Nothing starts your trip off like a long line of security at the airport. While there are tools to help you shorten your queue times — namely, Pre-check TSA And Ventilation — unfortunately, your experience depends on your companions to a certain extent.
People in front of you may move slowly because they forgot to take their keys out of their pocket or because they’re new to TSA PreCheck and don’t realize they can put on their shoes. Honestly, travelers should be screened before they’re allowed through US airports.
However, one consistent factor slowing down airport security lines is passengers trying to bring items that are prohibited by the Transportation Security Administration on board. Not only are prohibited items flagged during security, but staff also call the police and search your items. Affected travelers could even be arrested and fined, slowing things down overall.
gun
This seems simple enough, but many people seem to forget it, according to Lisa Farbstein, a spokeswoman for TSA in the Northeast, who regularly records firearms seized by TSA at airports around the world. Twitter.
Firearms are not banned on board aircraft once they are unloaded, but the majority of illegal findings from the TSA’s Twitter feed involve illegal firearms.
“James Bond’s arch nemesis Francisco Scaramanga knows that simulated guns, even golden ones, are not allowed through the TSA security checkpoint,” Farbstein tweeted on April 18. “But one fan. Grave 007 who flew out of JFK airport last week was not aware and was surprised when his hand luggage was searched and the gun was taken away.”
TSA officers intercepted 1,508 guns at airport security checkpoints in the first quarter of 2023 with an average of 16.8 guns per day, according to TSA data. More than 93% of them have been downloaded.
“When a passenger brings a gun to a TSA security checkpoint, the TSA will suspend their TSA PreCheck eligibility for 5 years, including existing TSA PreCheck members. Alternatively, the TSA may proceed with the process. additional checks on those passengers to make sure no other threats are present,” the TSA said in a press release on April 20. “Late last year, TSA increased the civilian fines. the maximum gun offense limit is raised to $14,950. Passengers with a firearm found in hand luggage at a TSA checkpoint are also subject to applicable city or state law at the airport. That flight may include citation or arrest.”
As a reminder, firearms must be unloaded and checked in in a locked, hard-edged container and declared to the airline at check-in. Likewise, ammunition (from single ammunition to full cartridges), magazines (without ammo or ammo), pepper spray, stun/stun guns, fireworks and pyrotechnics (and any other others are labeled as flammable) and simulated weapons are also prohibited in carry-on baggage.
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You can bring these items in your checked baggage if they properly packaged. Ammunition must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal cases or other packaging specially designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
While gun toy “generally allowed”, TSA recommends travelers pack them in checked baggage. Items that look like real guns — like Nerf guns — are prohibited.
Sanitary products of all sizes
“Perhaps the most common prohibited items travelers have in hand luggage that are banned through TSA security are liquids, gels, aerosols and larger spreadable substances,” said Farbstein. 3.4 ounces. Liquid Rule 3-1-1. “Basically, if you can spill, spray, spread, pump, or spill, and it’s larger than 3.4 ounces, you should pack it in carry-on.”
This rule means that you can bring liquids, gels, and aerosols on board in travel-sized containers as long as they are no more than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) and all can fit in a single bag. 1 liter, resealable bag.
“The same items, but not toiletries, are liquid or spreadable food items such as apple sauce, jams/jellies/preservatives, canned vegetables,” Farbstein said. There’s liquid inside the box, Nutella and peanut butter.” They must also adhere to the 3-1-1 fluid rule.
So your travel-sized toothpaste and lotion are fine. However, a large bottle of mouthwash is not allowed. Similarly, a large bottle of shampoo needs to be left at home.
“Common examples include beverages like bottled water, energy drinks, juices, sodas, and alcohol,” says Farbstein. “But apart from drinks, still in the same category would be toiletries such as hair gel, aftershave, perfume, perfume, shampoo, conditioner, Vaseline, toothpaste and sunscreen.”
Note that TSA Waivers for Medically Necessary Liquidspills and creams more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on baggage.
Wine
Many travelers don’t know that you can actually bring your own alcohol on a flight — but with some limitations. According to the TSA, beverages with an alcohol content of more than 24% but not more than 70% can be carried in a checked bag as long as it is not more than 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and they remain unopened in their packaging. original retail. Small bottles of wine can be carried in your carry-on, but must be able to fit comfortably into a one-litre bag.
However, federal law prohibit travelers from drinking their own alcohol on board – flight attendants have to serve alcohol.
Federal Aviation Administration fines a small number of passengers more than 1 million dollars in 2021 for bringing their alcohol on a plane, getting drunk and Ignore the flight attendant’s instructions.
Fertilizer
If you have a green thumb, I regret to inform you that fertilizer is not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage as it can be flammable. However, you can bring plant (and sow seeds) if your plants fit in a crate overhead or under your seat.
Miscellaneous things
Another type of items that are not allowed on board are tools larger than 7 inches. That’s because these items can be considered weapons. Examples include hammers, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, saws and drills.
Various knives/blades, butter knives, hunting knives, credit card knives, keychain knives, Swiss Army knives, tactical knives and cake cutters are also prohibited.
bottom line
If you are unsure if an item can be packed in your carry-on and/or checked baggage, download MyTSA . app and use “What can I bring?” feature to double check item.
Travelers can also submit questions by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872). For a complete list of accepted TSA items, visit this page.
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