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The most bizarre things you can bring in your carry-on, according to the TSA

TSA airport security TSA airport security
Live lobsters are allowed.

The INSIDER Summary:

  • According to the TSA, travelers can bring some pretty bizarre things in their carry-on luggage.
  • Some of the items passengers are allowed to bring in their carry-ons include fresh eggs, light sabers, and body armor.
  • Travelers can also bring heavy-duty kitchen items such as a bread maker, tortilla press, and waffle iron.

Airport security rules are hard to keep up with.

From making you take off your shoes in the wake of 9/11 to potentially having you remove books and magazines from your carry-on, the rules seem to be ever-changing.

Although you can't take your water bottle through security, there are some pretty crazy things you can pack in your carry-on luggage.

Here are 16 of the most bizarre things travelers can bring in their carry-on luggage, according to the TSA

TSA airport baggae
AP Photo/Donna McWilliam


Artificial skeleton bones

The TSA lets you travel with all the fake bones you want.

Body armor

Although body armor is allowed, the TSA notes that "even if an item is generally allowed, our officers make the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint." So pack accordingly.

Bowling balls

STRIKE! Your bowling balls are allowed. Although it could be tough to get into the overhead bin.

Cremated remains

Cremated remains are allowed in carry-on luggage; however, if they are in an opaque container, TSA officers will not be able to clearly determine what is inside the container and the container will not be allowed.

Pies and cakes

Despite the JetBlue kerfuffle in which a family was kicked off a flight for bringing on a cake, according to the TSA cakes and pies are allowed in your carry-on.


Hunters can bring back their favorite trophy, as long as it fits on board.

TSA line
Spencer Platt/GettyImages


Fresh eggs

Why they're allowed is a mystery, but they are. Good luck getting them to your destination in one piece, though. 


Harry Potter wands

Aspiring wizards can pack their wands.

Light sabers

The TSA says, "Sadly, the technology doesn't currently exist to create a real lightsaber. However, you can pack a toy lightsaber in your carry-on or checked bag. May the force be with you."

Live fish

Travelers can transport fish in a clear, plastic, spill proof container.

Live lobster

Live lobsters are allowed to travel in your carry-on, although the TSA warns an agent will "visually inspect" your lobster at the checkpoint. Yes — even a 20-pound lobster can make it through security. 

TSA Airport Security
Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images


If you want to take a little bit of your vacay with you, sand is A-OK. 

Bread machine

If you can get it to fit, you may bring your bread machine. 

Waffle iron

Waffle irons are good to go too.

Tortilla press

Yes, even tortilla presses are allowed. 


Travelers can bring parachutes in their carry-on as long as they are packed separately from other luggage.

SEE ALSO: TSA agents found a 20-pound lobster in luggage at Boston airport

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