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- "Funny way to get to a wizards' school, the train. Magic carpets all got punctures, have they?"
- —Vernon Dursley facetiously discussing wizarding transportation[src]
The flying carpet, also known as a magic carpet, is a form of magical transportation used by some nations of the wizarding world. As the name implies, it is a carpet that has been enchanted to fly. Flying carpets are particularly popular in Asia and the Middle East, with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran and Mongolia among the main nations using them. The Ministry of Magic in Great Britain has put a ban on all Flying Carpets because they are classified as Muggle Objects.
Flying carpets were once an accepted form of travel for Britain's magical community, but they are now banned due to being defined as a Muggle Artefact by the Registry of Proscribed Charmable Objects. It is therefore now against wizarding law to charm carpets or fly them there, although they are still legal in other countries. Arthur Weasley was very much involved in the introduction of this legislation due to his position in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office. It is known that the ban was relatively recent, not only from Arthur's involvement, but also from the fact that Barty Crouch Snr's grandfather owned a 12-seater Axminster back in the days before they were prohibited.
The advantage of the carpet over a broomstick is that they can seat a number of people or luggage with ease, and are far more comfortable to ride on without having a Cushioning Charm placed on them, unlike broomsticks. It's still likely to be pretty chilly travelling on one, however, as like a broomstick, they offer no protection from the elements.
A merchant by the name of Ali Bashir was very keen to export flying carpets to Great Britain and was very upset that local laws prevented him from doing so. He regularly berated Arthur about the subject but it is very unlikely that the law will ever be changed.
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First mentioned)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film) (Mentioned on a book cover)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Mentioned only)
- Quidditch Through the Ages
