Flying is the safest way to travel. In fact, you’re 19 times more likely to die in a car accident than a plane crash. One of the reasons air travel is so safe is the strict security measures that control what passengers are, and are not, allowed to pack in their luggage. Many of the prohibited items are pretty obvious. Your chihuahua might be a handbag dog, but that doesn’t mean you can pack it in your luggage. Other restricted items can easily catch us off guard. To reduce stress and avoid delays, we’ll walk you through what not to bring on a plane.
- Agricultural Food Products
Fruit and veggies are a great snack, but be careful when packing them in your carry-on luggage.
Agricultural food products are prohibited from entering many countries because they may carry pests or diseases that are not native to that area. You can take your apple or carrot sticks onto the plane, but if you don’t eat them in flight, you’ll be greeted by some unhappy border agents when you land.
- Liquids or Gels
One of the most well-known restrictions is the limitation on the volume of liquid or gels in your carry-on luggage. You’re not allowed to carry more than 3.4 ounces of liquid per container.
The TSA has recently introduced new carry-on restrictions relating to powdered substances. Powdery substances greater than 12 ounces will be subjected to closer inspection and x-ray screening. Security screeners may also open these containers and test the powders inside.
- Flammable Items
No one wants a fire breaking out in an air-sealed cabin so flammable liquids like paint, gasoline, and lighter fluid are not allowed in your luggage. You can pack one book of safety matches in your carry-on luggage, but matches are not allowed in your checked bags.
Conventional cigarette lighters, like disposable or Zippo lighters, are usually allowed. E-cigarettes and vapes are only allowed in your carry-on luggage, not your checked luggage.
- Alcohol
Alcohol is a liquid so as long as you have less than 3.4 ounces everything will be fine, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
TSA carry-on restrictions state that alcohol must be in its original, unopened packaging, and all bottles must fit into a one-quart, resealable bag. You’re not allowed to consume any alcohol in-flight unless it’s served to you by the airline staff, so you’ll have to keep your mini bottles of alcohol unopened until you reach your destination.
- Weapons
Some weapons are a no-brainer. Knives and guns, including Nerf guns and BB guns, are strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage.
What catches people off guard are the everyday items that are classified as weapons. Scissors, razor blades, and even sharp knitting needles can all be confiscated. Sports equipment like baseball bats, hockey sticks, pool cues, and golf clubs are also banned from your carry-on luggage.
At the end of the day, don’t pack anything that looks like it could be a weapon. This includes making the right choice when packing adult toys. Make sure your vibrator is easily recognizable. You don’t want security agents waving it around, wondering what it is!
- Miscellaneous
Lastly, we thought we’d list some of the more unusual prohibited items.
The TSA has a long-standing vendetta against Magic 8 balls, gel shoe insoles, cast iron skillets, and foam toy swords. These items are not allowed in carry-on luggage, only in your checked luggage.
TSA rules also ban Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones from all luggage.
Now You Know What Not to Bring on a Plane
Flying is stressful enough. The last thing you need is security agents confiscating your belongings.
Use our handy guide to make sure you know what not to bring on a plane. This is the first step towards a relaxing and happy flight!
Be sure to browse through the rest of our site for more helpful tips and tricks!
