Some seemingly harmless household items are actually classified as prohibited items by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, whether for carry-on or checked baggage. If passengers attempt to bring prohibited items through security screening, they could face civil penalties of up to $17,062 per violation under TSA regulations.
Here are some key points of TSA airport security regulations and common categories of prohibited items:
– Lithium batteries and flammable heating products:
Products such as wireless curling irons (with lithium batteries or gas fuel), electronic cigarettes, and portable power banks (charging packs) are limited to carry-on luggage only due to the risk of overheating, fire, or explosion. They are strictly prohibited in checked baggage. (Note: When carrying a wireless curling iron in your carry-on, always cover it with a safety cap to prevent accidental activation.)
– Heavy and potentially dangerous items:
Bowling pin bottles, cast iron cookware, screwdrivers longer than 7 inches (approximately 17.78 centimeters), and corkscrews with blades (bottle openers) are strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage and can only be checked.
– Liquid exceptions (3-1-1 rule):
The general limit for carry-on liquids is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). However, items like breast milk, baby formula, baby food, and accompanying cold packs are classified as “medically necessary liquids” and are not subject to the 3.4-ounce limit. Just inform security personnel and scan these items separately during screening.
– Samsung Galaxy Note 7:
Due to past significant battery safety incidents, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is still completely banned from both carry-on and checked luggage.
– Biometric refusal rights:
Passengers have the legal right to refuse facial recognition and full-body scans and can request traditional identity verification and manual pat-down searches.
Reminder: Before packing for your trip, you can visit the TSA website’s “What Can I Bring?” tool, enter the name of the item, and confirm the latest rules for carry-on and checked baggage in advance.