While most airline passengers are (understandably) focused on what they can’t bring through TSA, there’s actually a substantial list of unexpected items that the agency does allow through the airport checkpoint. Objects spanning home appliances and obscure sports equipment, to live sea creatures and full-on platters of food are routinely processed in the security line. And while we’re not exactly sure some of these things are realistic to pack, it’s nice to know you have the choice—just in case.
If you’re ever unsure whether an item can fly, TSA has a few helpful resources, including a “Can I Bring” search feature on its website and on its myTSA app. You can also tweet a question to @askTSA, or text your question to 275-872 (ASK-TSA).
To give you an idea of the wide world of accepted items, we gathered nine surprising items that TSA actually allows through the airport checkpoint.
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, they 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.
Bowling balls
It may be cumbersome to travel with, but a bowling ball is acceptable as one of your carry-on items. Roll one through the scanner, and TSA will wave you right through security. The same is not true for all sports equipment, however. Other weighty sports items, like baseball bats or golf clubs, must go in checked baggage.
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.
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.
