Travelling is amazing. You get to see parts of the world you have ever seen before, family members that are oceans apart or just fall in love with a different culture over and over again. But the one thing that can suck all the joy out of travelling is having to go through airport security, better known as TSA. They have a laundry list of items that you cannot take into a plane, and every year that list gets longer and more complex. Which can make packing a nightmare.
If it was just packing that was a nightmare, it would just he uncomfortable, but manageable, the problem is that, since the list changes so often and every time it includes new thing, you might get to the airport and be told that you cannot go through with an item you have purchased, which oftentimes means that it gets thrown out unceremoniously and you are out of the money it took to purchase it.
The latest TSA rules about what is and is not allowed on a plane
We all know the basics, no liquids through security that are not in a clear bag, laptops and electronic devices in a separate tray, no pointy or sharp objects like scissors in your carry-on luggage and shoes and jackets off to through the detectors.
But when knowing all these rules, there are many things that can be confiscated if we are unaware of the updated rules. The latest item that has been forbidden to board a plane, especially if you check your bag is portable batteries and power banks/packs containing lithium ion. They may still be allowed in your carry-on bag if the agent in charge of your screening deems it appropriate, but you will not be able to check luggage with one of these items.
This is because of a few incidents this year where portable batteries have caught fire and have almost caused a tragedy, which is not good when it is in the cabin (where the incidents happened) where the smoke and fire can be detected and contained, but it would be worse if it happened in the cargo hold of the plane. That is why, according the FAA regulations “Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only.”
But that still does not mean that you will be able to fly with one of these in the cabin. The TSA has a few specifications that lithium-ion batteries and power packs must meet in order to be let into the plane:
- Batteries must be under 100 watt-hours (Wh) unless the airline gives explicit approval.
- Power banks must be clearly labeled to show Wh rating.
- Unlabeled, oversized, or suspicious-looking chargers are at risk of being confiscated.
- Carrying multiple devices may result in additional screening or confiscation.
Also consider that TSA agents often take a closer look at certain battery-powered devices like heated clothing, USB-rechargeable lighters, and portable charging cases for electronics. If you’re packing several gadgets that rely on batteries, expect the possibility of added inspection. It is also wise to leave behind anything you are not prepared to part with, just in case it does not make it past security.
Another thing hat many may not have considered is their vape or e-cigarette, which is also heavily restricted as per TSA policy: “E-cigarettes, vape pens, and most electronic smoking devices are banned from checked bags for the same fire risk reasons. One lighter is permitted per person, though torch lighters remain prohibited entirely. And all flammable materials are still forbidden.”