13 Weirdest Things You’re Not Allowed to Bring on Airplanes

When preparing for a flight, most travelers focus on packing their essentials, but some everyday items can unexpectedly be on the no-fly list. Whether it’s due to safety concerns, liquid restrictions, or agricultural regulations, certain objects are prohibited in your carry-on or checked luggage. Many of these banned items might surprise you, making it important to check airline rules ahead of time. Understanding what’s not allowed can save you time and frustration at airport security. Let’s take a look at some of the weirdest things you can’t bring on a plane.

Cremated Remains

Transporting the ashes of a loved one can be emotional, but airports have strict guidelines for cremated remains. While you might think it’s a straightforward process, the TSA requires them to be in a specific, scannable container. Metal urns, for instance, are often prohibited because they can’t pass through x-ray machines. If the urn is unscannable, it might delay your travel or force you to leave it behind. Always check airline policies and ensure the container is TSA-compliant to avoid added stress.

Magic 8-Balls

Surprisingly, that iconic fortune-telling toy is banned from carry-on luggage. This seemingly harmless toy is classified as a prohibited item because it contains liquid inside. Anything with a liquid capacity larger than 3.4 ounces is flagged during security checks. Since the liquid inside the Magic 8-Ball can’t be measured or tested easily, it’s automatically disallowed. You can pack it in checked luggage, but you’ll have to part with it for the flight.

Snow Globes

It might seem harmless, but snow globes often get banned due to the liquid inside. Even if the liquid seems minimal, it exceeds the 3.4-ounce limit imposed by the TSA for carry-on liquids. They are difficult to measure in security lines, so agents tend to err on the side of caution. To avoid disappointment, pack them in your checked luggage. For travelers wanting to bring back a memento from snowy destinations, be sure it’s safely stowed away.

Bowling Pins

Odd as it sounds, bowling pins are on the no-fly list for carry-on baggage. Though they’re sports equipment, they’re considered potential blunt weapons by airport security. Their dense, heavy construction makes them capable of inflicting harm if misused. Because of this, they must be placed in checked luggage, where they pose no threat. If you’re traveling for a bowling tournament, pack them carefully to avoid surprises at the gate.

Fresh Eggs

Bringing fresh eggs on a plane may seem unusual, but it’s a reality for some travelers. Unfortunately, they’re considered perishable and fragile, and many airlines don’t allow them in the cabin. Security concerns about potential messes and spoilage make them a tricky item to transport. Furthermore, eggs can be flagged during screening because of their shape and density. If you must travel with them, it’s best to check them in or look for alternatives.

Full-Size Christmas Crackers

While these festive items are common during the holiday season, you won’t be allowed to bring them onboard. Christmas crackers often contain small explosive charges, which can trigger alarms during security checks. Even though they’re usually harmless, the presence of the “snap” makes them a potential security threat. To avoid having them confiscated, leave the crackers at home or pack them in checked luggage. Always check with your airline if you plan to travel with holiday-themed items.

Cheese Spread

If you’re a fan of bringing regional food gifts, think twice before packing cheese spread in your carry-on. Creamy or spreadable cheeses are treated like liquids under TSA regulations, meaning they must be under 3.4 ounces. Any larger, and your favorite cheese could end up confiscated at security. While solid cheeses are usually fine, anything too soft or spreadable is automatically subject to liquid restrictions. The best solution is to either eat it beforehand or pack it in checked luggage.

Fishing Poles

It’s not the fishing itself that’s problematic, but the long, rigid fishing poles that can create a safety concern. Fishing poles are often too long to be stored safely in overhead bins or under the seat, making them difficult to accommodate in the cabin. Additionally, they can resemble weapons or create trip hazards in tight airplane spaces. Most airlines will require them to be checked in as oversized luggage. Make sure to pack them securely to prevent damage during transit.

Mousse Hair Products

Hair mousse is a staple for many travelers, but you might need to rethink bringing it onboard. Mousse, due to its aerosol form, is subject to strict size regulations for carry-on liquids. Any canister over 3.4 ounces won’t make it through security and will likely be thrown out. If you’re attached to your hair care routine, make sure your products are travel-sized. Alternatively, you can pack full-sized cans in your checked luggage.

Sparklers

Though they seem like simple party favors, sparklers are a big no-no in both carry-on and checked luggage. These small pyrotechnics are considered fire hazards and can pose significant risks during flights. Even though they don’t appear as dangerous as fireworks, the potential for ignition is taken seriously by airport security. If you’re traveling for a celebration, it’s best to buy sparklers at your destination. Attempting to bring them through security will almost certainly result in confiscation

Plant Soil

Bringing a houseplant onboard might sound like a harmless idea, but the soil it’s packed in can be problematic. Many countries have strict agricultural regulations that ban foreign soil to prevent pests and diseases. Even within domestic flights, soil can be considered a messy and unnecessary item to transport. Some airlines may allow plants, but without any dirt attached. If you’re set on bringing your greenery, re-pot it in a clean, soil-free container before your trip.

Chain Saws

It may sound strange, but some travelers attempt to bring chain saws as carry-on items, and unsurprisingly, they’re banned. Considered dangerous tools, chain saws pose obvious risks in the cabin environment. They are classified as both a sharp object and a power tool, making them doubly prohibited. If you must travel with one, you’ll need to check it in securely and meet your airline’s specific guidelines. It’s also wise to drain any remaining fuel to comply with hazardous material regulations.

Golf Clubs

Golf enthusiasts might be dismayed to learn that their prized clubs aren’t allowed as carry-ons. Their long, metal shafts are considered potential weapons, which makes them a security risk in the cabin. You can, however, check them in as sports equipment, provided they’re properly packed in a hard case. Be prepared for additional fees, as oversized or specialized luggage often comes with extra costs. It’s worth calling ahead to your airline for exact packing guidelines.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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