The 13 Strangest Things Allowed Through Airport Security
Updated: Jan. 08, 2024
The Transportation Security Administration's "What Can I Bring?" list has a few weird items on it that make you wonder why they even had to add these things in the first place.
Can I bring this through security?
The TSA has so many confusing rules when it comes to what you can and can’t bring through security in your carry-on. Sometimes, it seems like your best bet is to just buy everything you need for your trip once you get there. But there are a few weird things that you’re surprisingly allowed to bring with you through security. So if there is a rare chance you need to travel with any of these strange things, know that you’re allowed to bring them in your carry-on (if they can fit!).
Antlers
Don’t worry, those deer antlers that you picked up as a souvenir on your trip are safe to come back in your carry-on. Just check with your airline first to make sure that they’ll fit in the overhead bin; if not, you’ll have to check them before security. This is what your TSA agent isn’t telling you.
Artificial skeleton bones
Artificial skeleton bones will make it through security just fine. You might want to be transparent with your TSA agent about why you have them though so you don’t send them into a panic. Besides the strange things you have in your suitcase, this is what a TSA agent first notices about you.
Sports balls
Basketballs, baseballs, footballs, and soccer balls are all allowed through airport security. I’m not really sure why you would want to take up space in your carry-on with a giant basketball, but hey, maybe you think you’ll have time for a pick-up game if your flight gets delayed.
Bicycle chains and pumps
Your bicycle chains and pumps are both allowed through airport security, but if you want to bring your bicycle you need to check with your airline first. If one of your items does get taken by security, here’s how you can get back the things TSA confiscated from you.
Bocce balls
If the resort you’re staying at doesn’t have a bocce court, just bring your own balls with you! You probably want to bring a carry-on bag with wheels though, because lugging eight heavy bocce balls through the airport on your shoulder doesn’t sound like fun.
Bowling balls
Your beloved bowling ball can go through security, but if you also have pins, they’ll have to be put in your checked bag. The TSA’s website states, “Sports equipment that can be used as a bludgeon (such as bats and clubs) is prohibited in the cabin of the plane and must be transported in your checked baggage.”
Bread machine
We’re assuming the only time someone brings a bread machine with them on a plane is if they’re going to gift it to another person. If that’s the case, know that it will make it through security, but it’s advised that you check with your airline to ensure it will fit in the overhead bin.
Fresh eggs
If you’re willing to risk one of them cracking and causing a smelly mess on your plane, feel free to bring your fresh eggs through security. TSA officers may instruct you to remove them from your bag to avoid blocking something from the X-ray machine, so keep them in an easily accessible spot.
Lightsaber
The TSA explains it best when it comes to bringing your lightsaber with you on the plane: “Sadly, the technology doesn’t currently exist to create a real lightsaber. However, you can pack a toy lightsaber in your carry-on or checked bag. May the force be with you.”
Live fish
Live fish in water and a clear transparent container are allowed through airport security and with you on the plane after being inspected by a TSA officer. Live lobsters can also be brought through security, but some airlines have restrictions on traveling with lobsters, so make sure to contact them first.
Sewing machine and needles
Sewing machines can be pretty big, so check with your airline to make sure it will fit in the overhead bin before lugging it through security. Needlepoint tools and knitting needles are allowed in your carry-on and checked bags, just make sure they are properly stored so they don’t hurt anyone.
Tattoo gun
If you need to travel to do some tattoo work, you are surprisingly allowed to bring your tattoo gun on board with you. However, if you also want to bring tattoo ink in your carry-on, you have to make sure it’s less than 3.4 ounces. These are the craziest things that have been left behind at airports.
Waffle iron
If you absolutely need your morning waffle every day while you’re away on vacation or a business trip, don’t fret—you can bring your waffle iron in your carry-on. Just make sure to thoroughly clean it so your clothes don’t get covered in grease.
Originally Published: February 28, 2020
