What Is Banned From Airline Flights?

In most cases, questionable items may be checked but not carried on. Banned items may vary from airline to airline, but the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provide guidelines for what is not allowed.

Sharp objects

Box cutters, meat cleavers, razor blades, sabers and swords may be checked, and scissors may be both carried on and checked. If you are planning to pack these items, they must be sheathed or wrapped in a protective cloth or padding.

Firearms

Firearms, flare guns and ammunition can also be checked, though they must be unloaded and packed in a hard container. They must be declared when you check in, but double check with your airline to make sure they're allowed. Flares and gun powder, however, are not allowed.

Tools

Tools longer than 7 inches, saws, drills and drill bits, crowbars, axes and cattle prods may be checked, but not carried on. Like the sharp items above, these items must be sheathed or bundled in protective wrapping.

Explosives

Fireworks, dynamite, plastic explosives, blasting caps, hand grenades, gasoline, torch lighters, lighter fluid, strike-anywhere matches, replicas of explosives, fire extinguishers, tear gas and aerosol paint and gels cannot be carried on or checked.

Liquids

Flammable liquids, liquid bleach, chlorine used for pools and spas, paint thinner and replicas of flammable items are also not allowed.

References

• TSA Prohibited items
• FAA Hazardous materials