TSA: Bring This, Not That

If you’ve flown in the last decade, you probably already know the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for carry-on luggage. Some of the most well-known are no water bottles, no weapons and all liquids are subject to the 3-1-1 rule.

But what about the stuff you can bring? Some items may surprise you.

Bring This, Not That

❌ Bottle of water larger than 3.4 ounces

✅ Bottle of frozen water

Here’s one way to ensure your water is ice cold. Although a bottle of liquid water isn’t allowed past security, the same bottle of frozen water is. Make sure you time things right so that the water is fully frozen when presented for screening; if it is even slightly melted or slushy, it must adhere to the 3-1-1 liquid requirement.

❌ Weapons

✅ Antlers

Weapons like guns, arrows, Swiss army knives and swords must all be securely packed in checked luggage, but antlers — what might be consider a weapon, at least to a deer — won’t faze TSA. Before planning to take them through security, check with your airline to make sure they’ll fit in the overhead compartment or underneath your seat.

❌ Strike anywhere matches

✅ Lighters without fuel

Disposable lights and Zippos without fuel are allowed in checked bags, but strike anywhere matches will be confiscated. When it comes to electric lighters, the TSA website states that, “Measures must be taken to prevent unintentional activation of the heating element while on board the aircraft. Examples of effective measures to prevent unintentional activation include, but are not limited to: removing the battery from the lighter; placing the lighter into a protective case; and/or using a protective cover, safety latch, or locking device on the lighter’s activation button.”

❌ A live chicken

✅ Fresh eggs

Sometimes you just need fresh eggs — and if you do, TSA is OK with that. Fresh eggs are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage, but if you’re taking them through security make sure that they’re placed separately on the conveyor belt (like any other food item).

❌ Baseball bat

✅ Boxing gloves

Since baseball bats could be used as a weapon, they are not allowed through TSA. However, if your sport of choice is boxing, you’re in luck, as boxing gloves are fine to take on the plane.

❌ Cup of coffee larger than 3.4 ounces

✅ Espresso machine

Why bring a watered-down coffee anyway when you can brew a fresh one yourself? While any liquid more than 3.4 ounces is prohibited through TSA, you may take your own coffee/espresso maker in its place. As with all electronics, make sure all cords are wrapped carefully.

❌ Magic 8 Ball

✅ Harry Potter wand

Yes, we’re serious.

Since Magic 8 Balls contain more than the allowed 3.4 ounces of liquid inside, you won’t be able to take one through security. A Harry Potter wand, however, will get through no problem.

❌ Protein shake

✅ Blender

While you can’t bring your favorite protein shake or smoothie through security, you can bring along the blender you use to make it. The only caveat is that the blade should be removed, sheathed and placed in checked luggage.

❗ Aerosol deodorant

✅ Solid deodorant

Is deodorant  considered a liquid to TSA? Aerosol or liquid deodorant isn’t exclusively banned from carry-on bags, but there are restrictions. Aerosol and liquid deodorant containers cannot exceed 70 ounces or 68 fluid ounces, respectively. Buttons and nozzles on aerosol cans should be protected by a cap or another method to prevent accidental release. It might be easier to just bring a solid stick.

Other Unexpected Carry-On Items

✅ Live lobster and fish

✅ Pies and cakes

✅ Plants

✅ Tattoo guns

✅ Light sabers

✅ Crampons

✅ Microwaves

✅ Cowboy spurs

If you want to get through TSA security quicker and more efficiently, enroll in TSA PreCheck through AAA.

This list was compiled from information on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website. The DHS did not write or endorse this article. Other countries may have different rules for permitted items. Travelers packing for international flights should take special precautions.

Which of these items surprised you the most? Tell us in the comments.