Preparing for a trip means thinking about clothes, toiletries, shoes, and whatever else you’ll need while you’re away. But sometimes you may want to bring along a few other everyday items that don’t quite fit the usual packing list. That’s when you might start wondering, “Can I actually take this on a plane?” The answer isn’t always straightforward. TSA rules depend not only on the item itself, but also on whether it goes in your carry-on or checked bag, whether it contains fuel or batteries, and whether it is considered a hazardous material. Here are five household items travelers commonly wonder about.

Candles

Good news for anyone who likes bringing home a scented vacation souvenir (or anyone who plans to pack one to give to friends or family over the holidays): Solid candles are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Gel candles are a different story, however. The TSA allows gel-type candles in checked baggage, but not in carry-ons. So, if you picked up a hand-poured candle at a cute boutique during your trip, make sure you know what type it is before tossing it into your carry-on.

Lighters

Lighters come with more TSA rules than you might expect. A standard disposable lighter (such as a BIC lighter) or a Zippo-style lighter with fuel can travel in your carry-on or on your person, but the FAA limits passengers to one lighter per person. Normally, you cannot pack standard disposable lighters in checked bags, unless they no longer contain any fuel. (The FAA recommends you pack them with a note explaining they do not contain fuel.) However, there is an exception that allows passengers to pack up to two fueled lighters in a checked bag if they are properly enclosed in a DOT-approved airtight travel case.  

The TSA does not permit jet-flame lighters (also known as torches), which are butane-powered lighters that produce a concentrated blue flame, in either carry-on or checked baggage. Lithium battery-powered lighters, such as arc lighters, are allowed in carry-ons only and need to be protected from accidental activation. The TSA also permits one book of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches in your carry-on, but they are not allowed in checked bags.

Glue

Glue is one of those household items that might seem harmless — until you look at the aviation rules. The FAA permits basic glue sticks or nonflammable school glue, but many stronger adhesives, including rubber cement, model glue, and some types of superglue, are flammable and aren’t allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage. So, that tiny tube of craft glue is probably fine, but the heavy-duty adhesive should stay in your garage at home.

Nail Polish Remover

The TSA allows nail polish remover in carry-on bags, but it must follow the 3.4-ounce/100-milliliter liquids rule. If you’re packing larger quantities, the FAA restricts the total aggregate quantity of nail polish remover (and similar medicinal and toiletry articles) to 70 ounces or 2 liters per person in checked baggage. The capacity of each container must not exceed 18 ounces or 500 milliliters.  

Curling Irons and Hair Tools

When packing your curling iron, pay close attention to the type of iron you have. Electric curling irons and hair straighteners with cords are permitted in your carry-on or checked bag. As of 2025, however, cordless versions powered by lithium batteries, gas, or butane are allowed in carry-on bags only, with the heating element protected and the device secured against accidental activation with a safety cover. Spare gas cartridges aren’t permitted.

When in Doubt, Check Before You Pack

The tricky part about many household items is that there isn’t always a simple “yes” or “no” answer when it comes to TSA regulations. A product that looks perfectly ordinary may contain a flammable ingredient or fuel that changes the rules completely. Before packing an unusual household item, be sure to check the TSA’s What Can I Bring? database on its website. For anything that could be considered a hazardous material, you should also consult the FAA’s PackSafe guidance. And when in doubt, just leave the questionable item at home.

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