Adhering to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations when packing for your trip can often be tricky. Double-checking the size requirement for liquids when you’re packing a toiletry bag might have you reconsidering bringing toothpaste, lotion, conditioner, or shampoo. But surprisingly, there are some items that TSA allows that you may have never considered packing, while some forbidden objects have interesting reasons behind their ban. Here are some shocking items that you can — and can’t — bring through airport security.

What You Can Bring

Live Lobsters: Interested in bringing home some very fresh seafood? Depending on the airline you’re flying, you may be able to bring a live lobster on board your plane. TSA does allow live lobsters to pass through security, but an officer will inspect the crustacean and its container, which must be spill-proof but can be filled with water. Keep in mind that this will be easier aboard a domestic flight, as many international customs agents may not permit live animals to enter the country. 

Antlers: If you just went on a hunting trip, you’re in luck: Those prized antlers you wish to mount can travel with you in a carry-on or checked bag. According to the TSA, antlers are not a threat, but packing them in the overhead compartment might prove a little difficult. 

Live Fish: Just like cats and dogs, your pet fish can fly with you after proper inspection. TSA allows live fish to pass through security if they are swimming in a clear, spill-proof vessel. The container can be bigger than the required 3.4 ounces, but an officer will need to inspect it by hand. Unlike lobsters, however, live fish cannot be checked.

Lightsabers: Despite what the Star Wars trilogy might lead fans to believe, lightsabers are not considered weapons by TSA personnel and can be packed in your carry-on or checked bag. May the force be with you as you attempt to pack this bulky item, though. 

Eggs: It might seem odd, but fresh eggs aren’t considered a liquid item by TSA agents. If they’re not broken, they can pass through security in your carry-on or checked luggage so that you can scramble, boil, or fry them at your destination. 

Bowling Balls: Sporting equipment can be difficult to fly with since many clubs or bats are considered hazardous items that could be used as weapons and must be checked. Amazingly, however, a bowling ball in your carry-on is permitted by TSA. Or if they so choose, travelers can simply roll one through security.

What You Can’t Bring

Foam Swords: If a lightsaber isn’t considered a weapon, you might be surprised to learn that foam swords are not permitted to fly with you in your carry-on bag — they must be checked. Because some of these toys resemble real weapons, the TSA has banned the item from being packed in your carry-on luggage. 

Christmas Crackers: British citizens might be disappointed to learn that TSA does not allow English Christmas crackers to board the plane. They cannot be checked either, as they contain traces of gunpowder. Although they seem harmless, these explosive firecrackers can’t fly under any circumstances. 

Thawed Ice Packs: If you’re bringing a cooler so that you can enjoy a refreshing mid-flight meal, make sure those ice packs inside are completely frozen before boarding. The TSA allows gel ice packs to pass through security as long as they are not partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container. This might be tricky to accomplish, so perhaps it’s easier to just pack a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in a brown paper bag instead. 

Jars of Peanut Butter: Speaking of peanut butter, the amount you bring in your carry-on might pose a real problem, since the TSA considers the nutty spread a liquid. The peanut butter should be less than or equal to 3.4 ounces, so a small packet or a light amount on a piece of bread should be fine. A jar, however, will be confiscated during the security inspection. 

Snow Globes: A popular souvenir item might cause you some trouble at airport security. If the water inside your snow globe exceeds the required 3.4 ounces, you are not allowed to pack it in your carry-on bag. Instead, these larger snow globes must be checked. 

Obtaining an ancestral passport can open up doors for your future travels or even give you the possibility of moving abroad. According to the State Department, roughly 9 million Americans currently live abroad, and that number is only climbing. More than 50 countries currently offer citizenship by descent, which gives those who qualify through their ancestry dual citizenship, the right to live and work in another country, and potentially easier access to neighboring countries. Wondering how to qualify? Below, discover helpful tips about getting dual citizenship and a foreign passport through your heritage.

What’s the Process?

The path to dual citizenship isn’t always quick and easy. A hefty load of documentation —  including original birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates — is often required to prove your lineage. Administrative and processing fees play a major role, as does the general wait time for application processing and approval. If you have the motivation and the patience, however, hard work can pave the way to a second citizenship. 

Are You Eligible?

Tracing your family roots to a certain country is, unfortunately, not enough to qualify for jus sanguinis, or the right to citizenship through blood. Of the 50 countries offering dual citizenship, some have stricter rules than others. For example, countries like Brazil, France, and Mexico require that one of the applicant’s parents be a citizen at the time of the applicant’s birth, while other countries, like Italy, have more lenient standards. The process for each country will vary, so it’s best to research the country’s procedures for which you think you qualify. 

With that in mind, here are four countries that offer more straightforward paths for those who qualify for citizenship by descent. 

Italy

Italy is one of the most lenient countries when it comes to obtaining a passport through your heritage, which is good news for the 18 million people in the U.S. who identify as Italian-Americans. Eligible applicants must have an Italian ancestor, but it doesn’t have to be a parent or even a grandparent — Italy allows applicants to claim citizenship as long as they have a great-great-grandparent who was an Italian citizen. While this could be welcome news for Americans who are three times removed from their Italian ancestors, it does mean they need to prove their relation to each generation through original birth, death, and marriage certificates. And there are certain caveats and restrictions to be aware of, so be sure to do your research.

Once the paperwork is complete, there are several application options. The fastest route is to live in Italy for a few months while you apply — a great option for those who want to fast-track citizenship and have the flexibility and financial means. However, most people apply through their local consulate — a process that can take up to three to five years due to the long wait in processing times. Another option is to hire a lawyer who can present your case in Italy, which will knock a few years off your wait time, but will cost you in attorney fees. 

Spain

Spain recently passed legislation that allows you to apply for citizenship by descent up to three generations removed, making now a great time to pursue Spanish citizenship. If one of your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents are or were Spanish citizens, you are eligible to apply through jus sanguinis. You are also eligible to apply for citizenship if you were adopted by a Spanish citizen before your 18th birthday. 

To prove your lineage, you will need to gather birth certificates of your relatives, as well as marriage and death certificates if applicable. The application approval time can take two to three years. However, like Italian citizenship, having Spanish citizenship (which comes with a coveted EU passport) could be worth the wait, as it will allow you to live or work unrestricted in any of the 27 European Union member countries. The cost to apply for and receive Spanish citizenship is also relatively inexpensive. You can expect to spend around 100 euros on the application fee.

Ireland

As long as one of your parents or grandparents was an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, you’re automatically eligible for Irish citizenship. In some cases, having a great-grandparent who was an Irish citizen can pave the way, as well. 

To claim your citizenship via a parent or grandparent, you must first register your birth at the Foreign Birth Register. If it’s your great-grandparent through which you are claiming citizenship, your parents must have registered themselves with the Foreign Birth Register prior to your birth. After you register, you can complete an application and apply with supporting documents. Assuming your paperwork is approved, you’ll have your Irish passport in around 30 months — allowing you to seamlessly travel throughout the EU. 

New Zealand

New Zealand may be about as far away as you can get from the U.S., but you’ll be handsomely rewarded if you make the big leap to acquire dual citizenship. This island nation is a great choice for people who want access to pristine nature, epic hiking, world-class wine, and fascinating Māori culture. 

New Zealand’s pathway to citizenship is one of the quickest if you have a parent who’s already a citizen. Fill out the application and provide the documentation to show one of your parents is (or was) a citizen, pay the $410 fee (as of 2024), and you’ll have your passports in around two months. Not only will you have the right to live and work in New Zealand, but you’ll also possess one of the world’s most powerful passports, allowing for visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 189 countries. 

Packing for a vacation can be quite the headache. Often, we try to cram as many possessions as possible into a suitcase that’s far too small. We’d rather overpack rather than risk leaving something behind, which is especially true when visiting a location for the first time. But filling a suitcase doesn’t have to be like a game of Tetris. Packing can be stress-free if you learn how to pack like a pro and avoid these six common packing mistakes.

Folding Clothes Instead of Rolling Them

While you may be used to neatly folding clothes at home, when it comes to packing, you should actually be rolling up your clothing before placing it in your suitcase. Rolling your shirts and pants into tight cylinders maximizes the available space in your luggage. As an added bonus, the rolling method also leads to fewer wrinkles than folding. You can also buy a pack of rubber bands and secure each item to prevent it from unfurling before you’re ready to wear it. Many travelers also swear by packing cubes to maximize space within your luggage. 

Packing Clothing You Never Wear — or Won’t Have Time For

Of course, some outfits are reserved for special occasions — like a tropical vacation at an upscale resort. But most of the time, if you don’t wear an outfit back home, then odds are you won’t all of the sudden be wearing it on vacation. It’s important to be realistic about what you bring abroad, rather than fantasizing about all the clothing you could potentially wear. Prioritize the comfortable shirts you wear on a daily basis and leave those ill-fitting pants in the back of your closet at home.

When packing, be realistic: How many days are you traveling for? Whatever the answer may be, a good rule of thumb is to pack just one outfit per day. Forget about all the costume changes you could theoretically make and limit yourself to just the essentials. If your accommodations have a washer and dryer, bring even less clothing and send it out or do a load of laundry during your free time.

Bringing Backups “Just in Case”

You don’t want to be caught abroad without a phone charger or your favorite toothpaste. That’s why so many people pack backups just in case they lose something. But packing multiple chargers and tubes of toothpaste only eats up valuable luggage space, and you’re likely never going to need those extra items. So, stop overstuffing your luggage with emergency supplies and travel light — you can always make a purchase at a local store if you lose something.

Traveling With Too Many Shoes

Different outfits require different footwear, but the more shoes you bring, the heavier your luggage will be. Try and keep your shoes to a minimum when traveling. Consider packing no more than a comfortable, lightweight pair of shoes for walking around and a nicer pair for fancy dinners. Also, try to wear your bulkiest shoes on the flight, as doing so frees up valuable suitcase real estate. Lastly, stuff items like socks and underwear into your shoes to maximize your available packing space.

Not Leaving Room for Souvenirs

While traveling, you’re bound to pick up a souvenir or two to bring home. But if you’ve packed your suitcase to the gills, then where are you going to stash those keepsakes? Rather than panic at the last minute, arrive prepared by leaving extra room in your luggage before setting out on the trip. That way, you’ll have plenty of room for all of the additional items you purchase during your travels.

Forgetting to Check the Weather

Don’t just assume that your beach destination will be warm and sunny every day. Instead, be sure to check the weather several times before leaving, as there’s always a chance of rainfall or other unexpected weather. Look at the forecast a week before departure to see if you’ll need a rain jacket or anything similar, allowing you plenty of time to prepare and set things aside. On the day of your departure, check the forecast one final time to see if anything has changed and adjust your luggage accordingly.

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Every day, more than 45,000 flights and 2.9 million passengers fly in and out of U.S. airports. In the short time between flights, cabin cleaning crews move quickly to keep things tidy on board. But does moving hundreds of people between airplanes on tight schedules actually leave time for a proper cleaning? From sanitization procedures to air filtration and the truth about the places in the cabin we come into contact with the most, here are the facts on just how clean your airplane really is.

Take a Deep Breath — Airplane Air Is Actually Pretty Clean

Some travelers might think of sitting on a plane as a surefire way to spread germs and get themselves sick. After all, you’re in a small, enclosed space, and the overhead vents aren’t really doing much, right? Not exactly — in fact, the air in the cabin is much cleaner than you think. 

The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) says the air filtration system used in airplanes uses the same technology that sanitizes the air in hospital operating rooms. Half of the air comes in fresh from outside the aircraft, and the rest of it is filtered through a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) system. It’s also refreshed every two to three minutes (or about 20 to 30 times an hour), meaning that sitting in an airplane cabin is actually more likely to be a breath of fresh air compared with going out to dinner or shopping in a store. 

How Does an Airplane Cabin’s Air Filtration System Work?

But what does a HEPA filtration system actually do? These systems use high-quality filters made up of clusters of fibers that filter out ​​pathogens (germs) when air is forced through them. They also nab dust, pollen, mold, and other particles that could cause irritation or illness. The system is surprisingly effective, managing to filter at least 99.97% of particles with a size of 0.3 microns (about one-thousandth of a millimeter) — which is considered the most penetrable size of particle.

The cabin air comprises half of this HEPA-filtered air and half fresh air piped in from outside the moving aircraft. This ensures not only the cleanest air possible, but also the proper cabin air pressure. Air is forced out from ducts in the ceiling and sucked back in through ducts where the cabin meets the floor. Some of the air is re-filtered through the HEPA system, but about half of it is pumped back outside so new air can be brought in.

Which Parts of the Airplane Are Dirtiest?

Common sense would suggest that the dirtiest areas of an airplane cabin are the highest touch points. That instinct proves correct: In various cabin tests, many items were swabbed and analyzed, with some unsurprising results. The seat back tray, bathroom door handle, and bathroom sink tap handle were discovered to be the dirtiest parts of an airplane cabin, with traces of bacteria, yeast, and mold present. Arm and headrests are also often found to contain E. coli and staph, and airline blankets and pillows (unless sealed in plastic) are also regular offenders.

Seat belt buckles, air vent nozzles, and the seatback pocket were also determined to have high bacterial content. It makes sense — these are also high-touch points, but they may not receive the same level of cleaning as the lavatory. While the cabin cleaning crew makes sure to empty seatback pockets of any waste when possible, it doesn’t receive any additional cleaning that the other surfaces get. In an interview with the CBC, microbiologist Jason Tetro advises travelers to wipe down surfaces before they touch them and apply alcohol-based hand sanitizer after touching these germy surfaces.

Which Parts of the Airplane Are the Cleanest?

Some of the cabin’s high-touch points receive more attention than others when it comes to cleaning. Case in point: the toilet flusher. Studies have found flushers to be among the cleanest parts of an airplane cabin. An executive with Charm Sciences, who manufactures a rapid diagnostic test that has been used to detect airplane cleanliness, suggested in an interview with the Washington Post that the few flushers on board were likely to be an area of focused disinfecting, unlike the many trays and air nozzles. 

The instruction card found in the seat back pocket has been counted among the dirtiest parts of a plane, according to flight attendants, but beyond the anecdotal evidence, the Washington Post report actually found it to be the cleanest when swabbed. They might not be included in the flight crew’s cleanup, but it’s likely they’re not being handled too much in the first place.

How Often Are Airplane Cabins Deep Cleaned?

It might surprise you to learn there are no regulations around the cleanliness of airplane cabins. Each airline determines its own protocols and cleaning schedules, but they typically all follow the same industry standards. A “turn clean” is for domestic or shorter flights that typically have a faster turnaround time before the next flight. Flight attendants who spoke to CBC said that crews typically have less than 15 minutes to clean — this time is spent doing a more superficial clean, often focusing on removing trash, cleaning the galley where staff prepare food and drinks, and checking lavatories. That leaves little time to wipe down those grimier high-touch surfaces. (Only cleaning solutions that are not detrimental to aircraft materials are allowed on board.)

A deep clean is most often done overnight, and, though it will vary by airline, usually takes place anytime a plane is sitting for eight or more hours. These procedures focus more on the passenger seating areas, as well as the lavatory, galley, and storage areas. So, it seems that not only are early-morning flights usually a good bet for avoiding delays — they might also give you the cleanest cabin.