Ranking The Newly Banned TSA Items From Minor Inconvenience to Travel Apocalypse

Are you keeping up-to-date on all the latest airport security changes?

Earlier this year, we went over some of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) newly-banned items, and the list was a doozy. As the year winds down, we wanted to revisit this list (and see what’s been added), ranking the items from least problematic to “OMG the world is ending!”

For this list, we’ll be numbering off items 1 through 7, with 1 being totally awful and 7 being a minor inconvenience.

7. Replica Weapons and Toy Guns

TSA has a strict ban on  anything that looks like a weapon in your carry-on. That includes toy guns, prop weapons (like Star Wars blasters), and, bubble guns — like the ones sold at Disney parks. Obviously, this rule can be a bit problematic for tourists who might pick something up fitting this description during their vacation.

However, you are allowed to travel with these items, so long as they’re in a checked bag. TSA reserves the right to search your bag if suspicion arises, but rest assured that you won’t be breaking any laws.

One note here, though: Replicas of not-actually-real weapons are apparently allowed. Take, for examples, the lightsaber…

Yep, the TSA says that you CAN pack a toy lightsaber in your carry-on or checked bag, because “the technology doesn’t currently exist to create a real lightsaber.” And yes, this is actually on the TSA’s website — with “May the force be with you” wishes and all!

6. Alcohol Over 140 Proof

Sure, you already know about the liquid rule, which clearly applies to alcohol. But did you know that alcohol over 140 proof (70%ABV) is completely banned on airplanes?

High-proof spirits like grain alcohol and some strong rums fall into this category, and TSA doesn’t ban them because they think you’ll turn into an eccentric Jack Sparrow (although we’re sure that’s a concern). No, 140 proof alcohol is banned because it’s extremely flammable, and starting a fire 42,000 feet in the air might be a bit dangerous…

5. Certain Foods

TSA has teased getting rid of the liquid ban, but for now, it’s still in place. That means spreadable foods like peanut butter and dips over 3.4 ounces aren’t allowed in carry-ons. That’s right, according to the TSA, peanut butter is a liquid — they even posted on X about it recently!

Peanut Butter is a liquid. We said what we said.

— TSA (@TSA) August 23, 2024

This carry-on ban also applies to any canned goods with too much liquid, such as soups. Solid snacks and treats are good to go, however! Yeah, we’re a little confused about what is what with food, too. X users had a few things to say in the replies:

We kind of have to agree here, TSA — we’d like to see you drink some peanut butter!

4. Wrapped Gifts

Traveling for special occasions — such as birthdays — is incredibly commonplace. Therefore, so is traveling with gifts. While TSA isn’t exactly cosplaying as the Grinch, the administration does have one strict rule about flying with gifts: They CANNOT be wrapped.

No, you won’t go to prison for giftwrapping your kid’s birthday presents. But a TSA agent might pull those gifts aside, tear through the wrapping, and verify the item is TSA-approved. To avoid all your hard work being undone, use gift bags or wrap the gifts at your destination.

3. Loose Lithium Batteries

Now we’re getting into the nitty-gritty. Spare lithium batteries, such as rechargeable power banks, or loose camera and drone batteries CANNOT be packed in checked luggage.

TSA implements this rule to prevent short-circuiting. While this can be annoying — especially if you didn’t know about this rule beforehand — it’s still not the end of the world. Just safely store them in your carry-on bag, and you won’t face any issues.

2. Certain Curling Irons and Hair Products

Alright, messing with batteries is one thing. Hair care necessities? Oh man, are we crossing some lines. Recently, it was revealed that curling irons or flat irons that contain gas cartridges, curling irons or flat irons fueled by butane, and spare gas cartridges for curling irons or flat irons CANNOT be packed in checked luggage.

You can still pack these in your carry-on as long as they have a safety cover that prevents them from accidentally being turned on or activated. Still, these irons aren’t usually tiny, and if you were hoping to have some extra room in your carry-on, you’re gonna be out of luck.

1. Smart Luggage with Non-Removable Batteries

There’s been a theme at the top of the list regarding batteries, and the theme isn’t stopping at our top pick. Smart luggage — including ones with built-in USB ports and tracking features — is completely banned from air travel if it has a non-removable lithium battery.

You can’t check these bags. You can’t carry these bags on. You can only experience pain if you bring them to the airport with you. So before you pack your smart luggage completely full and head out the door, make sure you can remove the battery. Otherwise, get ready to cry at the airport.

Welp, at least we all know what NOT to pack before our next trip! We’re consistently keeping up with all the latest travel news, tips, and tricks, so keep following us right here at ALLEars to stay in the know!

6 Things TSA Officers Wish You’d Stop Doing at the Airport

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

Share your best airport security tips in the comments below!

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