Travelers, get ready for a newsflash: your souvenir or gift-giving plans might need a slight adjustment, perhaps requiring a checked bag instead of just a carry-on.
While we all know the basic rules about liquids and sharp objects, did you know that some surprisingly odd items are forbidden in carry-on luggage?
Before you head to the airport, it’s always a good idea to verify with the TSA’s website as their policies are constantly updated.
The sources mention that the TSA website lists more than 490 items that passengers may or may not bring, divided by checked-in and carry-on rules with explanations for special cases.
Since the development of TSA, the number of illegal items identified has significantly risen, with TSA intercepting a record high of 18 guns per day in 2022.
To help you pack smarter and avoid potential hold-ups, here are 16 items you are generally not allowed to bring in your carry-on bag:
1. Baseball Bats
Baseball bats are prohibited in the cabin. The main reason cited is to reduce the risk of them being used as weapons. So, if you’re traveling with your baseball gear, the bat will need to go in your checked bag.
2. Foam Toy Sword
While toys are usually permitted in carry-on bags, a foam toy sword is an exception. However, there’s a “silver lining” for kids: they can pack foam toy swords in their checked bags.
3. Gel Candles
Solid candles are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, gel candles are specifically not permitted in carry-on bags. The distinction here is based on the gel component.
4. Bowling Pins
If you win a bowling pin and want to take it home, it must be packed in a checked bag. TSA prohibits bowling pins in your carry-on bag to prevent them from becoming a weapon.
5. Magic 8 Ball
Similar to some snow globes, Magic 8 Balls are not allowed in carry-on bags. The source states the reason is that the liquid inside the ball does not meet TSA regulations. To bring one home, it needs to be packed in your checked bag.
6. Samsung Galaxy Note7
This item is under a complete ban. It is prohibited to bring a Samsung Galaxy Note7 in any piece of luggage, whether on or beneath the plane.
This is because the Department of Transportation banned the device due to it being a fire hazard.
7. Sling Shots
Passengers should avoid packing slingshots in their carry-on bags. TSA regulations permit slingshots and other catapult-like items only in checked bags.
8. Spray Paint
Spray paint is considered a “hard no” by TSA. This is because it contains a flammable propellant that makes it hazardous.
Consequently, spray paint is not permitted in either checked or carry-on bags. You would need to purchase it at your destination.
9. Lacrosse Sticks
Beyond the potential risk of being used as a weapon, lacrosse sticks are also often too large to fit comfortably in most airplane cabins. They typically have a considerable length, ranging from 37 to 72 inches.
10. Gel Heating Pads
If you rely on a gel heating pad, the source suggests you might have to wait until you reach your destination.
This is because most kinds of gel products are not allowed in carry-on bags. The reasoning is that gel is considered too similar to a liquid.
11. Medical-Clinical Thermometer
Medical-clinical thermometers are restricted to a passenger’s checked bag only. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permits one per person.
Due to the potential presence of mercury within the thermometer, the source explicitly states that the item must be placed in a protective case.
12. Liquid Bleach
For those needing to use liquid bleach, the source advises purchasing it upon arrival. Regardless of TSA’s standard fluid sizing rules for carry-on items, liquid bleach is completely prohibited in both checked and carry-on bags.
13. Rocket Launcher
While it might seem obvious, the source notes that some people have apparently attempted to bring these.
Unsurprisingly, rocket launchers are not allowed on planes… or even near them. The source describes this restriction as about as “common sense as it gets” on the list.
14. Cattle Prod
A cattle prod is a handheld device used to guide livestock. While they are allowed in checked bags, travelers are not permitted to bring them in their carry-on bags.
15. Vehicle Airbags
Despite potentially being disappointing for some, TSA does not allow vehicle airbags on planes. They are explicitly banned from both checked and carry-on luggage.
16. Tactical Pen
Tactical pens can function as self-defense weapons due to having sharp tips. Because of this, passengers are not allowed to bring them in their carry-on bags.
However, the source notes that TSA has no issue with travelers carrying tactical pens in their checked bags.
Alicia Richards