1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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!

7. 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