7 Shocking Items TSA Won't Allow on Your Flight

Following the Great TSA Peanut Butter Incident of 2023, many travelers are left questioning what other seemingly harmless items they may need to discard at airport security. The Forbidden List goes beyond obvious restrictions like the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, including a range of foods with questionable textures and items unrelated to food altogether. Don't forget about cats and boa constrictors as well.

While packing, keep in mind that any liquid should be limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and must be stored in a clear, quart-sized plastic bag, with one bag allowed per traveler. This includes common items like shampoo, toothpaste, and both aerosol and roll-on liquid deodorants (note that solid deodorants aren’t covered by the 3-1-1 rule).

Here are some unexpected items that TSA bans from carry-on bags.

Peanut butter

The TSA has made its stance clear: Back in March, the airport security agency nearly broke the internet by declaring peanut butter a liquid, thus falling under the 3.4-ounce limit for carry-on items. Their explanation: “A liquid has no definite shape and conforms to the shape of its container.”

While peanut butter lovers were disheartened by this announcement, the resulting puns have almost made up for it. Almost. As the TSA’s fantastic Instagram recently reminded travelers: “In a jam with travel questions? Don’t skip over our friends at AskTSA! Get your answers quickly via SMS. Just text “TRAVEL” to AskTSA (275-872), and the responses are smooth, never crunchy.”

Frosting

Frosting shares a fate similar to its relative peanut butter, having been decided in Cupcakegate 2012 when a TSA agent in Las Vegas rejected a traveler's cupcake-in-a-jar. In a blog post featuring a photo comparison of a standard cupcake and a jarred version, the TSA supported the agent’s decision, claiming that frosting is a gel and thus subject to the 3.4-ounce limit.

“Unlike a thin layer of icing typically found atop cupcakes, this cupcake had a thick layer of icing within a jar.” Disbelief spread widely, and food scientists and chefs weighed in. In defense of frosting's liberty, Alton Brown told me at the time that “By definition, icing is not a gel. The term comes from gelatin, which indicates coagulated proteins, so [frosting] does not qualify. Technically, frosting is a concentrated syrup.”

Nevertheless, the TSA remains firm. In a Scrooge-like move during the 2022 holiday season, it reiterated its ban with a Tweet: “Oh snap! Bringing your gingerbread kit? Solid foods and candy are permitted. However, if it’s frosting or icing not already on the house, it must adhere to our liquids rule for carry-ons—items must be 3.4 oz. or less.” Points for more puns, I suppose.

Freezer packs that aren't fully frozen

If your freezer packs or bags of ice are solid, you’re in the clear. However, once that pack begins to melt or is even partially slushy, it’s classified as a liquid and must follow the 3-1-1 rule. So if you’re like my mom, loading ice packs into a cooler of chopped liver for Rosh Hashanah dinner, ensure those packs are completely solid. No updates on the chopped liver itself, though.

Alcohol exceeding 140 proof

Even if transferred into small bottles, any alcohol over 140 proof (that’s 70 percent alcohol) is prohibited in carry-on bags. We must admit, avoiding Everclear and high-proof Puerto Rican rum on a flight seems wise for many reasons.

Certain sports gear

You can bring your lucky baseball, basketball, or soccer ball onboard—even bike chains and pumps are permitted. However, the TSA draws the line at any sports equipment “that can be used as a bludgeon (such as bats and clubs).” Therefore, you’ll need to check golf clubs and baseball bats.

Wet pet food

If it’s too liquidy, you might lose your pet’s meal . . . to the TSA. Bring dry food and snacks when flying with an animal, even if it’s prescription. Don’t forget to travel with pets properly and review all requirements and forms for service and emotional support animals. And remember, cats love to sneak into suitcases, so check yours before heading to the airport. This guy forgot.

Ammunition

While this may seem like an obvious restriction to some, many (many, many) travelers still attempt to bring ammunition in their carry-ons. Even worse, there are instances of actual firearms (sometimes even concealed in peanut butter). Certain guns may be permitted in checked luggage (though with numerous regulations), they are absolutely not allowed in the cabin—not even toy guns, cap guns, or historical replicas. And just to clarify, nunchucks, throwing stars (not even Batman’s version), pocket knives, and saw blades are also banned.