What You Can & Cannot Take on the Plane
Easy guidelines to make your travel easier.
Airports are notoriously difficult to navigate, with security and baggage checks, lengthy queues, and baggage retrieval all adding to the stress. However, don’t worry, our specialists are on hand to provide you with simple methods to ensure you don’t bring anything on your journey that might slow down the airport experience. So, before you begin packing for your vacation, make sure to read these guidelines and recommendations.
What You CAN Take on a Plane
While there are many items you might want to bring on your vacation, it’s crucial to concentrate on the necessities for your safety and well-being during your trip. However, you may have concerns about what you’re permitted to bring on the plane. Before you start packing, keep in mind that the TSA may have specific guidelines for certain items you wish to bring, which you can verify on the official TSA website. Here’s a list of commonly allowed items that travelers can bring on board:
- Medical Items & Medications: This category encompasses everything from medical devices like crutches and EpiPens to items like eye drops and contact lenses. The basic rule of thumb here is that if you need to bring items essential to your health, they will be allowed on the plane. Medications should be in their original prescription bottles but are typically allowed to be on planes. We’ll talk about some medical items not allowed on planes later!
- Food-Related Items: Depending on your family or travel group, you may need to bring food with you. This is usually permitted on planes, and some common items include baby formula, baby food, pet food, and other snacks for the journey. Typically, we advise our travelers only to bring light snacks or other dietary items like baby food as needed. It’s always a good idea to have some candy, chips, and even bottled water on hand during your journey, and these are completely acceptable to bring on the plane. However, bottled water must be purchased AFTER your security check.
- E-Cigarettes & Vapes: You are permitted to bring your e-cig or vape with you in the cabin but the FAA requires that it not be smoked or charged during the flight. These items do represent a fire hazard and should not be packed in your luggage or carry-on for safety reasons. Just a reminder, these products may be illegal in other countries/destinations you are traveling to. It is extremely important to educate yourself before entering the airport.
- Miscellaneous Items: This category includes everything from books to wet wipes (both of which are allowed on the plane) and can encompass a wide range of items you may want to bring with you on your travels. It’s generally a good idea to try to limit the number of miscellaneous items you bring with you, as it may slow down the security process if your bag is filled with random items. Again, focus on the essentials and always double-check with your travel expert to ensure that what you’re bringing is permitted.
It’s worth noting that some of these permitted items are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be packed in your main luggage instead. Naturally, everyone’s requirements are unique, but our travel specialists can assist you with any questions you may have about what to bring on your vacation. Let’s now explore some common items that you should avoid bringing with you as you depart for paradise.
What You CANNOT Take on a Plane
It’s crucial to avoid bringing restricted or prohibited items to the airport as it could result in severe consequences. If you have any doubts about an item, it’s better not to bring it. It’s also important to check with your travel expert and review the TSA’s list of prohibited items before heading to the airport. Here are some common items that are not allowed on planes:
- Firearms: Weapons and firearms are restricted from carry-on bags. Some airlines permit firearms via checked bags, but it’s generally better to leave them at home. This also includes any ammunition or bullets for firearms. Attempting to sneak a firearm onto a plane is illegal and may result in jail time, charges, and extensive TSA screenings.
- Sharp Objects: Sharp and pointy items like knives and box cutters are not allowed in carry-on bags. While razors for shaving and cosmetics are typically permitted, it’s essential to double-check before packing any sharp object that could trigger a security check.
- CBD, THC, & Other Illicit Substances: Although some states in the US have legalized THC and CBD for medical or recreational purposes, these substances are still federally illegal. It’s not worth the risk to bring them with you, especially when traveling to other countries where they may result in fines, confiscation, or detainment. If you do decide you would like to bring an e-cig or vape, those must be carried on your person during the flight.
- Medical & Miscellaneous: Some medical items, such as personal oxygen tanks and thermometers containing mercury, are not allowed on planes. In the miscellaneous category, it’s best to avoid bringing items that could potentially be flagged at a security checkpoint, such as toys shaped like weapons or unfamiliar medical devices.
It’s completely understandable to have questions about what items you should bring on your vacation. Our team is here to help and provide guidance, ensuring that you don’t accidentally bring anything that could delay or cancel your trip before it even begins. You can trust us to assist you in packing for a stress-free and enjoyable vacation.
Now You’re Ready
Now that you have a clear understanding of the do’s and don’ts of packing for your trip, it’s time to start planning! Our team is ready to assist you in planning your dream vacation. Contact us for some great vacation ideas and get ready to take off in no time. Where in the world would you like to go?
