12 No-Go Items for Your Carry-On Bag

“The Transportation Security Administration reports that its officers intercepted 1,503 firearms in carry-on bags at security checkpoints in US airports during the first quarter of 2024.” – Forrest Brown and Gregory Wallace for CNN.

Do you know what should or should not be in your carry-on? Such statistics indicate that most people need help understanding what is acceptable in their carry-on bags. Possessing prohibited items will usually lead to delays, confiscation of possessions, or hefty fines. To minimize stress at security checks, here are 12 items you should never pack in your carry-on.

Bottles of Liquids Over 3.4 Ounces (100 ml)

This concerns the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, which has been in place with the TSA since 2006. It was implemented after a 2006 liquid bomb plotted security fears. If it’s more than 3.4 ounces, even if it is half, please don’t bother trying to make it past security.

The TSA advises that separating such items from your carry-on will make the screening process much more convenient. They are travel-sized toiletries, and you can always opt for the convenience of shampoo bars and toothpaste tablets. 

Sharp Objects

The tiniest blade can be a safety risk. Every day, scissors longer than 4 inches and pocket knives are confiscated.

On its website, the TSA mentions that pocket knives are prohibited in carry-on bags and should be packed in checked bags.

Firearms and Ammunition

You are prohibited from bringing firearms in your carry‑on, and even if you have a permit, you must have it inspected. In 2023, the TSA intercepted 6,737 firearms, of which about 93% were loaded.

They mention that once they get you with a gun, they contact law enforcement, who takes over from there. See how serious it can get? If you must have your firearm, check it under airline regulations.

Flammable Items

Lighter liquids and lighters are dangerous and highly flammable. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, “Torch lighters (a.k.a. Butane lighters, blue flame lighters, jet flame lighters) are not allowed in the cabin.

Sports Equipment

Sports equipment like golf clubs and baseball bats are considered potential weapons. The TSA’s goal is to ensure everyone’s safety by ensuring nothing that can be used as a weapon is carried into the plane. Carry sports gear that will collapse into your checked luggage or rent equipment at your destination.

Self-Defense Items

The use of pepper spray or stun guns is not permitted. They’re regarded as weapons even if you only want to feel safe. Writing for CNN, Zoe Sottile highlights that in places like Massachusetts, it is illegal to have some edged equipment in your carry-on, like a vampire straw, after a traveler was arrested for having one in their carry-on luggage. 

As an alternative, consider a personal alarm or whistle. They are TSA-approved and effective at drawing attention.

Explosive Materials

No fireworks or flares because even a tiny flicker can be disastrous. The TSA confiscates hundreds of fireworks in July.

Harriet Alexander for Daily Mail notes that TSA officials strictly advise against carrying fireworks, as they are prohibited in a carry-on bag or checked luggage. Instead, celebrate with photos. Just snap away with your phone or camera.

Large Lithium Batteries

Batteries beyond 100-watt hours can overheat and also have fire risks. Talking to Kristen Delpos of UL Research Institute, Pushkal Kannan, a Ph.D. student, says, “…a small statistic is that just in 2022, there were 74 fire incidents that happened in airplanes because of lithium-ion batteries.”

You can carry approved power banks under that 100-watt-hour limit, keeping them in your carry-on.

Compressed Gases

Pressure risks prevent you from bringing items like oxygen tanks and propane. If you need medical oxygen, arrange it through the airline.

The TSA highlights that aside from an individual’s medical oxygen cylinder, they only allow an empty compressed gas cylinder, and a TSA official must be able to tell if it is empty.

Chemicals and Toxins

Chemicals like bleach and spray paint are dangerous agents in a confined space. Chemicals like chlorine for pools are not allowed in carry-on or checked luggage, indicating how hazardous such chemicals can be.

If you are concerned about hygiene, the easiest way to clean on the go is with disinfectant wipes or small, travel-approved sprays.

Gel or Aerosol Products In Excess

You can’t fly with hair sprays or shaving creams over 3.4 ounces. “Flammable aerosols that don’t qualify as a medicinal or toiletry article are forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage,” – Federal Aviation Administration.

The flammable aerosols also include spray starch and cooking spray. Instead, opt for solid grooming products or travel-sized containers for your toiletries.

Weapons and Weapon-Like Items

Security alarms are set off by even toy guns and martial arts gear. Squirt guns, toy swords, or anything that closely resembles a weapon are highly prohibited.

The TSA insists that items that closely resemble explosives, like hand grenades, are not allowed in your carry-on or checked luggage.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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