It may be a bummer that, because of the actions of others, we can’t take certain things in our carry-on. Still, there’s no sense in dwelling on that because, in truth, it’s probably in all our best interests that certain items are prohibited. Before you start packing, let’s look at fifteen things that cannot go in your carry-on – some obvious, some not.
Alcohol
If you’ve been waiting to celebrate that special moment with your special someone and thought you’d bring that bottle of aged whiskey on board, you might just want to fly them to your place.
First, we’re not allowed to bring more than 3.4 oz of alcohol with us on the plane. So, that rules out all large bottles. Second, we can’t bring any form of alcohol on board that’s over 140 proof. That sort of sounds like it would burn through our insides, anyway. But, hey, some people love their moonshine. Regardless, those are two stipulations that may or may not apply.
Ammunition
You probably guessed you can’t bring your Sig on the flight, right? But, if you thought you might protect your ammunition from any extreme temperatures in your checked bag, you cannot bring that with you on the plane. No part of a weapon – even an empty clip – will be allowed on board.
Candles
If you like to pack travel candles with you when you go, believe it or not, you’re not alone. However, they, too, have to follow the 3 oz rule. Be sure to only pack tea candles or something smaller than your usual bathtime triple-wick candle.
Corkscrew
Likewise, if you thought you were thinking ahead for that special moment and packed a corkscrew in your carry-on, it will be confiscated if it has a blade. It’s best to just assume you’ll need to pick up all your celebratory materials when you land on the other side.
Cremated Remains
This one is a little bit somber. While TSA officers want to be respectful, we, too, have to respect that they have a job to do – protect us. Some airlines allow cremated remains – but not all.
And, when you think about it, a lot of the containers we purchase for our loved ones are metal or opaque. This will create a problem for TSA when they try to screen it. Sometimes, wood or plastic containers are allowed, but not always. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to play it safe and secure this very important item in your checked bag, even if it doesn’t feel great.
Dry Ice
You may be thinking ahead if you have something that needs to remain refrigerated throughout its transport, like medication, and picked up some dry ice. While that’s smart in many ways, there are some stipulations.
The FAA only allows 5.5 pounds of dry ice. Also, it needs to be properly packaged so that the package is vented and clearly marked. Additionally, airline approval will be required.
Golf Clubs
This is one of the ones that won’t come as a surprise. Golf clubs – or even a singular golf club – will not be allowed on the plane. If you’re heading for a weekend getaway at Pebble Beach, you’ll need to secure a travel bag or travel cover for your golf bag.
Hiking Poles
Similarly, if you’re about to go off and hike the Appalachian Trail for six months, you’ll have to pack your hiking poles. While it seems like they might tuck nicely into the overhead compartment behind a carry-on, they won’t be allowed on the plane.
Knives
Do you take your trusty Swiss Army Knife with you wherever you go? That’s smart. While this is probably another one of those more obvious ones, it’s worth mentioning. Anything containing a sharp edge – sometimes even a metal or glass nail file – may not be allowed through.
Large Pets
There’s a lot that goes into pet transport, domestically and internationally. In fact, if you plan to take your pet abroad, there are a host of considerations to bear in mind. For example, does that country have rabies? If not, they may quarantine your fur baby for 30 days. Pay special attention if you’re flying to Hawaii, as well, because they do not have rabies, either.
Typically, small pets are allowed on the plane. You’ll have to remove them from their carrying case and run that through security. You’ll also have to walk them through the metal detector on a leash.
If you’re traveling domestically, a small pet should be allowed. Just make sure they’re well-behaved in the airport and on board the plane. Mothers have it hard enough when they have an unsettled child on their hands. Certainly, no one likes to hear a barking dog, either.
Liquid Foundation
Most of us like to keep our makeup bag with us. Nothing beats a quick refresher before disembarking the plane. While this probably goes without saying – and most of us don’t have liquid concealer larger than this – it’s worth pointing out that neither our liquid concealer – nor any other liquid form of makeup or hair care can exceed the 3ox limit.
Pepper Spray
Female solo travelers like to have a few protections at their disposal – and rightly so. For more information, review our safety tips for female solo travelers. However, like your multi-tool or pocket knife, your pepper spray will have to go into your checked bag.
Ski Poles
Like your golf clubs, hiking poles, or hockey sticks, your ski poles will have to be checked in before boarding the plane. Often, it’s nice to travel with nothing more than a carry-on. And, for more on that, here are 11 ways to pack for a week in a carry-on.
But, if you’re traveling for a sports-related weekend getaway with friends, it’s safe to assume you’ll have to check all the equipment you plan to bring along for the ride.
Syringes Without Medication
Given everything else we just discussed, this may come as a surprise, but syringes are allowed on the plane. However, they must be accompanied by the injectable medicine they’re needed for.
Also, you must declare these to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection. To play it safe, you should also label all your medications to speed up the security process.
Tent Stakes
Here we are again, discussing recreational devices. If you’re going on a camping trip, you may be able to take your backpack or tent with you as a carry-on – as long as it meets the airline’s dimensions.
But, if you have your tent stakes in there with you, they will be confiscated. It’s easy to see how they can be weaponized and why they’re not allowed. Like your golf clubs or ski poles, be prepared to check them in with your other bags.
Be Safe!
Be safe out there, friends! When in doubt, it’s probably safe to assume you won’t be able to carry it on with you. Batteries, in particular, are tricky. For example, the TSA often prefers that certain types of batteries be carried on and not checked in.
Of course, we all know the 3 oz rule, and there’s absolutely no wiggle room for that. Then, it’s safe to assume that anything that can be weaponized – even something as benign as a walking stick – will not be allowed on.
If you’re unsure, check with your airline before you make any decisions. And, if you’re traveling internationally, you’re likely looking at a whole ‘nother can of worms on your hands.
Stay safe out there, though! And, wherever you’re headed next, we’re likely to have a destination guide on deck to help you plan the vacation of your dreams. Here’s hoping we see you up there in the skies someday!