The Flying Carpet is a form of magical transportation used by some nations of the Wizarding community. Flying carpets are particularly popular in the 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 the magical community, but they are now banned due to being defined as a Muggle Artifact by the Registry of Proscribed Charmable Objects. It is therefore now against wizarding law to charm carpets or fly them in Britain, 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 Artifacts Office. It is known that the ban was relatively recent, not only from Arthur's involvement, but also from the fact that Bartemius Crouch Snr's grandfather owned a 12-seater Axminster back in the days before they were prohibited.
The obvious advantage of the carpet over the broomstick is that they can seat a number of people, and are no doubt more comfortable to ride. It's still likely to be pretty chilly traveling on one, however, as like the broomstick they offer no protection from the elements.
A merchant by the name of Ali Bashir is very keen to export Flying Carpets to Britain and is very upset that local laws are preventing him from doing so. He regularly berates Arthur about the subject but it is very unlikely that the law will be changed.
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First mentioned)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Mentioned only)
- Quidditch Through the Ages