In the interest of safety, the TSA maintains a list of items that are banned from passengers’ carry-on bags, checked bags, or both. It contains several hundred items that are not the least bit surprising (such as matches in checked bags, weapons in carry-on bags, and English Christmas crackers in either kind of bags – they’re not not allowed on commercial planes, period), and several items that I think the typical person wouldn’t really think about bringing on a plane (chlorine for pools and spas? A fire extinguisher? Vehicle air bags?).
The list is updated here and there – either as items appear to have become a hazard (like when Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones were bursting into flames) or, it’s suspected, when someone tries to bring something in their bag and TSA realizes it’s probably not a smart idea to do that because of potential dangers.
On that note, TSA has updated its Prohibited Items list to include a few new things:
Lithium batteries
Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only.
With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium ion batteries (101–160 Wh) or lithium metal batteries (2-8 grams). This size covers the larger after-market extended-life laptop computer batteries and some larger batteries used in professional audio/visual equipment. There is a limit of two spare batteries per person for the larger lithium ion batteries described above (101–160 watt hours per battery.
Some U.S. airlines have chosen to go a step further and require the lithium battery to be within sight of a flight attendant if it’s being used to charge an electronic device.
Cordless curling irons & flat irons
Electric curling irons and hair straighteners that use cords that plug into an electric outlet are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage. However if they’re cordless, the rules are different:
- Cordless curling irons or flatirons containing gas cartridges are banned in checked luggage.
- Butane-fueled curling irons or flat irons are banned in checked luggage.
- Gas refills (spare cartridges) for curling irons or flatirons are not permitted in checked luggage.
Note that these items are allowed in carry-on bags but they must be fitted with safety covers over the heating elements (that’s to protect them from accidental activation).
Cooking spray
Cans of cooking spray haven’t been allow in carry-on bags since the years after 9/11, since they’re larger than 3.4 ounces and won’t fit into a quart-sized bag. However they’re now banned from checked bags, as well.
Razor blades
This one isn’t really new, but TSA officials reminded passengers this past May that disposable razors and cartridges are permitted in carry-on bags, however, loose blades and straight razors can only be placed in checked bags.
Recreational oxygen canisters
Oxygen shots sold in canisters are typically sold for use at high altitudes. They’re not allowed on board, in either checked or carry-on luggage. They are considered highly flammable pressurized gases.
Want to comment on this post? Great! Read this first to help ensure it gets approved.
Want to sponsor a post, write something for Your Mileage May Vary, or put ads on our site? Click here for more info.
Like this post? Please share it! We have plenty more just like it and would love it if you decided to hang around and sign up to get emailed notifications of when we post.
Whether you’ve read our articles before or this is the first time you’re stopping by, we’re really glad you’re here and hope you come back to visit again!
This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
