10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Bring on a Flight

For years, the answer to whether or not the TSA will let you bring a given item on a flight has usually been “no.” Some of these are based on common sense — it’s probably not a good idea to have fireworks or bear spray in an airplane cabin — while others feel more arbitrary. (Did you know that the TSA considers peanut butter a liquid, for instance?) And yet, many unexpected items can be placed in your carry-on or personal item, some of which will surprise you more than others. Here are 10 of the most shocking things you didn’t know you could bring on a plane.

Lightsabers

If and when actual lightsabers are invented, it’s highly unlikely that the TSA will be cool with Jedi or Sith placing them in the overhead bin (assuming they can stop them, that is). For those of us having as much fun as possible not living in a galaxy far, far away, however, the toy variety is A-OK.

Air Mattresses With Built-in Pumps

Though they come with size and weight restrictions, air mattresses are indeed allowed in your carry-on bag. Just don’t try inflating them in the aisle to take a nap.

Live Fish and Coral

The vast majority of pets that come aboard flights are cats and dogs, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only ones allowed past security. And while it’s probably not a good idea to bring your goldfish or coral with you from Phoenix to Minneapolis, you are technically allowed to. The only requirement is that they be in a “clear transparent container,” which seems reasonable given the fact that they tend to live in one anyway. 

Cowboy Spurs

If you absolutely need to bring your spurs with you but don’t want to wear them on your boots, good news, pardner: They’re on the approved list.

Desktop Computers

Though the vast majority of computers coming through security are of the laptop variety, perhaps the only thing stopping hardcore gamers from bringing their custom-built rigs on their next flight is the size of their carry-on bags. Just know that if you do bring a desktop, you will have to remove it from your bag and place it in a separate tray at security just as you would a laptop.

Harry Potter Wands

Yes, Harry Potter wands are an actual approved item on the TSA’s website. And yes, it’s probably because so many self-proclaimed Gryffindors (or Ravenclaws or Hufflepuffs or Slytherins) brought them back from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that the Muggles at the TSA decided to make it official and no longer have to be asked about them.

Christmas Lights

Anyone whose commitment to holiday decorations rivals that of Clark Griswold will be relieved to know that they don’t have to check their Christmas lights when flying home for the holidays. Most of us won’t be bothered to devote limited space to them, perhaps, but there’s something festive about knowing we can if we want to.

Geiger Counters

You might think, given the sensitive nature of these electronic devices used for measuring radiation, that they’re a no-no in the cabin. You’d be mistaken, however, as the Transportation Security Administration is happy to have hobbyists and experts alike carry on their Geiger counters for their next scientific expedition.

Laser Pointers

On the off chance that you’re traveling back in time from the early 2000s, when seemingly every adolescent in America had one of these ubiquitous gizmos, know that you can still bring one on your flight. Just don’t shine one at the other planes (or people) at the airport (or in the sky).

Tortilla Presses

If you aren’t obsessed with tortillas, you’ll probably never understand the urgency of having your own press on your person at all times. Fortunately for those who are, the TSA understands this need. Now that you know you’re not only allowed but, perhaps, encouraged to bring your tortilla press with you to cruising altitude, the only question that matters is: corn or flour?