What You Can’t Bring on a Plane

Whether you’re traveling domestically or abroad, bringing a bag on the plane can help you keep your important documents, breakable items, and valuables close while you travel. However, there are certain things that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not allow you to bring on board the airplane, regardless of the airline you choose.

Moreover, regulations on liquids—specifically the amounts you’re allowed to bring—are strictly enforced, alongside certain items that are absolutely prohibited from being in your carry-on bags. No matter which airport you go to, you should be aware of these regulations, as attempting to carry prohibited items can result in delays for travelers as well as fines and civil penalties, depending on the item in question. Civil penalties can range from $250 for items like tear gas and flammable liquids to $11,000 for dangerous weapons, such as dynamite and hand grenades.

Common Items You Can’t Bring on Board

At one time, TSA screeners were making policies banning items including pumped breast milk, liquid medicines, cigarette lighters, razors, scissors, and knitting needles. However, all of these are now permitted on domestic flights in the United States. Since its establishment in 2001, the TSA has fine-tuned its list of items that should not be packed in carry-on luggage, which includes:

• Blasting caps
• Pool and spa chlorine
• Fireworks
• Liquid fuels
• Gel candles
• Liquid bleach
• Spray paint
• Tear gas
• Turpentine
• Paint thinner
• Ammunition or guns
• Self-defense weapons
• Mace or pepper spray
• Box cutters
• Knives
• Baseball and cricket bats
• Ski poles
• Hockey or lacrosse sticks
• Pool cues
• Cordless curling irons
• Cigar cutters
• Hammers and Leatherman tools
• Medical marijuana (even between legal states)
• Shoe spikes
• Walking sticks

If you’re uncertain about whether you can bring a specific item, it is advisable to contact your local airport’s TSA office for clarification on carry-on regulations. However, the safest approach to avoid any conflicts with TSA agents is to place questionable items in your checked luggage instead.

International Travel and Foreign Regulations

While you may be allowed to board your flight from the United States, exiting and re-entering security in other countries can pose challenges if you’re carrying items that are not allowed in carry-ons abroad.

For example, corkscrews without blades are permitted in carry-on bags in the U.S., while in Canada, they are only allowed in checked luggage. Moreover, toy weapons are banned as carry-ons in countries like the U.K. and Canada, but only real-looking replicas are prohibited in the United States. Metal nail files are mostly banned worldwide, yet nail clippers without metal nail files are still allowed.

If you have concerns about what you can or cannot bring on your next flight, it’s essential to check the resources available on the websites of top global carriers. They often provide recommendations on what to pack in your checked bag and what items are safe to bring, regardless of your destination:

• Air Canada
• Air France
• Alaska Airlines
• Allegiant Air
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Delta Air Lines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue
• KLM
• Lufthansa
• Spirit Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

In case of doubt regarding a specific item—especially if it holds sentimental value—contacting the airline directly is advisable, as they will provide clarity on what can and cannot be brought on board.