When you’re flying from any American airport, there are of course restrictions on what you can and can’t bring on board your flight. And while certain carry-on restrictions are obvious, others might surprise you. Here we look at 17 surprising things that you can’t pack in your carry-on luggage.

Restricted carry-on items

What you can and can’t bring on a plane as carry-on luggage

We all know about the liquid ban, but after security staff at Derry airport stopped a student from flying with a Green Lantern mask in his carry-on bag, we investigated what other surprising items are banned from hand luggage by various authorities. From seemingly innocent objects to peculiar contrabands, we’ve uncovered the unexpected things you should leave out of your carry-on. Get ready to rethink what you pack and ensure a smooth journey through airport security.

Start planning your next trip.

Carry-on restrictions: Liquids

Understanding more about liquid restrictions

Yes, we all know the rules around liquids in your carry-on bag, but what about soup, medicine, chemicals and duty-free samples? Let’s take a look.

1. Soup

This counts as liquid, not food

While you might argue that a one-person portion of chicken and mushroom bears less threat to the safety of your fellow passengers than a lighter, liquid is liquid. Well - 101ml (3.5 ounces) or more of liquid.

2. Medicine

All liquid forms of medicine

You can’t take more than 100ml (3.4 ounces) of medicine unless you notify the airport in advance. With pills, try a 7-day pill box to keep everything organized and easily visible to airport security officials.

3. 22 samples of perfume from duty free

Sample sachets will count as liquid

You may think that you can get around the liquids rule by decanting big bottles into lots of little containers, but NO: ‘containers must be carried in a single, transparent, re-sealable quart-sized plastic bag.’ All containers must be under 3.4 ounces / 100ml, too.

4. Peroxide

And other chemicals

From tear gas to fire extinguishers, ‘Chemicals and Toxic Substances’ are a complete NO. This includes peroxide. So, if you’re off to Cancun for spring break and you’re planning to amusingly bleach your hair, do it before you leave.

Carry-on restrictions: Food

Knowing what food you can and can’t take on board

Airport fast food is essential for a cheap snack on board your flight, but what about your all-important protein powder or nut butter? And that gigantic wheel of cheese you can’t live without?

1. Protein powder

Consider the weight of powders

Whilst you may be into bulking on your vacation, the TSA isn’t as keen. Currently, if you’re flying in or out of the USA, you’ll need to keep powdered substances like coffee, spices, powdered milk, protein powder or cosmetics in a receptacle no larger than 12 ounces.

2. Nut butter

That’s right, this can be counted as liquid

Whilst we’re talking about health nuts, it’s worth noting that your nut butter usually counts as a liquid. This means you’ll need to make sure any nut butter you’re packing is under 3.4 ounces / 100ml.

3. Brie

Another liquid contender

Unfortunately, soft cheese counts as a liquid, so try not to pack the whole cheese wheel into your carry-on. A small portion in your liquids bag should be fine. Pop that gorgonzola into a tightly sealed bag.

Carry-on restrictions: Non-liquids and non-foods

Other items you can’t bring in your hand luggage

Whether you’re heading to a festival, traveling with your sports equipment or think faux explosives in your carry-on is a good idea, it’s good to know the rules.

1. Tent pegs

Calling all festival campers

Don’t carry your tent pegs in your hand luggage as they’ll get confiscated. Which will leave you a bit stuck: you’ll either have to sleep under the stars or stay awake for three days, which you may do anyway, so no biggie.

2. (Multiple) cigarette lighters

But one is ok… surprisingly

Oddly, considering the official line, ‘you can’t take any objects in your hand baggage that could cause injury to yourself and other passengers,’ you can take a lighter on the plane. But no more than one. Confusingly.

3. Badminton racquets

Racquets fall under sporting equipment

The authorities take a dim view of sporting equipment. For some reason, Brits can take their trusty cricket bats, but the ban extends to badminton racquets. Weird.

4. Fishing rods

Along with all fishing hooks

Why you’d want to take a harpoon away with you is your business - but it’ll have to go in the hold. The same goes for fishing rods, presumably so you’re not tempted to get your own back on that annoying child in seat 11A by hooking them with a Woolly Worm.

5. Banned from hand luggage: Drills

Perhaps, not so surprising

If you are a jet-setting carpenter or plumber, check-in bag fees will eat into your income, as you are not permitted to carry on essential tool bag items such as Phillips screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, or saws on the plane.

6. Flares

Again, not so surprising

No, not the kind your dad probably rocked in the ’70s, though if it were up to us, those would be banned too! No, signal flares ’in any form‘ are banned from hand luggage just in case you are unsure.

7. Faux explosives

Keep those toy replicas in the hold

The TSA is obliged to treat toy guns, explosives or ammunition as a threat – which means bringing in the Bomb Squad, even if your littlun has just carried on the wrong toy. Check the TSA Instagram for more outrageous carry-on tales.

8. Viking helmets

And all blades/pointed objects

Does that attractive Viking costume of yours have a spike over 6cm? Unfortunately, it’s got to go in the hold. Make sure to check the TSA rules on hand luggage before you take anything a little suspicious-looking.

9. Drones

Permitted to fly but after some vital checks

Firstly, check your drone’s batteries – most use lithium batteries, which you must store in carry-on luggage. Next, propellors over 6cm may count as blades. And lastly, check the local drone laws where you are traveling – permits may apply.

10. Batteries

That’s right, lithium batteries are not permitted in the hold

Batteries are a fire risk. If your battery malfunctions and it’s in your carry-on luggage, the airline can intervene and prevent it from causing further issues. This applies to the batteries inside your laptop, phones or electronic devices – check out the full TSA guidelines.

Information was correct as of November 2024. In case something remains unclear, see the official hand luggage restrictions at US airports. And don’t get caught short on your next weekend away!