Before You Zip Up Your Bag
Flying out? While you're most likely not going to pack anything suspicious in your bags (well, at least we hope not), TSA rules can be surprisingly specific, and it'll still be helpful to know what goes in the permitted pile and what's considered forbidden. Some items can’t go in your carry-on at all, some can’t fly in any bag, and a few are fine but still tend to trigger extra questions at the checkpoint. To breeze through security check, here are 10 items that tend to get stopped, and 10 that are generally OK to bring when you pack them the right way.
Luca Viscardi from milano, italy on Wikimedia
1. Cooking Spray
Even though it feels like a harmless kitchen staple, cooking spray isn’t allowed in carry-on bags. Surprisingly, it also isn’t allowed in checked bags under TSA’s listing for this item. If you need it for a trip, plan to buy it after you land.
Karolina Grabowska www.kaboompics.com on Pexels
2. English Christmas Crackers
English Christmas crackers are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage. TSA treats them like a no-go item, so they’re not something you can “just risk” tossing into a suitcase. If you’re bringing holiday goodies, leave the crackers at home and pick up alternatives at your destination.
3. Party Poppers
Party poppers are also banned in both carry-on and checked bags, even if they’re small. It’s an easy one to forget if you’re packing for a celebration, but TSA’s answer is still a firm no. Save yourself the hassle and buy them locally instead.
4. Spray Paint
Spray paint can’t fly in carry-on luggage, and it can’t fly in checked baggage either. If you’re traveling for an art project or event setup, this is one of those supplies you’ll need to source after you arrive. Shipping it separately by a compliant method is usually the only realistic workaround.
5. Samsung Galaxy Note 7
Hopefully you have a newer, more updated smartphone than this one, but the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is outright banned from air transportation in the United States. That means you can’t bring it on your person, in a carry-on, or in checked baggage. Why? Because the phone is notoriously known to overheat and cause fires, making it unsafe for air travel.
6. Screwdrivers Longer Than 7 Inches
A screwdriver longer than 7 inches isn’t allowed in your carry-on. TSA’s guidance is clear that longer tools have to go in checked baggage instead. If you’re packing a toolkit, measure first, or it might turn into a headache at security check.
7. Realistic Replica Firearms
Realistic replicas of firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags. TSA indicates they can be transported in checked baggage, but only if you follow the guidance for traveling with firearms and related items. On the other hand, realistic replicas of explosives are banned for both carry-on and checked bags.
8. Foam Toy Sword
A foam toy sword can’t go in a carry-on bag, even though it’s soft and clearly meant for play. TSA lists it as checked-baggage-only, which might catch a lot of families off guard on the way home from a theme park. Pack it in your suitcase, not your backpack.
9. Bowling Balls
Bowling balls are not allowed in carry-on baggage. TSA flags them as sports equipment that could be used as a bludgeon, so they need to be checked instead. The same logic is why items like bowling pins and baseball bats also belong in checked luggage.
10. Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware is prohibited in carry-on bags. TSA allows it in checked baggage, but in the cabin it’s treated as a potential security concern. If you’re bringing a cast iron pan to a rental or camp setup, wrap it well and check it.
What about items you can pack without worry? Let's jump into that next.
1. Ice Skates
Surprisingly, ice skates are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. If you’re carrying them on, keep blade covers on and make sure to pack them safely. TSA may still take a closer look, but there aren't any strict rules that prohibit them.
2. Antlers
You probably won't be bringing antlers on your trip or back from vacation often, but yes, they're permitted in both carry-on and checked luggage. The main issue is size, so you’ll want to confirm your airline’s rules before showing up with them. If you’re carrying them on, secure the points and ensure they will fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
3. Cell Phones
Cell phones are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage. However, since they're lithium-powered devices, it's best to keep them with you in your personal bag or in your carry-on to ensure they won't potentially cause any serious issues, like fires.
4. Cigarettes
Cigarettes are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags under TSA guidance. That said, destination laws and airline policies can still matter, especially for international trips. If you’re carrying them on, keep them accessible and don’t try to hide them inside odd containers.
5. Contact Lens Solution
Medically necessary liquids like contact lens solution can exceed the usual 3.4-ounce limit, but you must declare them at the checkpoint for inspection. TSA also notes that some solutions can trigger alarms, so extra screening is possible even when you’re doing everything right. Pack it where you can easily pull it out without unpacking your entire bag.
6. Harry Potter Wand
Hey, we don't judge, and apparently, neither will TSA: a Harry Potter wand is allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. It’s still smart to keep it protected, since snapped souvenirs are a travel disappointment nobody wants. If the wand has sharp edges or unusual materials, expect it to be looked at a bit longer.
7. Light Saber
Yup, a toy lightsaber is allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. TSA even explicitly notes it’s fine to pack, so it’s one of the easier fandom items to travel with. Just make sure it’s packed to prevent it from cracking or poking through your bag.
8. Live Coral
Live coral is allowed in carry-on baggage, but not in checked bags. TSA specifies that it must be in water and a clear, transparent container, and it has to pass inspection at the checkpoint. You’ll also want to confirm airline and destination rules, since security permission isn’t the same thing as wildlife compliance.
9. Microwave
A microwave is allowed through the checkpoint, but TSA notes you'll need to check with your airline for their specific policy. In practice, this means security might be fine while the gate agent isn’t, depending on size and carry-on limits.
10. Nail Polish Remover
Despite being a flammable liquid, nail polish remover can go in carry-on and checked bags, provided it follows the liquids rule and adheres to other policies. TSA states that there are limits to how much each person can bring on the plane, so make sure to follow the instructions exactly before packing.
