Prepare for takeoff by packing smart and not violating any of the TSA carry-on restrictions. If you’re hustling through the airport to your gate, the last thing you want is a hassle at security. But what exactly can and can’t you bring on a plane? Turns out, some rules go beyond liquids and sharp objects. We dug into the details so you’re not that person holding up the TSA line.
Snow Globes
Bringing back a snow globe from your ski vacation or European city tour? Careful where you pack it. Snow globes over a certain size get confiscated as liquid hazards. Leave anything bigger than a tennis ball at home to avoid a checker pouring it out post-security. Smaller globes under 3.4 ounces can come as carry on items if they fit inside a single quart-sized bag with your other liquids.
Magic 8 Balls
Will your flight be delayed? Should you order an overpriced sandwich before takeoff? Ask your Magic 8 Ball once you land, because TSA says it’s a no-go in your carry on. These liquid-filled fortune telling toys probably exceed the size restrictions. And who knows, maybe the shaking and turbulence could lead to a wet mess if one breaks open mid-flight!
Christmas Crackers
What’s more British than donning a paper crown from a holiday cracker after Boxing Day dinner? If you’re traveling overseas, leave this nostalgic party favor at home. Christmas crackers contain trace amounts of explosive powder designed to create an exciting “pop!” when opened. Apparently TSA doesn’t want to find out what would happen if they mixed with changing cabin pressure.
Cast Iron Cookware: A Heavyweight Hazard
While we love whipping up campfire feasts in the great outdoors, cast iron skillets and pans never leave our suitcases. TSA views these heavy-duty items as potential bludgeoning devices, restricting them from carry ons. Stick to nonstick cookware in flight-safe dimensions if you plan to cook at your destination. Otherwise ship your heirloom skillet ahead or pack it deep in checked luggage, cushioned by clothing on all sides.
Foam Weaponry (aka Minecraft Swords)
Convincing airport security that your kids’ foam Minecraft sword ($13+ via Amazon) or neon Nerf gun isn’t a lethal weapon can be an uphill battle. Avoid questioning glares from passengers and TSA agents alike by packing toy weapons in checked luggage only. While soft foam blades might seem harmless, officials ban replica weapons of any kind from cabins as a precaution.
High-Proof Alcohol That Can Make The Plane Go POOF!
Trying to save money by bringing you own booze on vacation? Too bad! Leave the high proof hooch at home. While mini liquor bottles complying with the 3-4 ounce rule are permitted, anything above 70% alcohol by volume gets confiscated as a potential flammable and is not permitted through TSA checkpoints.
We recommend enjoying shots and cocktails upon landing at your destination instead. Or, visit the duty free shop in the airport.
Fertilizer
Who tries to fly with a bag of fertilizer? Why does this even have to be on the list? This is why we can’t have nice things.
If you’re headed home after a gardening getaway or farm stay vacation, leave the bag of fertilizer behind! TSA views soil supplements and mulch as hazardous materials unfit for aircraft, whether in carry on or checked luggage. Organic compost might nourish plants, but its chemical composition doesn’t belong thousands of feet in the air.
Gel Heating Pads
Hot water bottles and microwavable heat packs may offer sweet relief to sore muscles and cramps on long journeys. Unfortunately gel-filled heating pads will get confiscated if you try to take them through airport security. The good news is that safe electric heating pads without liquid are still permitted. For optimal soothing en route, we suggest mixing disposable heat patches into your checked bags instead.
Lithium Batteries
Tech giant Samsung experienced extreme growing pains when its glitchy Galaxy Note 7 model started spontaneously bursting into flames in 2016. Passengers couldn’t even carry the banned devices onto flights after urgent recalls and software updates rendering units useless. Consider this example next time you’re tempted to stick with buggy technology instead of upgrading to the latest version.
Manicuring Tools
Don’t assume all scissors get confiscated at TSA checkpoints. While blades over 4 inches long measure as weapons, travel-size nail clippers and cuticle scissors still make airport safe lists. You can file away at ragged edges once seated on the plane. Bring nail polish too, since liquids under 3 ounces fly through security when properly stored.
Candles
Flameless LED candles create cozy ambiance without posing fire risks, making them smart cabin companions. But old fashioned wax tapers or gel candles get extinguished by TSA. Security officials highly regulate anything flammable and likely deem wicks and melting wax too messy for tray tables and crowded planes. Leave the scented or decorative pillars at home or in checked luggage to avoid hassles.
Oil And Aerosols
TSA prohibits all hazardous compressed gases from aircraft, regardless of container size. That includes everyday cooking spray and even miniature travel sized sunscreens. Don’t assume your toiletry collection escapes scrutiny if each bottle meets liquid limitations.
TSA Carry-On Restrictions: Weird Items Banned By TSA And Airport Security
Before packing odd souvenirs or sentimental favorites, search the official TSA website for surprising specifics. Their “What Can I Bring?” database also features social media style commentary explaining quirky restrictions. Who would have thought fondue fuel, butter knives, or birthday cake candle sparklers posed such apparent threats? Avoid vacation stories about belongings being destroyed or donated to charity by studying regulations in advance.
Maybe you’ll uncover valid reasons for banning bizarre items from cabins and flights. Or you might determine certain rules seem excessive or inexplicable. Regardless, we definitely don’t recommend testing TSA patience or job performance. Respect policies in place keeping everyone safe, while finding humorous loopholes like lightsabers being permitted when foam swords aren’t.
What unusual carry ons have you witnessed confiscated at airport security checkpoints? Share fun anecdotes and travel mishaps in the comments below! And bookmark this post so obscure packed belongings don’t sabotage your next rushed trip navigating airport security.
Weird TSA Carry-On Restrictions From Snow Globes To Minecraft Swords #tsa #airportsecurity #banned #travel Share on X
Private investor. Tech enthusiast. Broadcast TV veteran.
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