12 Innocent-Looking Items That TSA Might Take Away From Pennsylvanians
Most Pennsylvanians who’ve flown at least once already know the basics—no giant shampoo bottles, no pocket knives, and definitely no soda. But even seasoned travelers can get blindsided at TSA with stuff that looks totally harmless.
We’re talking about snow globes, peanut butter, and other everyday items that somehow end up on the no-fly list.
Yep, TSA agents have seen it all—and they’re not shy about tossing your snacks, gifts, or comfort items into the garbage if they break—or think they break—the rules.
So, before you zip up that carry-on assuming you’re good to go, these are some of the innocent-looking things that might get flagged, snagged, and left behind.
A Note on Red Tape
Some of the items on this list are a clear no-no to TSA, leading to immediate confiscation. In other cases, the item may be up to the TSA officer’s discretion.
How is that possible, you ask?
It’s because of this line on the TSA’s website: “The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.”
So, keep this in mind as you read about the following items.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter might seem like the perfect travel snack—easy, tasty, and filling—but not in the eyes of TSA.
Believe it or not, peanut butter counts as a liquid. Or more specifically, it’s classified as a “gel,” which is treated the same way.
That means you can only bring 3.4 ounces or less in your carry-on.
This has caught plenty of travelers off guard. Whether it’s a Jif to Go cup or a fancy jar of almond butter from your health food store, it could be confiscated if it’s over the limit. Even if it’s unopened and factory-sealed, the size still matters.
So, if you’re planning to spread some PB on crackers mid-flight, stick with travel-sized containers.
Gel Insoles
Your shoes might make it through security, but what’s inside them? Gel insoles can be a surprise item that TSA doesn’t always allow.
Like peanut butter, they fall into the “gel” category, and if the gel inside is considered too thick or suspicious, you might have to leave them behind.
This one stings a bit, especially if you’ve spent good money on comfort. A lot of travelers don’t even realize they’re wearing something TSA doesn’t like until it’s too late.
And nobody wants to walk through an airport with sore feet because security made you ditch your squishy inserts.
To be safe, either wear shoes without gel insoles or pack extras in your checked bag. Or try memory foam inserts instead—they usually pass without issue.
Meat and Cheese
It sounds harmless enough to carry a little snack pack with meat and cheese, especially if it’s sealed and store-bought. But TSA rules around food are more complicated than you’d think.
Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese can be seen as “spreads,” putting them in the same category as liquids and gels.
And meat? That’s a whole other issue.
Cured meats or jerky might pass, but if it’s moist or oily, agents may give you a hard time. It often depends on how it’s packed and what it looks like on the scanner.
Your best bet is to go with dry, firm cheese (like cheddar) and solid meats like beef jerky.
Or, skip your charcuterie dreams altogether and wait for airport snacks after security.
Snow Globes
Snow globes are cute, magical, and make great souvenirs, but TSA treats them like liquids.
Why? Because they’re filled with water, and if they hold more than 3.4 ounces of liquid, they’re banned from carry-ons.
That’s right—even a palm-sized snow globe could get the boot if it can’t fit in a quart-sized bag and follow the 3-1-1 liquid rule.
The real issue is that you can’t always tell how much liquid is inside just by looking at it. TSA agents aren’t going to shake it and guess—they’ll just take it.
Unless the globe is really tiny and clearly under the limit, it’s better to pack it in your checked luggage. It would be a shame if you just bought a snow globe at Disney World or the Eiffel Tower and have to throw it away.
Toy Weapons
Kids love toy lightsabers, plastic swords, and mini superhero gadgets. But TSA doesn’t love anything that looks even a little bit like a real weapon.
Even if it’s neon pink and clearly from a dollar store, if it looks like a knife, gun, or explosive device, it might not fly—literally.
This rule trips up parents all the time. A toy might have sentimental value or be part of a costume, but it still might have to go.
Some toys have removable parts that can resemble real items on an X-ray, which makes TSA agents pause and possibly confiscate them.
To avoid tears at the checkpoint, pack those kinds of toys in your checked luggage. Or choose soft plushies or puzzles for in-flight entertainment instead.
Lighters and Torch Lighters
Most regular lighters are allowed in carry-ons—yes, even a cheap Bic. But where it gets tricky is with torch lighters or anything with a blue flame.
Those are a big no-go because they burn much hotter than standard ones.
TSA draws a hard line here. Torch lighters are considered hazardous and can’t fly in either carry-on or checked bags. And if you’ve got a fancy engraved lighter you love, it’s even more heartbreaking if they take it away on the spot.
Stick to basic lighters or ditch them altogether if you’re unsure. And never try to sneak one in your shoe or tucked into a pouch—TSA scanners will find it, and it won’t end well.
Wrapped Gifts
That beautifully wrapped birthday present for your cousin? TSA might rip it open.
Even though gifts themselves are usually allowed, if they’re wrapped and something inside looks odd on the scanner, security has to unwrap it to inspect.
There’s no rule against bringing gifts, but wrapping them ahead of time isn’t smart if you’re flying. Even if the wrapping job is top-notch, TSA is all about safety, not Santa-level surprises.
So if you want your present to stay pretty, pack the wrapping paper separately and wrap once you land.
Or, if you’re in a time crunch, just go with a gift bag—they’re easier for TSA to open and reseal.
Mini Liquor Bottles
Those tiny liquor bottles from hotel minibars or airport shops seem perfect for your carry-on, right? They’re small, sealed, and TSA-friendly…sort of.
While you can bring them through security if they’re under 3.4 ounces and fit in your quart-sized liquids bag, there’s a big catch: you’re not allowed to drink them on the plane unless served by a flight attendant.
That’s because FAA rules say only airline-provided alcohol can be consumed during a flight.
So even if you’re trying to calm nerves with a tiny rum or toast with a mini champagne, popping your own bottle mid-flight is a no-go. Some passengers have even gotten fined for sneaking sips from their stash.
If you want to travel with minis, it’s safest to keep them sealed and stashed until you reach your destination. Or better yet, wait to enjoy that celebratory drink once you’re off the plane and officially on vacation mode.
Workout Weights
Bringing ankle weights or dumbbells to stay in shape on the road? TSA might see your healthy habit as a possible weapon.
While weights can be allowed in carry-ons, they often cause a pause during screening—especially if they’re metal or unusually shaped.
Security staff might worry about the possibility of someone using the weight as a blunt object. Plus, dense metal items show up oddly on X-rays, leading to extra bag checks and delays. Even something as basic as a kettlebell could raise concerns, especially if it’s heavy enough to injure someone.
If you’re set on staying fit while traveling, consider resistance bands instead.
They’re lightweight, TSA-friendly, and won’t confuse the X-ray machine.
Canned Food
Cans of soup, veggies, or even gourmet pâté might seem like a smart snack or a thoughtful gift, but TSA treats cans with suspicion. Even though they’re sealed, the liquid or gel-like contents often go over the 3.4-ounce limit.
And if agents can’t clearly determine how much liquid is inside, the can might get tossed.
Metal cans also block X-rays from showing the full contents. That means TSA agents may have to open them to check for anything dangerous, which kind of defeats the point of a sealed, preserved snack.
And once it’s opened, you’re probably not going to want to keep it.
Want to bring food from home? Stick with solid items like crackers, cookies, or trail mix. Save the chili-in-a-can for your checked bag—or better yet, your pantry.
Tools
Believe it or not, that tiny wrench or screwdriver in your bag might get you stopped.
TSA has a whole list of tools that are banned from carry-ons, including anything longer than 7 inches or that could be used as a weapon. That includes screwdrivers, pliers, crowbars, and even some Allen keys.
The issue is that tools aren’t just tools in an airport setting—they’re potential threats.
Even if they’re small or part of a multi-tool, TSA agents may not let them through if they look sharp or suspicious. It’s especially true for multi-tools with knives, which are automatically banned.
If you’re traveling for work and need tools, put them in your checked bag.
Don’t assume size will save you—TSA’s rules aren’t about convenience; they’re about safety.
Scented Candles
Scented candles might seem like the perfect souvenir or travel gift—pretty, compact, and harmless. But TSA sometimes flags them, especially if they’re in glass containers or have thick wax that looks strange on the scanner.
Plus, if they’re gel-based or have hidden compartments (yes, that’s a thing), they’re even more likely to be pulled.
Some candles are made with oils or additives that confuse X-ray machines. TSA isn’t trained to sniff out lavender vanilla; they’re trained to flag anything that might hide dangerous material.
A candle that looks artsy or homemade might raise more questions than a plain Yankee Candle.
If you’re planning to bring candles, stick with simple ones and pack them in your checked luggage just to be safe.
15 “Polite” Things Passengers Do That Flight Attendants Secretly Hate
Flight attendants love polite and considerate passengers, but sometimes good intentions turn into less-than-ideal behaviors. If you want to be seen as an all-star passenger, make sure you avoid these in-flight habits.
15 “Polite” Things Passengers Do That Flight Attendants Secretly Hate
Traveling Without ATM Fees
How does never paying an ATM fee when you travel sound? Discover the trick to doing just that from a traveler who’s saved hundreds of dollars in ATM fees.
