Following Transportation Security Administration rules is important not only to get to your plane on time but also to keep others safe. TSA recently got rid of the shoes-off rule, but it still maintains the 3.4-ounce rule for liquids.
There are three new items banned by TSA that you may need to know about.
Here's what they are and how to prevent your items from being taken away.
TSA bans some cordless hair tools in checked luggage
Do you use cordless hair devices for your hair routine? It might be best to keep them at home, because they may contain potentially hazardous materials, like gas cartridges and butane, which are banned by TSA.
The Federal Aviation Administration says that these kinds of cordless hair tools are banned, according to TheStreet:
- Cordless curling irons or flatirons containing gas cartridges
- Butane-fueled curling irons or flat irons
- Gas refills (spare cartridges) for curling irons or flat irons
If TSA finds these banned items in your checked bags, your luggage will be taken away.
These items are allowed in your carry-on, however, as long as they have safety covers to prevent activation.
Hair tools with cords are fine for checked or carry-on bags.
9 weird items you can bring through TSA security checkpoints
If you're a cowboy who likes Harry Potter and you want to celebrate Christmas with festive lights and a live lobster, you should have little trouble getting through TSA at the airport.
These bizarre and unexpected items are TSA-approved:
- Live lobsters: Live lobsters are allowed through security, but TSA says your lobster friend must be transported in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container. A TSA officer will visually inspect your lobster at the checkpoint.
- Christmas lights: If you're feeling a bit of holiday cheer, TSA allows Christmas lights in either carry-on or checked bags.
- Cowboy spurs: Cowboy spurs are allowed, but they have to be off your boots and placed in carry-on and checked bags.
- Antlers: Antlers are allowed on board as a carry-on or can go inside your checked bags, but there's a snag — you need to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane, if you're bringing it as a carry-on.
- Harry Potter wands, light sabers: Both your Harry Potter wands and Star Wars light sabers are safe to fly. "Sadly, the technology doesn't currently exist to create a real lightsaber. However, you can pack a toy lightsaber in your carry-on or checked bag. May the force be with you," TSA adds.
- Coffee and espresso makers: Need an extra jolt of energy? TSA says that coffee and espresso makers are allowed, but you should carefully pack it and make sure all cords are wrapped. TSA recommends packing them in your carry-on.
- Magic 8 ball: While your fortune-telling ball can't go in carry-on bags, it's good to fly in checked bags. According to TSA, "For carry-on bags: We asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us … Outlook not so good! For checked bags: We asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us … It is certain!"
- Sewing machines: Sewing machines are allowed to fly in your checked luggage or carry-on, but TSA says you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the plane's overhead bin or underneath the seat.
- Waffle irons: Waffle irons will go through TSA checkpoints as a carry-on or in checked baggage, but make sure that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.
Not sure what's allowed or prohibited to bring on board? See the complete list on TSA's website.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: TSA bans new items in checked bags. See what they are, why they're banned.
Reporting by Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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