7 Things NOT to Pack in Your Carry-on ...

If you’re travelling this summer by plane, there are some things you need to know — you need to be at the airport two hours before your flight leaves, most airlines are changing for even the first bag you check, and there are a lot of things you’re not going to be able to bring in your carry-on. Some of the forbidden items are obvious, like machetes, fireworks, pocketknives, and handguns, but some are items you might carry with you in your purse! Not sure what you can pack in your carry-on? Here’s a list of the no-no’s…

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Scissors

Scissors Photo Credit: virginhoney

Not that you really need to carry a pair of scissors with you on a flight, but some first-aid and nail trimming kits contain small pairs. Make sure you don’t have any of these.

Related: 7 Tips for Traveling Light ...

Bottled Water

Bottled Water Photo Credit: Diego_3336

While it’s okay to buy a bottle of water once you’re checked past security, you’re not allowed to bring a bottle of water with you through the security checkpoint. It doesn’t matter if the bottle is brand ne and sealed, they’ll make you throw it away before they’ll let you through.

Frequently asked questions

Gel Shoe Inserts

Gel Shoe Inserts Photo Credit: Stonefly Spa

If you’re wearing shoes with those comfortable gel inserts, take them out and leave them at home, because they’re contraband! If you are wearing them, or are carrying a pair of shoes in your carry-on that has them, the TSA agent will ask you to throw them away.

Tweezers or Nail Clippers

Tweezers or Nail Clippers Photo Credit: decembre71

Along with scissors, most TSA agents won’t allow you to bring tweezers or nail clippers on a plane in your carry-on. You can pack them in your suitcase, but you can’t go through security with them in your purse or carry-on.

Razor

Razor Photo Credit: Quality & Style

While the idea of fuzzy legs and underarms ought to make the TSA think twice about this one, I can see their reasoning in not allowing you to bring a razor in your carry-on. Either buy disposable ones once you reach your destination, or pack your razor in your suitcase instead.

Matches or Lighter

Matches or Lighter Photo Credit: Leo Reynolds

Again, I can absolutely see the logic in not allowing passengers to bring lighters or matches on an airplane, but some of us have these in our bags and forget about them. Before you leave for the airport, clean out your handbag and carry-on and make sure you don’t have these!

Liquid or Gel, More than 3 Ounces

Liquid or Gel, More than 3 Ounces Photo Credit: .Ottilie.

There are some things we always want to pack in our handbags and carry-ons, like toothpaste, nail polish, hair gel, mouthwash, lipstick, and deodorant. You can still pack these, but they have to be stored in a clear plastic baggie, and none of the bottles or tubes can be larger than 3 ounces (100 ml). If you try to bring them through security, the TSA agent will ask you to throw them away.

Do any of these items surprise you? I know I was a little surprised by the tweezers… but who needs to pluck their eyebrows on a plane anyway? For a full list of items you shouldn’t pack in your carry-on, visit tsa.gov Do you know of anything else you shouldn’t pack in your carry-on? Please let me know!

Top Photo Credit: simple tess

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Honestly, some TSA agents aren't that picky about liquids and gels as long as they are in one of those plastic baggies. All of the places I went to never said a thing about my deodorant, nail polish, or toothpaste. You can also have gel inserts in your shoes. I've never had to throw mine away. That would be ridiculous.

why are gel inserts contraband? i don't really get that one

Some of these are not accurate. 1. Sewing scissors are completely fine to bring on a plane as long as they're not longer than 4 inches then they are alright. This is very helpful since some people need scissors for hobbies like sewing on a plane. 2. As long as bottles of water are empty then they are allowed to be brought through in your carry on. After passing through baggage check, then you can refill it at any water fountain, this will then save money so that you don't have to buy an expensive bottle in the airport. 3. Tweezers, nail clippers, and razors are also allowed on your carry. As long as you're not bringing something like a straight razor or box cutter then it is not prohibited.

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