Flying Rules
Air travel has changed a lot over the years, and so have the rules about what you can bring on board. Some of the things that used to be totally normal in your carry-on are now instant red flags for TSA, and a complete pain for air travelers who didn’t do much research beforehand. Here are 20 things that can’t be taken on a plane – maybe in the checked bags, but even then, in some cases that’s not happening either.
Full-Sized Shampoo Bottles
TSA limits liquids to 3.4 ounces per container, so anything more than that is getting tossed in the trash. Sorry! But a travel-sized version should be able to suit your needs anyway. How much shampoo do you really need with you on a trip?
Nail Clippers With Files
Believe it or not, simple nail clippers can get flagged if they have a sharp metal file attached. Most clippers without that little swing-out file are fine, but be aware. You could always put it in your checked bag instead if you really can’t manage without them.
Peanut Butter
Here’s a weird one: peanut butter is considered a liquid. Yep, spreadable foods fall under the 3.4-ounce rule. Bring a family-size jar, and it’s confiscated. You can put it in your checked luggage, though. And the same applies to jam, cream cheese, and so on.
Many Lighters
You may carry a disposable or Zippo lighter with you onto a plane, but you can’t have it in your carry-on or checked bags. A lighter going off in one of those would be disastrous. Also, bear in mind that many types of lighters are banned. You can’t carry one that’s shaped like a gun, for example, and you can’t have a torch lighter.
Snow Globes
Snow globes are great, but you can’t take them on planes. You can’t tell how much liquid is inside, and TSA doesn’t mess around with mystery liquids. Unless it’s absolutely tiny and fits within the 3.4-ounce liquid rule, you’ll have to leave your souvenir behind. You might be able to get it sent home via post though.
Long Scissors
You can take scissors onto a plane in your carry-on baggage provided their blades are less than 4 inches long from the pivot point. Longer scissors can go in checked luggage, but they should be wrapped up to prevent injury to handlers.
Tools
Planning to fix something mid-flight? Probably not, but TSA isn’t taking chances with tools. Wrenches and screwdrivers longer than seven inches, and all hammers, are all banned in carry-ons. They can easily be used as weapons.
Filled Water Bottles
You can bring an empty one, but if you show up with a full water bottle at security, it’s going in the bin. Even if it’s unopened, TSA won’t allow it. The trick? Carry it empty through security, then fill it up at a water fountain inside. Staying hydrated is important, but difficult at airports!
Pocket Knives
Back in the day, a pocket knife was something people carried everywhere. Not anymore. Even the smallest blade gets flagged and confiscated instantly. You can put it on your checked luggage but it’s not going near other passengers.
Large Aerosol Cans
Hairspray, spray deodorant, and other aerosol cans can be tricky. Small travel sizes under 3.4 ounces are okay, but anything larger is banned from carry-on bags. Since aerosols are pressurized, they’re considered a potential hazard in flight. So, unless it’s a tiny can, you’ll have to check it.
Selfie Sticks (Sometimes)
Some airports and airlines have started banning selfie sticks in carry-ons. Why? Because they can be used like batons or just be super annoying in cramped spaces. Imagine someone whipping one out mid-flight - it’s not exactly safe. Really, whether or not it’s allowed on the plane is up to the TSA agent.
Too Much Soup or Stew
Soups and stews contain liquid and you already know what the TSA thinks of liquids. Unless your soup or stew fits in a tiny 3.4-ounce container, it’s going in the trash. TSA doesn’t care how good it smells. Maybe eat it before your flight?
Golf Clubs
A golf club can become a weapon in the wrong hands, so it’s not allowed in the carry-on luggage. They also need to be secured in a protective case, which might cost you extra money. Yep, transporting golf clubs is a pain all right.
Liquid Medications
We’re back to liquid again! Liquid medications such as cough syrup are only allowed if they’re not over 3.4 ounces. You need to declare to the TSA agent that you’re carrying “medically necessary liquids” as well.
Nail Polish Remover
You can bring nail polish remover (acetone) on a plane in your carry-on as long it’s 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. Or that’s the official guidance at least… occasionally you get people on social media complaining that they weren’t allowed to fly with their nail polish remover.
Hoverboards
Remember the hoverboard craze? Well, you won’t be flying with one anytime soon. Their lithium batteries are considered fire hazards, and airlines flat-out ban them. Even if it fits in your carry-on, it’s not allowed. But who needs a hoverboard when you’re flying on a plane?
Christmas Crackers
You’re not allowed to bring the British kind of Christmas crackers onto a plane. They’re a holiday staple in British households, but they actually contain a tiny amount of gunpowder, so they’re not allowed in either the carry-on or the checked luggage.
Perfume
There are strict rules about perfume on planes. Each perfume bottle must be 3.4 ounces or less, and every liquid container you’re carrying must fit into a single clear bag. You can however carry 70 ounces of perfume in your checked bag.
Toy Weapons
The rules surrounding toy weapons on flights seem to be a little vague. Toy guns that are obviously fake are allowed in the checked luggage, but many a person has reported buying something grenade-like (a Star Wars or comic book collectible, for example) and not being allowed to fly with it.
Fireworks
Well, this one might not come as a huge surprise. Although Americans love fireworks, you’re not allowed to bring them on planes. Not in the carry-ons, not in the checked bags… they’re totally banned. They’re super dangerous!
