The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) follows rules that most of us consider unreasonable or arbitrary when it comes to what we can or cannot bring on the plane. What’s really annoying is that the TSA constantly changes the list of items we can or cannot carry on planes due to the ongoing tightening of security.
The last thing you want is to pass through multiple security points because things in your bags are prohibited, and you were the last to know.
Of course, most of us know which items aren’t allowed on a plane. Don’t bring things that are sharp and can be used in ways that can put other people’s safety at risk. Don’t bring liquids that are over four ounces in your carry-on bag. But there are many other things that aren’t allowed on a plane, and some of them are quite surprising.
If you’re like most travelers, you’re probably now interested in what you suddenly won’t be able to bring with you on your next vacation. Well, we’re here to help you out. We’ve looked through the TSA ban list and rounded up 9 surprising items that aren’t allowed on a plane.
Let’s see!
1. The Magic 8 Ball
Who doesn’t know what the Magic 8 Ball is? Some would describe it as a childhood staple, but you’d be surprised to learn that even adults love it. So it’s no surprise that some would want to see the world with a Magic 8 Ball.
However, as soon as the TSA sees one in a bag, they take it away. Can you believe it? A Magic 8 Ball is a harmless object, right? Well, think again. The ball has liquid inside, but it contains much less than the TSA limit of 3.4 liquid ounces. While there’s no official explanation for why you can’t bring a Magic 8 Ball in your carry-on, we have to assume it violates the TSA rules.
But here’s something funny. Agents at TSA said, “For carry-on luggage, we asked the Magic 8 Ball, and it said, ‘Outlook not so good!’ For checked luggage, we asked the Magic 8 Ball again, and it said, ‘It is certain’.” Well, these TSA people should start doing stand-up comedy!
2. An Offensive T-shirt
It’s not just the TSA that imposes hard and fast rules; flight attendants also seem to have their own arbitrary playbook. This is especially true when it comes to travelers’ ensembles.
According to Destination Trips, the flight attendants genuinely make the call on what you wear while flying. Women who sport covered-up pieces in neutral colors and men who wear jeans and a blazer are good to go.
But passengers who wear clothes with offensive pictures or words aren’t just frowned upon; they can actually be told to get off the flight. So be careful with what items you’re putting on before going to the airport.
3. Bowling Pins
Okay, so who’s bringing bowling pins or balls on the plane? Yes, to kill time, it would be fun to use the aisle of the cabin as a bowling alley, especially if you’re really bored. Unfortunately, though, sports equipment like bowling pins and balls can be used as a bludgeon.
That means they cannot be brought on board and must be checked. While this may make sense, wait until you hear this: bowling balls are allowed in the cabin of the plane, according to Business Insider. How can this possibly make sense when bowling balls are deadly solid?
Well, we can’t do anything but comply with these rules…
4. Heating Pads
Heating pads sound good when flying on a plane. You just have to plug the pad into the electrical outlet found at the bottom of your chair, and that’s it! This would be especially useful if you were sitting in one of those cramped economy-class seats.
A heating pad on board could relieve your aching shoulders, upper back, and neck. Except for the fact that you can’t bring heating pads on a plane. The reason? The gel found inside is essentially liquid.
So forget about your classic heating pad; you’ll have to stow it in your checked luggage or stick with an electrical heating pad.
5. Gel Insoles
This is definitely one of the weirdest things that the TSA won’t let you bring on a plane. For quite a long time, they banned both gel shoe inserts and gel insoles, which are known to relieve back and foot pain.
But now, surprise! According to the TSA website, these items are now allowed, despite exceeding the 3.4-ounce limit on carry-on liquids. Be careful, though, as it’s a really touch-and-go situation.
While some have succeeded in passing the security checkpoint with gel insoles in their carry-on luggage, others have not. So, unfortunately, passengers will just have to experience it for themselves to see how their airport TSA responds.
6. Butane Curling Irons
Here’s a beauty item you may want to have with you when traveling—a cordless curling iron. It’s very easy to use and heats up quickly, so why not, right? Well, you may want to reconsider this idea and go for a classic curling iron (one that has a cord).
Cordless curling irons use butane, and while they are allowed in a carry-on bag, you can’t bring one with you in your checked bag. The reason? The iron could easily catch fire if it accidentally turns on.
Now, if you want to bring the curling iron onto the plane, make sure it has a safety cover over the curler, just in case. Additionally, according to TS, spare cartridges (or gas refills) aren’t allowed in either carry-on or checked bags.
7. English Christmas Crackers
English Christmas crackers seem like a lovely holiday treat—until you learn that you’re not allowed to bring them with you on the plane. Sorry, guys, but that’s true.
These bite-sized pieces wrapped in colorful packages are actually small contraptions with a prize hidden inside made up of candy, toy crowns, and candy. According to the TSA, Christmas crackers become tricky on a plane when someone wants to get to the hidden surprise.
You have to pull on both ends of the cracker to split it in two—all the while making a snapping noise. For this reason, TSA doesn’t allow anyone to board the plane with English Christmas crackers.
8. Gel-Like Candles
You may be wondering who even carries a candle in their bag while traveling by plane. Well, we’re not here to criticize travelers’ choices regarding what they bring with them on a trip.
Of course, not all candles are made equal—at least not according to the regulations and rules of the TSA. Basically, you can’t board a plane if you have a non-wax candle, or rather, a gel-like candle, in your carry-on.
In other words, pretty much any candles that one can see through aren’t allowed on board. Ultimately, to avoid having your pricey candle thrown away by a less-than-thrilled TSA agent, make sure it’s completely made of wax; otherwise, it must be placed in your checked luggage.
9. Snow Globes
Another item that passengers aren’t allowed to bring on board is the innocuous snow globe, usually a present during the holiday season. So, don’t bother buying one for your grandma if you don’t want TSA to confiscate it.
Snow globes can only have up to 3.4 ounces of liquid inside; those exceeding this limit are usually larger than a tennis ball; therefore, you can only carry them in checked bags. That said, if your snow globe is smaller than a tennis ball, then you’re good to go with it in your carry-on.
However, your spherical winter wonderland must fit into your one quart-sized bag with the rest of your liquids.
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