You’ve zipped your suitcase and breezed through check-in. Then all of a sudden, airport security wants a word. Why? Is it drugs? No! It’s that peanut butter you packed in your carry-on. These are 10 things that turn an ordinary trip into an awkward luggage inspection.
Snow Globes Of Any Size
Security sees snow globes as suspicious due to their liquid-filled core, especially if you pack one larger than a tennis ball. Even the smallest ones might raise eyebrows if they’re not under 3.4 ounces and in a clear plastic bag. Pack carefully or risk confiscation.
Unusual Art Supplies
Modeling clay, sculpting putty, or even artist knives can lead to inspection. TSA agents aren’t evaluating your creativity; they’re checking for risk. These materials often resemble banned items or explosives, so if you’re flying with your muse, keep your toolkit compact and TSA-friendly.
Powdered Substances Over 12 Ounces
Talc, protein powder, or even cake mix? They all trigger secondary screening if they exceed 12 ounces. TSA’s machines can’t always distinguish harmless particles from explosives, prompting extra checks. Science meets caution because in aviation, texture and volume can create unexpected delays.
Wrapped Gifts And Surprise Boxes
Here’s something frustrating: you spend time wrapping the perfect gift, only to have the TSA slice it open. Anything fully wrapped, especially if dense or oddly shaped, is likely to be unwrapped. Avoid delays by carrying unwrapped items and using gift bags instead of decorative wrapping.
Scented Candles That Look Like Food
That cupcake-shaped vanilla candle might smell divine, but security scanners might think it’s smuggling contraband. Candles shaped like food can confuse machines, especially if they appear opaque. TSA prefers candles in clear or uniform containers without creative shapes that mimic something edible or misleading.
Too Many Electronics In One Bag
Packing your gadgets in one carry-on might seem efficient. But when your charger, GoPro, Kindle, AND laptop stacks on top of each other, it becomes a scanning nightmare. Too many overlapping electronics can distort images and raise red flags. Separate them out to avoid scrutiny.
Crystals And Large Mineral Rocks
Smooth or jagged, sparkly or raw—large crystals are often flagged. They’re opaque and hard to see through on X-rays, prompting extra checks. Whether it’s amethyst or quartz, TSA can’t risk assumptions. Travel light, and consider checking anything that could double as geological armor.
Peanut Butter In A Jar
A security rule that catches many by surprise: peanut butter counts as a gel. That means no full-size jars are in carry-ons, even if they are unopened. Even sealed jars can be rejected if they exceed the limit. Better option? Put your peanut fix in snacks instead of a jar.
Vintage Cameras With Film Inside
Film reacts poorly to scanners, but security reacts poorly to opaque canisters. If you carry vintage cameras with undeveloped film, declare it upfront. Otherwise, it may trigger bag checks. Old-school charm meets modern protocols, and in this case, patience is your boarding pass.
Too Much Loose Change
Coins might not scream ‘suspicious,’ but loose piles can distort scanner images. They create dense pockets of metal that block visibility, especially if packed randomly. Load them into a pouch or tray before screening. Otherwise, your piggy bank’s clatter might cost you precious boarding time.
