Packing luggage to comply with TSA rules can feel like unraveling a tangle of regulations, from banned liquids and confusing rules around food items (is peanut butter a solid or a liquid?), to special policies for battery-powered devices.
But there are also plenty of unexpected items that travelers are, in fact, permitted to bring through airport security—from certain kitchen appliances and camping equipment to live crustaceans and large trays of food. TSA allows these items and more through its checkpoints, with special screening protocols and packing tips for each unconventional item.
If you’re unclear about whether a specific item is allowed in your carry-on suitcase, TSA offers help with the “Can I Bring” search feature on its website and the myTSA app. You can also send a question to @askTSA on Facebook Messenger or X, or text your question to 275-872 (ASK-TSA).
Below, we take a closer look at some of the more surprising items TSA allows through the airport and onto the plane. Remember that while these items are largely allowed, the final decision on what makes it through the security area rests with the individual TSA officers.
This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Full-sized liquids that are frozen
Here’s a good tip: If you want to bring a large liquid through security, like a water bottle, you can freeze it. Frozen liquids are allowed through the checkpoint. However, it must be completely frozen solid to meet TSA’s requirements. “If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements,” the agency’s rules say.
Fresh eggs
When the urge to bring along a dozen fresh, uncooked eggs strikes before your next vacation, remember that TSA officers won’t bat an eyelid. In fact, fresh eggs are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. As with other food items, you’ll want to place them separately on the conveyor belt so they don’t obscure images taken by the scanner. Think through the packing process carefully, too. Special containers, foam, and bubble wrap are all good options. Remember that eggs can only sit at room temperature for about two hours before they’re unsafe to eat, so place them in frozen ice packs to avoid stinking up the cabin and making a few enemies.
Whole cakes and pies
Planning to stash an apple pie in your carry-on or stow a chocolate cake in the overhead bin? You shouldn’t have any problems at the checkpoint: Full-size desserts are good to fly according to TSA rules. Most solid food meets the security requirements and can be brought on board planes. It’s a good idea to separate any larger food items from your bags so officers can get a clear picture from the X-ray machine to avoid re-screening.
Live lobsters
Whether you’re heading to a lobster boil or bringing back an edible souvenir, TSA does allow lobsters through the security checkpoint, even if they’re still swimming. Your crustaceans must be packed in a clear, plastic spill-proof container. During screening, a TSA officer will inspect the lobster and its container. Just be sure to double-check that your airline allows them on board—many do, but some do not.
Fishing poles
TSA allows anglers to bring some of their gear through the checkpoint and into the plane cabin, including fishing rods and poles. However, travelers should double check with their airline that their poles are within the carrier’s size limitations for carry-on items. Small flies and tackle items can also go through the checkpoint, but larger fish hooks and other sharp tackle equipment should be sheathed, securely wrapped, and placed in checked baggage.
Cowboy spurs
Heading out West for some rural upskilling or simply taking part in the cowboy-core travel trend? You should know that all parts of your outfit will be allowed on board the plane, from the Stetson on your head to the spurs on your boots. Feel free to pack your spurs in your carry-on, place them in checked luggage, or wear them on your flight—just watch where you place your feet to avoid a grumbling seat mate.
Pet fish in water
Certain cats, birds, and dogs are allowed in plane cabins, but did you know that pet fish are cleared for takeoff by TSA? Just make sure your aquatic buddy is swimming in a clear spill-proof vessel. The container is allowed to be bigger than the standard 3.4oz/100ml limit for liquids in carry-on bags. A TSA officer will inspect the fish and its portable aquarium by hand, so don’t send them through the scanner. The same rules apply for live coral, should you be transporting any for regenerative travel purposes.
Microwaves
We’re not sure why an airline passenger would want to travel with a microwave in a plane cabin, but rest assured that if the need does arise, it’s 100 percent allowed by TSA. Like other large electronics, microwaves should be removed from luggage and packaging and placed on the conveyor belt separately. Although you’ll breeze through the checkpoint with your appliance, you’ll want to verify that your airline allows microwaves on board and that yours fits within the size limits for carry-on bags or personal items. There’s nothing worse than backing up the boarding process because you can’t fit your microwave in the overhead compartment.
Snow globes
If a snow globe catches your eye while souvenir shopping, opt to purchase a mini size. Snow globes that are roughly the size of a tennis ball are actually allowed through the checkpoint. To pass inspection, the globes must appear to have 3.4 ounces of liquid or less and fit into a passenger’s quart-size bag with their other liquids. Larger snow globes must be packed in checked bags. The same goes for similar toys, such as Magic 8 balls.
Coffee and espresso machines
If you’re looking to stay caffeinated on your next trip, rest assured that TSA allows coffee and espresso machines through the security checkpoint. In fact, the agency recommends packing any fragile and expensive electronics, such as coffee devices, in your carry-on to help avoid potential damage that can occur to checked bags. Passengers should carefully pack the appliance in question and make sure all cords are wrapped.
Baby food, formula, and breastmilk over 3.4 ounces
Liquids and purees used to feed little ones are allowed through the TSA checkpoint in quantities larger than those subject to the 3-1-1 rule. These liquids are seen as medically necessary items and are therefore subject to different screening rules. That means breastmilk, formula, puree pouches, and toddler drinks like milks and juices are all allowed in carry-on bags. Tell the TSA officer you are traveling with larger quantities of breastmilk, formula, or baby food, and they will screen the items separate from your belongings. They may need to test the liquids to ensure they’re safe to fly. TSA recommends traveling with formula and breastmilk in clear, plastic bottles to speed up screening, but that’s not required.
Tattoo guns
If you need to ink up on the go, TSA has you covered. They allow tattoo guns through the checkpoint and in checked bags, too. (But if you do decide to put a tattoo gun in checked luggage, be sure any lithium batteries are removed.) While the device itself is good to fly in the cabin, any tattoo ink is subject to stricter protocols. TSA considers it a liquid, and as such, it’s limited to just 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags.
