Have you ever checked the “What Can I Bring” list on the TSA website? It’s loaded with surprising items like fishing rods and tattoo guns. If you ever find yourself in a unique position to bring home a fresh carton of eggs or a pair of fish that you won at the county fair, TSA is probably going to give you a pass! Together, let’s scroll through a few other surprising items that make the cut.
Sports Balls
Normally, sporting equipment is a no-go on an airplane. Items like baseball bats, hockey sticks, and golf clubs will need to be checked in before you head through security. But, if for some reason, you need to take your trusty basketball with you, you’re all set!
Fresh Eggs
Perhaps you were enjoying a week away at a resort that provided fresh farm-to-table food and wanted to take some things home from the market. Believe it or not, those eggs will probably get a green light from the TSA. Just put them in a spot where they’re easy to access in case the agents have a question or two for you.
Live Fish
If, instead of a farm-to-table experience, you spent the weekend at a fair, those goldfish you won can travel back home with you! They’ll need to be in a clear container so they can be inspected by a TSA officer. Then, there’s also the three-ounce rule. But other than that, it looks like you’ll be able to expand your family to include a couple of fish!
Sewing Machines
Odd, right? Well, perhaps you found a vintage tabletop Singer sewing machine while you were antiquing. As long as it fits within the proper dimensions for your airline’s carry-on requirements, that refurbished sewing machine can make the long journey home with you.
Knitting Needles
You might wonder if those knitting needles can come along since anything that looks like it could be a weapon is probably going to be a no-go. But, yup! If your form of entertainment is knitting a new scarf for your mom while watching reruns of Friends, you’re in for a treat!
Tattoo Gun
This may be the weirdest one. It’s surprising anything with the word “gun” in it will make it through security. But you’re probably going to get the go-ahead for your trusty tattoo gun, as well as any ink you’d like to bring. The only trouble there is the ink needs to abide by the three-ounce rule.
Ice Skates
This, too, is a surprising one. Certainly, the blade on a pair of skates could do a little damage if mishandled. Box cutters and razor blades that aren’t in a cartridge, for example, are prohibited. But, the TSA does not consider these blades to be dangerous in the same way that knives and other sharp objects are.
Lightsabers
What a random distinction the TSA made! Perhaps all those Disney fans needed a way to get their beloved lightsaber home after a weekend at the parks. In fact, on the TSA website, someone was having a lot of fun with the notion and wrote, “Sadly, the technology doesn’t currently exist to create a real lightsaber.” Funny, right?
Camp Stoves (Without Fuel)
If, instead of Disney, your idea of fun is a weekend camping beneath the stars, feel free to bring your trusty ol’ Coleman or whatever brand of camping stove you rely on. The only trouble is you’ll have to buy fuel when you land. But other than that, you’re all clear about cooking up some tasty sensations when you set up camp!
Waffle Irons
This was too random to resist. If you’re bringing the camping stove, why not go all out and bring the waffle iron, too, for some gourmet breakfasts? Wouldn’t you like to meet the person who deemed their waffle iron worthy enough to take up space in their carry-on? Well, if this has always been a dream of yours, dream big! You’ll probably just want to tuck it into a sweatshirt or something so it doesn’t damage anything else in your bag.
Drumsticks
Feel free to pack a pair of drumsticks beside your knitting needles! By and large, musical instruments will probably get the green light at security. Even larger items like brass instruments (as long as they meet the requirements for carry-ons) will most likely be allowed. Just be prepared for them to undergo a thorough inspection.
Cremated Remains
We hate to end on a sad note. But, if you ever find yourself in a position to transport a loved one’s remains home with you, there’s a good chance you’ll be alright. To be fair, the TSA does say on its website that some airlines do not allow cremated remains in checked bags. So, you’ll want to make your travel arrangements according to the airlines that do. But, once you find one that’ll work, note that the remains have to be in a clear plastic or wooden container. Anything that’s opaque – and prevents the TSA agents from conducting a proper screening – will pose a bit of trouble.
Pack Your Bags!
And there you have it! We hope that was fun. If nothing else, it shows that we need to double and triple-check before we go because we may be surprised by what we can bring along for the ride.
Before you go, check out the travel tips section of our website. We’re pros at finding new ways to travel with nothing more than a carry-on. And the good news is now we know that, should we ever need to travel with our trusty basketball, we’ll be alright!