In the last two decades, the TSA has cracked down on what passengers can bring through checkpoints and onto flights. The list of prohibited items is lengthy and extensive, but what might surprise flyers is that some pretty bizarre items aren’t overlooked—they’re completely allowed.
From live crustaceans and fish to human remains, the TSA is totally okay with you bringing some strange things on board the flight.
Live Lobsters
This may be surprising, but the TSA allows passengers to transport live lobsters through security. The catch is that they need to be in clear, spill-proof containers so that the lobster can undergo visual inspection at the checkpoint.
While this might raise eyebrows from fellow travelers, it’s legal and surprisingly common among seafood enthusiasts traveling from coastal destinations.
Christmas Lights
When the holiday season rolls around, families flying to reunite don’t have to worry about leaving the decorations at home. The TSA permits Christmas lights to be carried-on and checked bags without special restrictions.
Whether visiting family during the holidays or moving to a new home, your festive lights can accompany you.
Cowboy Spurs
While this may not be an item that passengers commonly need to bring, cowboy spurs are completely okay to bring on a flight. The spurs must be stored separately from the boots.
The requirement to remove spurs from boots serves both security and safety purposes. It prevents potential weapon use while allowing legitimate transportation of specialized riding equipment.
Antlers
Hunters and collectors can also breathe easily knowing that antlers can be transported through TSA checkpoints as carry-on if they fit in overhead storage or under seats.
This policy accommodates hunting tourism and taxidermy transportation while maintaining reasonable size restrictions. The TSA recognizes antlers as legitimate sporting trophies rather than potential weapons, provided they’re properly sized for aircraft storage.
Harry Potter Wands and Light Sabers
Even children can benefit from some items that are exempt from the TSA’s usually strict rules. Toy lightsabers are fine to bring on board a flight, with the agency humorously noting that “the technology doesn’t currently exist to create a real lightsaber.”
This policy reflects the TSA’s ability to distinguish between harmless toys and actual weapons, allowing fans to transport their beloved collectibles while maintaining security standards.
Coffee and Espresso Makers
Those who can’t go anywhere without their coffee makers should know that the TSA will let them bring complete coffee and espresso machines on board the flight. The TSA recommends packing their appliances into a carry-on luggage bag with neat cable wrapping to ensure no complications during screening.
The policy ensures coffee lovers can maintain their routines while traveling, whether for extended stays or permanent relocations, where familiar brewing equipment provides comfort.
Magic 8 Balls
Strangely, Magic 8-Balls do have restrictions. They can’t be in carry-on bags, but it’s perfectly fine for them to be in checked luggage.
The agency amusingly states: “For carry-on bags: We asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us… Outlook not so good! For checked bags: We asked for the Magic 8 Ball, and it told us… It is certain!” This liquid-filled toy falls under the 3-1-1 rule due to its internal fluid.
Sewing Machines
Just like coffee machines, sewing machines can be transported in both carry-on bags and checked luggage. Airlines should be consulted to ensure machines fit in overhead bins or under seats when carried aboard.
The policy recognizes sewing machines as legitimate tools rather than potential weapons, provided they meet standard size restrictions for carry-on items.
Waffle Irons
We know that many Americans can’t do without their waffle irons if they want a proper breakfast, and the TSA caters to this. When carried aboard, the appliance must fit standard aircraft storage requirements.
The policy accommodates travelers with specific dietary needs or preferences who require familiar cooking equipment during extended stays or relocations.
Live Fish
Under TSA rules, live fish, like lobsters, are acceptable in transparent water-filled containers. To make life easier, the container can exceed the standard 3.4-ounce liquid limit for this specific purpose.
Aquarium enthusiasts frequently use this provision when attending fish shows or relocating valuable specimens.
Fresh Eggs
The TSA permits fresh eggs in carry-on luggage, treating them as solid food items rather than liquids. Each egg is considered its own container and doesn’t count toward liquid restrictions, making it possible to transport dozens of eggs if properly packaged.
Farm owners frequently use this provision to share fresh eggs with family or transport breeding stock.
Fresh Cakes and Pies
Homemade and store-bought cakes and pies can travel as carry-on items, often as personal items rather than full carry-on bags. Buttercream frostings travel better than cream fillings, and proper packaging prevents damage during transport.
Many travelers use this provision for special occasions, family gatherings, or transporting regional specialties.
Musical Instruments
Under federal transportation law, guitars, violins, flutes, and other small instruments are permitted as carry-on items. Larger instruments may require seat purchases for safe storage.
Due to size constraints, brass instruments are recommended for checked baggage, while string instruments often travel better in cabin conditions.
Cremated Remains
Cremated remains are permitted in carry-on and checked luggage, though most airlines recommend carry-on to prevent loss. Urns must be made from X-ray-transparent materials like wood or plastic, avoiding metal or ceramic containers. Proper documentation, including death certificates and cremation permits, should accompany the remains.
This compassionate policy allows families to transport loved ones’ remains with dignity while meeting security requirements through appropriate container materials and documentation.
Knitting Needles
All knitting needles, including metal double-pointed and circular needles, are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage. Knitting projects can accompany scissors smaller than 4 inches from the pivot point.
The TSA recognizes knitting needles as legitimate crafting tools rather than weapons. Many knitters travel regularly with metal needles without incident, though some prefer wooden or plastic alternatives to avoid potential scrutiny.
Poster Tubes
Large poster tubes for conference presentations or artwork are generally permitted as carry-on items, though policies can vary by airline and at the discretion of the gate agent.
Many travelers bring poster tubes aboard as personal items or additional carry-on allowances. Academic conferences frequently require poster presentations, making this accommodation essential for researchers and students. Some airlines may require checking poster tubes at the gate if space is limited, but most accommodate these specialized travel needs.
Umbrellas
According to TSA guidelines, standard umbrellas are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage. Whether compact or full-sized, umbrellas pass through security without issue since they’re not classified as dangerous items.
Airlines like United specifically list umbrellas as additional items you can bring for free alongside your regular baggage allowance.
Small Snow Globes
Tennis ball-sized snow globes are permitted in carry-on luggage, provided the entire globe, including its base, fits in your quart-sized liquid bag.
This policy change from the TSA allows small snow globes containing less than 3.4 ounces of liquid to travel with other toiletries and cosmetics. Larger snow globes must be packed in checked baggage to comply with liquid restrictions.
Breast Pumps
The TSA and airlines consider breast pumps medical devices, allowing them as additional carry-on items that don’t count against baggage limits. Major airlines like United specifically list breast pumps as free additional items, even when traveling without your child.
The TSA permits breast milk in quantities exceeding the standard 3.4-ounce limit, recognizing it as medically necessary nutrition.
Small Tools (Under 7 Inches)
When assembled, tools measuring less than 7 inches from end to end are permitted in carry-on baggage, including screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers.
The measurement is taken from the bottom to the tip of the assembled tool, allowing many common hand tools to accompany travelers. However, drill bits, regardless of size, are specifically prohibited in carry-on luggage.