For everyone’s safety, some materials are banned from being taken into the plane cabin. Some of these are obvious, like guns and sharp weapons. Some others, however, can raise some questions.
For example, your airline may ask you to check in or even discard some items that don’t look dangerous. But why is that?
Let’s clear things up once and for all; these are the 10 things that are now banned from carry-on luggage on planes, along with an explanation!
Powders Over 12 Ounces (350ml)
Loose powders in quantities greater than 12 ounces may require additional screening and can be potentially banned. This includes cosmetics, spices, protein powders, and ground coffee.
While these materials themselves aren’t harmful, some explosive materials can be disguised as common powders.
Don’t be surprised if airport security tests the powders with detection equipment. In general, the only powders you can always bring (with appropriate documentation) are medications and baby formulas.
Knives and Blades
There’s always a lot of confusion about knives and blades you’re allowed to bring on a plane.
After the 9/11 attacks, regulations became much stricter. Security realized that even small knives can be dangerous in confined aircraft spaces.
For this reason, all blades longer than 2.36 inches (6cm) are banned. This includes pocket knives, Swiss Army knives, and utility knives. The same applies to box cutters and any blade that can be opened with a flick of the wrist.
Small scissors with blades under 4 inches are usually permitted, as are safety razors with disposable cartridges. Knives designed for plastic or round-tip blades are generally allowed as well.
Sports Equipment
Any sports equipment that can cause blunt trauma is prohibited. Banned items include baseball bats, cricket bats, golf clubs, hockey and lacrosse sticks, pool cues, ski poles, and martial arts weapons.
Even small sports equipment that could be used as weapons, like heavy-duty skateboards, may be confiscated Or you might be asked to check them in as hold luggage.
You can safely take on board things like gloves, masks, and protection pads.
Any Flammable Materials
When people hear that flammable items are prohibited, they immediately think of gas canisters or flamethrowers. Unfortunately, it’s not just about extreme cases, even small amounts of flammable liquid are banned.
Gasoline, lighter fluid, paint thinner, turpentine, and any liquids that can easily catch fire are banned. Also banned are strike-anywhere matches, flammable aerosols (except personal care items), and any device containing flammable gas.
Consider that standard lighters are allowed, but many countries and airports only allow one per person. As usual, medical necessities like oxygen cylinders may be allowed, but they’ll require prior approval.
High-Alcohol Content Beverages
Did you know that any alcoholic beverage over 140 proof (70% alcohol by volume) is banned from carry-ons? This includes grain alcohol, overproof rum, and some specialty liqueurs.
You can easily guess the reason. Such a high alcohol concentration essentially makes the beverage a flammable liquid hazard.
Mini bottles under 3.5 ounces are allowed, but always remember that airlines usually prohibit passengers from consuming their own alcohol during flights due to liability and service regulations.
Lithium Batteries
Since many lithium batteries have caught fire on board in recent years, the restrictions are now much stricter.
They can basically overheat and usually cause a fire that is difficult to extinguish. They are banned when are quite big, usually over 160Wh but check your airline rules.
Small batteries like traditional power banks are usually allowed, but always keep an eye on them during the flight. It should be easy, especially if no one is sitting next to you after you follow the genius tricks to score an empty seat next to you on a flight.
Toy Guns and Replicas
Any firearms or ammunition are completely banned. Pay attention because many people don’t know that this even includes toy guns that mimic real weapons.
Airline security sees those as potential threats because, even if they can’t shoot, they can cause panic or be mistaken for actual firearms during screenings.
This even includes BB guns, pellet guns, and replicas made from metal or other materials. The rule applies globally, and attempting to bring these items can lead to fines or severe legal actions.
Snow Globes
I know this is a bit random, but some people might find it interesting that snow globes are considered liquids. If they contain more than 3.4 ounces of liquid (about the size of a tennis ball), they can’t be packed in a carry-on.
In addition, remember that the entire snow globe, including the base, should fit into the one-quart-sized resealable plastic bag.
Self-Defense Items
Pepper spray (over 4 ounces), mace, tasers, stun guns, brass knuckles, and throwing stars are all banned. Even items marketed as “travel safety” devices may be prohibited if they can be used as weapons.
Pepper spray may be allowed in checked luggage if it meets specific size and safety requirements, but it’s almost universally banned from carry-ons.
Wrapped Gifts
Not technically “banned,” but TSA might unwrap anything they can’t identify, which means your beautifully wrapped presents might not make it past security.
To avoid this kind of issue, I recommend wrapping your gifts only after you arrive at your destination, or using a gift bag instead. It’s definitely easier to open and reseal if needed.
Items That Can Cause Even a Minor Pop
Any material that can cause even a minor pop is banned. This includes fireworks, flares, gunpowder, blasting caps, and any device containing even a small amount of explosive material.
This includes novelty items like party poppers or caps for toy guns. The only exception is some safety equipment containing small explosive charges (like life vests), which is permitted because it is FAA-approved and properly installed.
If those were the banned items, you’ll definitely be interested to find out 10 surprising things you can bring through airport security
