15 Things You Can’t Bring On An Airplane, But We’re Not Sure Why

Going to the airport is nearly always a stressful experience, even when doing short domestic flights. You never know what you’re supposed to bring, what you aren’t supposed to bring, and which row is the one you’re on according to your ticket. A headache is guaranteed.

Even more of a hassle is when your personal items are confiscated because they aren’t allowed on the plane. But how were we supposed to know? This is why we’ve made this list, gathering the items that, hopefully, you’ll avoid getting confiscated in the future.

Snow Globes Larger Than A Tennis Ball

If you plan to bring home a winter wonderland souvenir, you might want to reconsider the size. These decorative spheres often trigger security concerns simply because of the unknown liquid swirling around inside them.

Classic Magic Eight Ball Toys

Do not rely on this fortune-telling toy to predict a smooth trip through security. They are banned from carry-on bags because the dark liquid inside actually exceeds the allowed limits, though you can check them.

Jars Of Creamy Peanut Butter

Making a quick sandwich at the gate is off the table. Security considers this popular spread a liquid because it lacks a definite shape and simply takes the form of whatever container it sits in.

Gel Filled Shoe Inserts And Insoles

Walking through huge airport terminals can leave your feet aching, although you better not rely on these squishy cushions in your carry-on luggage. Security officers might ask you to leave them behind before you board.

Heavy Cast Iron Skillets And Pans

Cooking a heavy breakfast at your destination means paying for a checked bag. These heavy kitchen staples cannot fly in the cabin because agents classify them as items that could be used as a bludgeon.

Standard Bowling Pins For Sport

If you plan on hitting the lanes during your vacation, you will have to check your gear. Security bans these heavy wooden items from airplane cabins because they could easily be used as a bludgeon.

Foam Toy Swords And Replica Weapons

Even if your kids are just playing pirate, these soft toys must go in a checked bag. They are restricted because they can cause alarm, be mistaken for real threats, or be used to strike someone.

Jars Of Fruit Jam And Jelly

Your favorite morning toast topping is another casualty of the strict liquid rules. While you can safely pack these fruity spreads in your checked bags, bringing them through the security checkpoint is a guaranteed confiscation.

Traditional English Christmas Crackers

These festive holiday favors will be confiscated from both carry-on and checked bags. They are entirely banned because they contain a tiny explosive paper strip treated with a microscopic amount of actual gunpowder.

Gel Based Medical Heating Pads

While staying warm on a chilly flight sounds great, these soothing items are not allowed in the cabin or for in-flight use. You will have to store them in your checked luggage for the trip.

Strike Anywhere Matches For Camping

Lighting a campfire will require a trip to a local store once you land. Security guidelines state that you cannot pack this specific type of fire starter in any airplane baggage, whether checked or carried on.

Kitchen Blenders With The Blades Attached

Making smoothies on the go requires careful packing. Bringing the machine itself is usually fine, but leaving the sharp metal pieces attached will guarantee a conversation with security and a likely trip back to the counter.

Containers Of Creamy Hummus Dip

Healthy snacking at the gate is surprisingly difficult. This popular chickpea snack is treated exactly like a liquid by security agents, meaning your delicious appetizer will probably end up in the trash bin before you board.

Gel Candles For Home Decor

Creating a relaxing atmosphere with decorative lighting is a nice thought, but these items are a security nightmare. The soft material inside them closely resembles banned substances, making them an automatic no for your carry-on luggage.

Aerosol Spray Cheese In A Can

This processed cheese spread product is a mighty guilty pleasure, and also the pressurized container makes it a hassle at the airport. You will have to pack it in a checked bag if you want cheesy crackers later.