Large Liquids and Gels
It’s almost a running joke at airports: the traveler who gets stopped at security for packing a full-size bottle of shampoo or a giant sports drink. Yet, the numbers behind these mishaps are anything but funny. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) updated its liquid rule in 2024, still enforcing the 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) limit per item, with all bottles required to fit in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag. Despite the clarity of this rule, TSA data shows more than 15,000 liquid-related confiscations happen every month in U.S. airports alone. Oversized lotions, water bottles, and hair gels are the most common culprits, turning the security line into a slow-moving parade of seized toiletries. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a security measure rooted in real threats, as large quantities of liquids can be manipulated to create hazards on flights. The process of screening and disposing of these items adds serious delays for everyone in line. To keep your journey stress-free, decant your must-have products into travel-sized containers and stash anything larger in your checked bag.
Sharp Objects and Tools
It’s easy to forget that the trusty pocketknife in your bag or the fancy scissors you packed for crafting on the go are a big no-no in carry-ons. The TSA’s 2025 security update spells it out: any item that could be used to cause harm—knives, box cutters, screwdrivers longer than 7 inches, even sports gear like baseball bats—cannot be brought onboard. The numbers back up the confusion: in 2023, sharp object confiscations rose by 8% as more travelers misunderstood or overlooked the rules. People often grab a tool for a quick fix or leave a souvenir knife in their backpack without a second thought. But when these objects show up in scanners, it can mean not just losing your item but also facing fines or missed flights. For smooth sailing through security, double-check your bags for anything with a blade or point, and remember: if you wouldn’t want it waved around on a plane, don’t bring it in your carry-on.
Power Banks Over 100 Wh
Everyone wants their phone or tablet to stay charged, especially on long flights. But power banks—those portable battery packs—are tightly regulated. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) set the bar in 2024: power banks in carry-ons must not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh). Anything bigger needs airline approval, and often, airlines won’t allow them at all due to fire risk. Unfortunately, many travelers grab the largest charger they can find, unaware of the rules. In 2024, airlines saw a 12% rise in power bank-related security incidents, many stemming from batteries that were too large or improperly labeled. Look for the watt-hour rating printed on your device before packing, and if you can’t find it, check with your airline. This simple step can save you from losing an expensive gadget at security or being stuck with a dead phone mid-journey.
Lithium Batteries Loose or Unprotected
Lithium batteries have become travel essentials, powering everything from laptops to cameras. But without proper packing, they can be a fire hazard. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) updated its guidance in 2025: all spare lithium batteries must be carried in your hand luggage, never checked, and their terminals must be protected—either in original packaging or with tape over the contacts. Despite these rules, travelers often toss loose batteries into their bags, unaware of the risk. The FAA reported a 15% increase in lithium battery-related incidents on flights in 2024, typically because batteries short-circuited against coins, keys, or each other. Protecting battery terminals isn’t just a formality; it can prevent dangerous situations in the air. If you need to bring spares, use protective cases or the packaging they came in, and never throw them unprotected into your carry-on.
Oversized Electronics Without Proper Documentation
Travelers love their gadgets, whether it’s a drone for aerial photography, a professional camera, or a musical instrument for a performance abroad. But these oversized electronics often require special paperwork or advance airline notification, a detail that’s easy to overlook. Since 2023, airlines have enforced stricter rules: drones, for example, must have batteries packed separately and sometimes need advance approval because of their lithium content and sharp propellers. In 2024 alone, several major carriers reported flight delays caused by passengers arriving with unapproved oversized electronics. Without the correct documentation or packing, these items can be confiscated or force you to miss your flight. Always check your airline’s policy ahead of time and be ready with any required paperwork—otherwise, that expensive equipment may never make it past the gate.
Illegal Substances and Unapproved Medications
It might be shocking, but many travelers still pack medications or substances that are perfectly legal at home but banned elsewhere. The World Health Organization (WHO) and national agencies updated their travel medication rules in 2024, making it even easier for customs agents to flag unapproved items. Some common painkillers, anxiety medications, or even herbal remedies are strictly controlled in certain countries. In 2023, authorities detained over 10,000 travelers worldwide for carrying medications that weren’t legal at their destination. The risk isn’t just losing your medicine—detention, fines, or even arrest are possible outcomes. To avoid trouble, always research the medication rules for your destination, carry prescriptions or doctor’s notes, and never bring anything you can’t legally prove is for your personal use.
Excessive Cash or Valuables
Travelers often worry about losing access to money on the road, so they stuff their carry-on with cash or valuables “just in case.” But carrying more than $10,000 USD (or equivalent) requires a declaration at customs—a rule updated in 2024 that many people still don’t know. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a 7% increase in cash seizures at airports last year, mostly because travelers didn’t declare what they were carrying. And it’s not just about cash: expensive jewelry, designer watches, and luxury items can attract thieves or get confiscated if not properly declared. Instead of risking your nest egg or favorite heirloom, use secure payment cards, travel-friendly digital wallets, and keep only what you need on hand. If you must bring valuables, consider placing them in checked luggage or leaving them home altogether.
