Editor’s Note

This was one of our most popular articles of 2015, so we decided to revisit it to see what has changed in the security line in the intervening three years.

To the surprise of many travelers, mini alcohol bottles, monkey wrenches, roller blades and service monkeys are among the carry-on items that can be brought aboard U.S. airlines.

An infographic produced by Cheapflights shows 25 items that can be either carried on or packed in checked-in luggage. Many of the items must be carefully packed and require extra time getting through airport security, and it’s best to check the official Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for detailed regulations. Also, to avoid a big surprise once you land, be sure to check state regulations because in many cases, items that can be legally brought aboard are illegal in some states.

Note: By downloading the MyTSA App, you can search the database for updates on what is allowed using a feature called “Can I Bring?”

Here are some of the most surprising items allowed on planes:

Service animals: Airlines have different policies regarding these, and some even allow monkeys—including those service monkeys specially trained to help adults with spinal-cord injuries and other impairments—to board with you.

Note: Airline policies differ regarding service and emotional-support animals, but a rule of thumb is to bring their harness, tags and documentation—and call ahead to be sure.

Liquids: Passengers can carry on one quart-size bag filled with 3.4 ounce-sized containers of liquid.

Note: Parents traveling with toddlers can carry aboard infant formula, baby food and juice. Mothers with or without their infants can bring bottles that are larger than regular TSA standards. Empty water bottles are allowed and can be filled after going through security.

Sporting goods: Baseball bats, fishing poles, golf clubs and spear guns are among the sports equipment that can be checked, but can’t be carried aboard. Ice/roller skates and roller blades can be carried on, as can skateboards if they fit in an overhead compartment or under a seat. You can carry on baseball and soccer cleats, but not snow cleats.

Note: While oversize items such as surfboards can be checked, call your airline for prices and limitations.

Sharp objects: You can’t bring your hatchet on board with you, but it, along with axes, hammers, drills, box cutters, saws and razor blades, are allowed in checked luggage.

Note: Crochet hooks and disposable razors can be tucked into carry-on bags, but scissors must be 4-inches or less from the pivot point and sheathed or put in luggage.

Guns and ammunition: Firearms can’t be carried on, but can be checked if you have a carry permit—and unloaded and packed in a hard-sided container.

Note: Similarly, BB guns, compressed air/paintball guns and flare guns unloaded and packed in proper containers can be checked. Consult your airline about limitations and fees for ammunition. TSA advises packing toy guns in checked bags to avoid confusion and delays.   

Tools: Monkey wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers can be carried on, but must be securely wrapped.

Note: Tools longer than 7 inches are prohibited in carry-on baggage; these items must be packed in checked bags. You also might be surprised to learn you can bring waffle irons, coffee makers and vacuum robots in both checked bags and carry-ons. Mysteriously, Magic 8 Balls cannot be carried on.

Mini alcohol bottles: They’re allowed if in a quart-size bag that is taken through security, or they can be purchased afterward and carried on freely.

Note: Beverages with 70 percent or more alcohol content (140 proof) are banned. Cheers.

Items you can’t travel with include gel sole inserts for shoes, snow globes weighing more than 3.4 ounces, gel-type candles, strike-anywhere matches, spray paint and flares.

Note: New to the banned list in 2016 was the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, which has issues with battery defects that spark fires. Regardless of the rules, the final word about what is allowable rests with the TSA officer you are lucky, or unlucky, enough to encounter.

 

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