When you’re checking in for your flight, it’s common to feel nervous about being stopped at the security checkpoint because of what you’re carrying on with you. What Not to Bring on a Plane. After all, it can be embarrassing if your shampoo bottle triggers the alarm or if TSA agents find live ammunition in your suitcase during an x-ray scan, but luckily you can avoid these situations by knowing what things are allowed on planes and what things aren’t allowed on planes before you fly.
Here are some surprising things that aren’t allowed on planes or in carry-on bags.
What is the International Travelers Entry Permit?
1) Butane Lighters
This one may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people try to bring their Bic lighters or disposable lighters through security. Lighters are pretty obviously not allowed on planes because they could be used as flamethrowers in an airport—or worse, used as detonators for bombs or weapons.
In fact, most airport scanners have a setting that detects flammable objects and triggers an alarm if something is suspicious. If your lighter goes off that scanner, you’re probably going to be arrested.
You can bring matches onto your flight though, so long as they’re safety matches and not strike-anywhere matches.
2) Paints and Markers
Unless it’s an actual crayon or marker, if you need to write on your plane ticket or boarding pass, then it needs to fit in your pocket. Similarly, if you want to use any paint-like substances that are only meant for non-paper surfaces (i.e., fabric markers), they also need to be pocket-sized. And while we’re talking about illegal and/or smelly items: Yes, body lotion counts as a liquid.
It’s also prohibited from carry-ons, unless it’s less than 3.4 ounces. So is perfume or cologne in excess of 3 ounces—and don’t even think about trying to sneak a full bottle of shampoo into your bag! It won’t end well…for you or anyone else around you.
3) Electronics
Electronics such as laptops, e-readers, tablets and gaming devices are not allowed in carry-on luggage. Check these items with your baggage instead, as they can still be used during flight. If you’re flying to an international destination, double check what you can and cannot take with you. International regulations vary considerably depending on your destination—some countries have tighter rules than others. If you have specific questions regarding what is and isn’t allowed into a country or onto an airplane while traveling internationally, contact your travel agent or tour operator before departure.
4) Spices
Don’t get us wrong, we love us some scented bath and beauty products. But have you ever stopped to consider that your shampoo, lotion or perfume could be considered an explosive or flammable liquid? Yep.
If your bag does happen to contain any kind of liquid — regardless of how big or small it is — security will test it by spraying it with special liquids so they can determine if there are any explosive residues (there won’t be). If your bottle has remnants of any kind of liquid in it when going through security, you might have to toss it out.
It sucks, but it’s better than getting kicked off a flight.
5) Sharp Objects
No matter how careful you are when packing, it’s easy to accidentally include a pair of scissors or kitchen shears in your carry-on bag. However, TSA regulations forbid these sharp objects from being brought onto planes because they can be used as weapons.
Scissors must be packed in checked luggage, and even then they must be sheathed or placed inside a toolbox or other case so that they’re not accessible during travel.
As for kitchen shears—which are sometimes confused with safety scissors—these too should never make it through security checkpoints; if you have any in your home, place them somewhere inaccessible until you return from your trip.
6) Needles and Syringes
Used needles and syringes are not allowed in carry-on bags, but can be packed in checked luggage. If you bring them to security checkpoints, place them in a clear plastic bag (which should be placed inside your carry-on or checked bag).
Instruct children traveling with you to tell an airline employee if they have medicine or insulin in their carry-on bags. Medication and vitamins should be packed in your checked luggage, but an exception is made for medications that need to remain cold, such as insulin.
These items must be packed with enough ice or refrigeration packs to keep them cold for no less than eight hours. Those ice packs can go inside your carry-on baggage so long as they don’t interfere with TSA procedures.
7) Self Defense Weapons
When you’re running late for your flight, it’s tempting to take as much as you can carry—and maybe even sneak that beloved baseball bat through security. But some of your favorite items are best left at home when you’re traveling by plane.
8) Liquid Snacks/Drinks
According to America’s TSA, all beverages and liquid snacks are banned from carry-on bags. That means water bottles, peanut butter cups and even diaper cream. Instead of carrying these items in your carry-on bag, place them in your checked luggage or ship them ahead if you’re purchasing online and won’t be around to receive your order when it arrives.
Also, make sure you do not pour any liquids from larger containers into smaller ones; instead, purchase travel sizes when at stores before leaving for your trip.