Airline rules change faster than TikTok trends, and most travelers don’t notice until their prized snack mix hits the trash bin. The TSA could confiscate that souvenir snow globe, or airlines might deny boarding for your perfectly innocent power bank. What seems harmless can lead to major travel headaches—you know that sinking feeling when your favorite tweezers vanish into airport security limbo. Ready to dodge those gate-side meltdowns? Here’s what’s newly forbidden in the skies.
7. Pepper Spray/Mace
Self-defense sprays face strict aviation rules that vary by airline and destination.
Pepper spray is strictly forbidden in carry-on luggage because nobody wants an accidental discharge at 30,000 feet. If you absolutely need to bring it, containers of 4 oz (120 ml) or less are allowed in checked baggage on some airlines, provided they have a safety mechanism. Many countries ban pepper spray entirely from all luggage.
TSA flags your bag, and suddenly your chill vacation vibe turns into a tense interrogation scene. To avoid becoming an international incident, always check both your airline’s policy and your destination’s local laws before packing any self-defense items.
6. Aerosol Products
Only toiletry aerosols under 3.4 oz qualify for carry-on approval.
TSA pulls your bag, and suddenly your hairspray is MIA. Only toiletry aerosols get a pass in carry-ons, thanks to the 3.4 oz (100 ml) liquid rule. Non-toiletry aerosols like cooking spray or spray paint are completely banned from both carry-on and checked luggage due to flammability concerns.
For toiletry aerosols that do make the cut, pack them carefully in checked luggage with caps secured tighter than your patience during delayed flights. Mess this up, and those products are gone faster than airplane Wi-Fi credits.
5. Multi-Tools and Scissors
Blade length determines whether your handy tools make it through security.
Multi-tools with knives of any length are prohibited in carry-ons—don’t even try sneaking that Swiss Army knife past security. Scissors face scrutiny too; blades over 4 inches will get flagged faster than a viral dance craze. TSA officers have final discretion, leaving little room for debate.
Only bladeless tools or scissors under 4 inches might slide through security—think of it as the airport’s way of saying you can clip coupons mid-flight. Smart travelers stash risky gadgets in checked luggage to avoid gate-side goodbyes.
4. Cordless Hair Styling Tools
Gas-powered styling devices now require special carry-on handling due to pressure risks.
Cordless hair styling tools are banned from checked bags thanks to lithium batteries and pressurized gas cartridges that don’t play well with cabin pressure at cruising altitude. The FAA now allows these devices in carry-ons only if the heating element has a locked safety cover.
Spare gas cartridges are completely forbidden regardless of where you pack them. Flight attendants regularly confiscate styling tools from passengers who insist they’re “totally safe.” Save yourself the drama and embrace hotel hair dryers or the au naturel look.
3. Power Banks and Spare Lithium Batteries
Battery capacity limits and carry-on requirements prevent checked luggage fires.
Power banks are like that friend who always saves your phone—until security confiscates them. The FAA requires power banks and spare lithium batteries in carry-ons only. Checked bags are off-limits because pressure changes can turn batteries into fiery hazards.
Most airlines approve power banks under 100 Wh without question, but anything between 101–160 Wh needs prior airline approval with a two-piece limit. Terminals must stay protected, and any damaged or recalled batteries face complete bans from aircraft.
2. Powders
Containers over 12 oz trigger additional screening that may result in confiscation.
Any powder in containers larger than 350 ml (12 fl oz) gets extra attention at security checkpoints. Agents will likely pull oversized powder containers for secondary screening, and they might confiscate suspicious items entirely.
Anyone who’s had protein powder questioned knows this drill. That traveler with the suspiciously large bag of “supplements” gets sidelined while agents investigate. Pack powders in clearly labeled containers under 12 oz for carry-on, or move industrial-sized tubs to checked luggage.
1. Samsung Galaxy Note 7
This specific phone model faces permanent worldwide aviation bans due to fire risks.
Post-2016, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 remains permanently banned from all aircraft worldwide due to faulty batteries that caused fires. These devices aren’t allowed in carry-on, checked luggage, or any other creative transport method you might imagine.
Attempting to board with a Note 7 triggers hefty fines, denied boarding, or extended security conversations. That traveler trying to discreetly watch videos during takeoff might face sparks instead of entertainment. Check your device model before traveling, and consider upgrading to something less explosive.
