21 Weirdest Things You Can Take on a Plane
With an estimated 5 billion people traveling by plane this year, everyone knows that air travel is both a luxury and often an uncomfortable and stressful experience. Much of that stress comes from going through airport security , at least in the U.S. And one of those stressors is figuring out what you can and can’t bring on a plane. Everyone knows that liquids are limited to 3.4 ounces (with a few exceptions ), and it’s no surprise that you can’t bring firearms on board. But after that, things get a bit blurry, unless you’ve spent the last few days poring over the TSA website.
If you do your research, you’ll quickly learn that you can bring some pretty unexpected things on board a plane. Here are some of the weirdest items that TSA won’t even blink at if you push them through security. Just remember, as the TSA reminds us, “The final decision on whether an item will be cleared through security is made by a TSA officer.”
List
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Parachutes. In news that you may find either funny or ominous, you are perfectly allowed to carry a personal parachute on a commercial flight (even though air travel remains the safest way to travel by a long shot). The parachute must be carried separately from your luggage, and you must allow a TSA agent to inspect it in your presence, then be prepared to pack it.
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Human Bones: You may be wondering why you would want to bring a human skeleton or animal bones, but you should know that the TSA has confirmed on social media that a properly packaged and labeled skeleton or set of animal bones is acceptable if the airline is willing to accept it.
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Live fish (and lobsters). Live fish, such as goldfish , in a clear container of water are absolutely allowed on a plane (after inspection, whatever that means). The container may be larger than 3.4 ounces (100 g) , which can be confusing. You can also take a live lobster or two in your checked baggage, if that’s what you would normally do.
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Snow globes. You probably wouldn’t think of this unless you’re desperate to bring home a dozen snow globes for the holidays, but if you’re wondering, snow globes are legal to bring on a plane. As long as they contain less than 3.4 ounces of liquid, they can be carried in your carry-on. Otherwise, you’ll have to check them in.
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Geiger Counter. Worried about being irradiated by security scanners? Or that your neighbor might be emitting random particles? Don’t worry: You can take a Geiger counter on board.
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Shock Collars: Yes, you can take your favorite shock collar on a plane if the airline allows it. However, unless you have a pet who is trained with a collar, be prepared for some curious looks.
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Eggs. The question of why you need fresh eggs in your luggage is best left to those smarter than us. If you happen to have a dozen eggs that you absolutely must take to your destination, all you need to know is that it is allowed.
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Frozen foods. Did you know that you can get around the 3.4 ounce (90 ml) rule for liquids by freezing them? It’s true! In fact, frozen foods are generally allowed, but it can be tricky because even a small amount of melting can render the food unusable, including when using ice packs to freeze it.
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Antlers. Airport security won’t bat an eyelid if you try to carry antlers. However, the airline will probably require that they go in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you if you want to carry them. And why not?
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Alcohol. Yes, you can bring alcohol on board an airplane, but there are rules. In carry-on luggage, alcoholic beverages must meet the 3.4-ounce (95 ml) rule, and mini bottles must “conveniently” fit into a quart-size (about 1.5 liter) plastic bag. In checked baggage, you can bring an unlimited amount of alcohol under 24% ABV (48 vol.). For stronger drinks, the limit is 1.3 gallons (4.7 liters), and they must be in unopened retail packaging. One final note: just because you can bring something on board an airplane does not mean you can drink it on the plane. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that alcoholic beverages be served by flight attendants.
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Hookahs. Yes, you can take a hookah on a plane. No, you can’t use it on a plane.
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Knitting needles. In an argument that most airline security is just theater, we present: knitting needles, which can be downright dangerous, but are perfectly acceptable to bring on a plane if they are in a case or package to prevent accidents during TSA baggage screening.
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Cakes and Pies: If you want to snack on an entire birthday cake or pecan pie during your flight, go ahead — it’s allowed. Whether you feel socially pressured to share it with TSA or fellow passengers is your problem, unless you check the cake in or as a separate item, which is also allowed.
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Swords. Yes, if you have a sword, whether it’s a two-handed broadsword, a rapier, or a fencing foil, you can take it on a plane with you — in your checked baggage, though. Just make sure it’s in a sheath so no one gets cut during baggage screening.
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Festive Lights: If you need a string of colorful holiday lights as soon as you land at your destination, don’t worry: They can be carried in both carry-on and checked baggage.
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Auto Parts. You may carry any number of auto parts in either carry-on or checked baggage, provided they are completely clear of fuel and fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.
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Body armor. Now that you know that swords and knitting needles are allowed on planes (and have seen a few videos of passengers getting frisky with each other), you might want to consider bringing a body armor on your next flight. The good news? It’s totally allowed. The bad news? You can’t wear a body armor in the airport or on the plane. But you can bring it with you if you feel more comfortable doing so.
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Electric Blankets. If you want to stay as cozy as possible while flying and planes get uncomfortably cold, you can bring an electric blanket through security and on board. The bad news? If it’s a corded model, your airline probably won’t let you use it on the plane, even if there are power outlets. You can probably use a battery-powered blanket, but check with your airline first.
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Laser Pointers: Leaving aside the question of why you would want to carry a laser pointer with you at all times, yes, you can take one on a plane.
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Spurs: If you live the cowboy lifestyle and often find yourself in public places with spurs, don’t worry: they can be checked in as carry-on or checked luggage without any problems.
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Lock picks. There’s nothing fishy about this, at least from the TSA’s perspective: Yes, you can bring lock picks on board an airplane. As long as they’re shorter than 7 inches, they’re OK in carry-on luggage. Keep in mind that local laws may prohibit this even if the TSA doesn’t object, so check with your local law enforcement if you want to avoid trouble.