15 Surprisingly Prohibited Carry-On Items, TSA Edition

Washington travelers: learn 15 unexpected TSA carry-on bans—from snow globes to gel candles—and smarter ways to pack around the rules. WASHINGTON — Think you have the Transportation Security Administration’s rules memorized? Flyers passing through Washington-area airports and beyond still surrender perfectly innocent-looking souvenirs and toiletries every day, largely because a handful of bans are not as intuitive as, say, the no-blade policy. Below, JetsetterGuide.com unpacks 15 surprisingly prohibited carry-on items and offers quick fixes so your next trip out of Washington—or any U.S. gateway—gets off the ground without a last-minute confiscation.

1. Snow globes larger than a tennis ball

The liquid swirling around that dreamy miniature skyline counts toward the 3.4-ounce limit. Any globe larger than a tennis ball exceeds TSA’s screening threshold and must ride in checked baggage. Multiple tiny globes often trigger secondary inspection, so wrap them in protective material and place them in your hold luggage to be safe.

2. Cream-filled pecan or fruit pies

Traditional fruit pies generally clear security, but once a filling crosses into custard, caramel or heavy cream territory, it is treated as a gel. That means anything over 3.4 ounces will not pass. If Aunt Maggie’s award-winning pecan pie is on the menu, box it securely and check the bag.

3. Sports equipment that doubles as a club

Baseball bats, hockey sticks, golf clubs, ski poles and even hefty tennis rackets are categorized as potential weapons. Ship them ahead, rent at your destination or invest in a hard-shell sports case for checked baggage.

4. Helium balloons

Changes in cabin pressure can cause helium to expand, making balloons prone to burst mid-flight. Whether shaped like cartoon characters or simple spheres, inflated balloons must stay on the ground. Purchase decorations once you land.

5. Full-size ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise bottles

Condiments pour like liquids in TSA’s eyes. Anything above 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters will meet the bin. Travel-size packets are fine; larger glass or squeeze bottles belong in checked luggage—or better yet, on your grocery list at the destination.

6. Electronic cigarettes in the wrong bag

E-cigarettes and their lithium-ion batteries are fire risks when stowed in a cargo hold, so the devices are required in carry-ons only. Spare batteries must have terminal caps or be stored in original packaging to prevent short circuits.

7. Personal defense sprays

Pepper spray, mace and similar aerosols are outright banned in the cabin, even in pocket-size cans. Some airlines allow a single 118-milliliter (4-ounce) container in checked bags if it is equipped with a safety mechanism, but rules vary, so confirm before you fly.

8. Alcohol stronger than 70% ABV (140 proof)

Spirits with more than 70 percent alcohol content cannot travel in either carry-on or checked baggage because of flammability. That knocks out certain overproof rums and grain alcohols. Lower-proof liquor may fly in checked bags but is still subject to quantity caps.

9. Live fish in water

Yes, live fish are technically allowed in the cabin, but only when packed in clear, leak-proof containers and accompanied by sufficient water to survive the journey. Forget to follow the fine print—such as airline pre-approval—and your guppy’s dream vacation ends at security.

10. Hoverboards and other large lithium devices

Repeated battery fires grounded hoverboards starting in 2015, and the prohibition remains. Couriers or ground shipping are the only dependable alternatives if you plan to ride at your destination.

11. Full-size aerosol hair spray

Because aerosol cans are pressurized and flammable, TSA treats them cautiously. Travel portions under 3.4 ounces can enter the cabin inside your quart-size liquids bag, but standard or salon sizes belong in checked luggage within a protective cap.

12. Honey and peanut butter

Though spreadable, TSA classifies these as gels. Unless the jar is 100 milliliters or less, it will be confiscated. A solid honeycomb or nut-butter powder avoids the rule entirely.

13. Video-game consoles with spare batteries

Handheld gaming systems can stay in your carry-on, but officers frequently run extra swabs for explosives residue, adding a few minutes to screening. Spare lithium batteries must never be in checked luggage and should be isolated in plastic battery cases.

14. Liquid soap in bottles larger than 3.4 ounces

Travelers often pack a family-size pump bottle for convenience, forgetting the universal liquid limit. Switch to solid bars or buy travel refillables.

15. Gel candles

Decorative gel or glitter-filled candles cannot be X-rayed reliably, so TSA bars them from the cabin. Traditional wax candles are fine, but anything with a gel component should be tucked into checked bags—well protected against breakage.

Tips for Travelers: How to Stay One Step Ahead

• Follow the 3-1-1 rule: liquids, gels and aerosols must be 3.4 ounces or less, stored in a single quart-size, clear, resealable bag.
• When in doubt, pack the item in checked luggage and cushion it properly; most confiscations involve travelers who guessed rather than confirmed.
• Review TSA’s searchable “What Can I Bring?” tool at least a day before departure for the latest guidance.
• If transporting batteries, secure terminals with tape or use original retail packaging.
• Arrive early at Washington’s airports during peak seasons to allow time for secondary screening of unusual gear, from fishing rods to game consoles.

FAQ: TSA Surprises Explained

Why does size matter for snow globes?

The liquid inside larger globes exceeds the 3.4-ounce limit and cannot be accurately analyzed by scanners.

Can I carry an empty pepper spray canister?

Empty or not, pepper spray is considered a weapon and is banned from carry-on luggage.

What if I buy duty-free liquor above 70% ABV?

You will be asked to surrender it before boarding any U.S.-bound flight—no exceptions.

Is solid deodorant restricted?

No. Only liquid, gel or aerosol formulations count toward the liquids rule.

How do I pack live fish correctly?

Use a sealed, transparent plastic container, fill it only two-thirds with water and obtain airline approval in advance.

Bottom line for Washington flyers

Well-intentioned passengers at Washington’s bustling hubs routinely lose expensive souvenirs, specialty foods and gadgets because TSA’s lesser-known bans catch them off guard. Cross-check your packing list against these 15 items, follow the liquid and battery rules to the letter, and take advantage of checked luggage when needed. A few minutes of preparation saves both belongings and peace of mind, letting you focus on the adventure that awaits beyond the security line. — as TSA spokespersons have outlined in public guidance.