Excited about your first trip but worried about airport security? Don’t stress! Knowing what to pack can make your journey a whole lot smoother. But it’s just as important to know what not to bring along.
I’ve put together a list of 25 things you should never pack in your carry-on bag or suitcase when heading to the airport. These items can cause delays, get confiscated, or even land you in trouble.
Large Liquids
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules about liquids in carry-ons. Don’t bring bottles bigger than 3.4 ounces (100ml). This includes water, shampoo, and other toiletries. Put these in your checked bag or buy them after security.
Unchecked Firearms
Don’t just put it in your luggage if you need to travel with a firearm. There are strict rules about transporting them. You must declare these items, pack them unloaded in a hard case, and follow all airline and TSA guidelines. Never try to bring weapons in your carry-on.
Explosive Materials
Fireworks, flares, and anything that could explode are big no-nos. This includes things you might not think of, like party poppers. These items are dangerous and strictly forbidden on planes.
Flammable Items
Lighters, matches, and anything that can easily catch fire aren’t allowed. This includes some camping gear like fuel canisters. These pose a safety risk and will be confiscated if found in your luggage.
Sharp Objects
Leave your scissors, box cutters, and other sharp tools at home. Even small pocket knives aren’t allowed in carry-ons. If you need these items at your destination, pack them in checked luggage.
Sports Equipment
Many sports items, such as baseball bats, golf clubs, or ski poles, aren’t allowed in carry-ons. As you may know, they could also be used as weapons. Check these items or ship them to your destination separately.
Wrapped Gifts
I get that people may wrap their presents before they even reach their destination. But if your mode of transportation is through air, don’t bring wrapped presents through security. If they need to check what’s inside, they’ll unwrap them. Save the gift wrapping for when you arrive at your destination.
Too Much Cash
While it’s not illegal to carry cash, large amounts can raise suspicion. It might lead to extra questioning and delays you wouldn’t like if you were in a rush. Consider using traveler’s checks or cards instead.
Smelly Foods
Strong-smelling foods can bother other passengers in a plane’s enclosed space. Things like durian fruit or stinky cheese are best left at home. Your seatmates will thank you for not ruining their flight experience.
Pets Without Proper Arrangements
It’s hard to leave your furbaby at home without someone to look out for them. However, don’t just show up with them without planning. Each airline has specific rules for traveling with animals, so make sure you’ve made the right arrangements beforehand.
Oversized Carry-On Bags
Check your airline’s size limits for carry-on luggage. Bags that are too big will have to be checked, which might cost extra. This wouldn’t be a favorable experience for you if you’re on a budget. Ensure that you measure your bag before you leave home.
Loose Batteries
If you think that small batteries won’t be of any harm, think again. They can be dangerous if they short-circuit. Keep them in their original packaging or tape the ends. Better yet, leave extra batteries at home if you don’t need them.
Prohibited Foods
Sometimes, passengers can’t help but add a few pieces of their favorite local mango to their luggage. However, some foods aren’t allowed across borders. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats are often prohibited. Check the rules for your destination country before packing any food.
Paintball Markers
Even though they’re not real firearms, paintball markers aren’t allowed in carry-ons. They look too much like real weapons. If you need to travel with one, it must go in checked luggage to have them inspected. But for a hassle-free flight, leaving them at home sounds like a better idea.
Gel Insoles
While they’re great for comfort, gel insoles can look suspicious on X-ray machines. Wear them in your shoes instead of packing them separately to avoid extra screening. Adding them to your luggage may cause you extra trouble, and in worst-case scenarios, you might even miss your flight.
Aerosol Sprays
Most aerosols are banned in both carry-on and checked bags. This includes spray paint, insect repellents, and some hair sprays. Check the rules carefully if you need to bring any aerosols.
Mercury Thermometers
Hearing someone bring a mercury thermometer may come off as a surprise, but in reality, some people still use it. These old-fashioned thermometers are not allowed on planes. Since their content is considered hazardous, opt for a digital thermometer instead if you need to bring one.
Unused Medication
If you need to bring prescription drugs, make sure they’re in their original bottles with your name on them. Loose pills or unmarked containers can cause problems. It’s also a good idea to bring a doctor’s note, especially for liquid medications.
Loose Powder
Surprisingly, large amounts of powder (over 12 ounces or 350 ml) need extra screening. This includes things like baby powder or makeup. Make sure to put these powders in your checked bag to save time.
Marijuana and CBD Products
I know that there are a few countries that have legalized this drug. However, even if it’s legal in where you live, marijuana isn’t allowed on planes. This includes CBD oils in some cases. Don’t risk it- leave these products at home.
Alcoholic Beverages Over 140 Proof
Alcohol that’s super strong (more than 70% alcohol) is completely banned on flights. For less strong drinks, there are special rules you need to follow. It’s best to ask your airline what’s okay before you pack any alcohol in your bags.
Uncommon Pets
Common pets like cats and dogs can usually fly if you have the right documents. But weird or unusual pets are often not allowed. If you have animals like snakes or spiders, it’s better to leave them at home when you travel by plane.
Car Parts
Planes don’t allow many car parts, especially ones that might have had gas or oil on them. If you really need to bring car parts on your trip, make sure to ask the airline about it before you pack.
Recreational Drones
Drones are cool, but they can cause problems at airports. Many countries have strict rules about bringing in drones. If you need to travel with one, check the airline’s policy first. Always pack drones in your carry-on, not checked luggage, because of their batteries.
Valuable or Irreplaceable Items
Don’t pack anything in your checked luggage that you can’t bear to lose. This includes expensive jewelry, important documents, or family heirlooms. Keep these items in your carry-on where you can watch them. Better yet, leave valuables at home if you don’t need them.
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