sized camera bag. If your bag is bigger than that, you'll have to check it in at the coat check.

Speaking of which, the coat check is free, but it's first come, first served. So, if you've got a big bag, it might be a good idea to get there early. Also, they don't accept large suitcases or bags with wheels, so leave those at home.

But what if you've got a bag that's the right size? Great! Just remember, the museum reserves the right to inspect any bag at any time. So, if you've got something in there you wouldn't want little Timmy to see, now's the time to move it to your pocket.

What can you bring in?

Now, let's talk about the fun stuff. What can you bring into the museum? Well, for starters, you can bring in a small bag or purse. A camera is also a great idea, especially if you want to capture the awesomeness of the Space Shuttle Exhibit.

National Air and Space Museum: Complete Guide (2025) - Kims History Travel

You can also bring in food and drinks, but remember, no outside food or drinks are allowed in the IMAX theater or the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater. And please, be considerate of others. If you're going to eat, find a spot where you won't be blocking the view of the Apollo 11 command module.

And speaking of being considerate, let's talk about strollers. If you've got a little one, a stroller is a great idea. But please, be mindful of other visitors. The museum can get crowded, and a stroller can be a bit of a hazard in a tight space.

What should you leave at home?

Alright, let's talk about what you shouldn't bring into the museum. First off, any weapons, of course. But also, any items that could potentially damage the artifacts. That means no pens, no markers, no sharp objects.

Also, leave your selfie stick at home. I know, I know, you want that perfect shot of you next to the Spirit of St. Louis, but selfie sticks are not allowed in the museum. Trust me, your arms are long enough to get a great shot.

And finally, no drones. I know, I know, you've got a fancy new drone and you want to show it off, but drones are not allowed in the museum. Not only could they damage the artifacts, but they could also cause a panic. And nobody wants that.

Final thoughts

So there you have it, folks. The Air and Space Museum has some strict bag policies, but they're there for a reason. They want to keep the artifacts safe, and they want you to have a great time. So, check your bag at the door, leave your selfie stick at home, and get ready to explore the wonders of flight and space.

And who knows, maybe you'll even learn a thing or two. I mean, did you know that the first hot air balloon flight was made by the Montgolfier brothers in France in 1783? I didn't. But now I do. And isn't that what museums are all about?