TSA's Quirkiest Rules: What You Can (and Definitely Can't) Bring in 2025
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TSA's Quirkiest Rules
What You Can (and Definitely Can't) Bring in 2025
Picture this: You're confidently approaching TSA security when the agent pulls out your "harmless" power bank and shakes their head. Meanwhile, the person behind you breezes through with a container of live goldfish. Welcome to the wonderfully weird world of TSA regulations.
The Surprisingly Allowed
❄️ Frozen Liquids
If it's frozen solid, it's not technically a liquid in TSA's eyes. Frozen smoothies, chicken soup, or cocktail mix can make it through—just hope it doesn't start melting during screening.
🥚 Fresh Eggs
Raw eggs in the shell are completely fine. It's one of those rules that makes you wonder about the backstory, but TSA won't stop your breakfast plans.
💊 Medical Necessities
Prescription medications, liquid vitamins, and medical supplies aren't bound by standard liquid restrictions. Just declare them and be prepared for additional screening.
👶 Baby Travel Essentials
Formula, breast milk, baby food, and liquid-filled teething toys are allowed in "reasonable quantities"—typically whatever you need for your journey.
🐠 Live Fish
A live fish in a clear, spill-proof container can accompany you through security. Just imagine the conversation starter with your seatmate!
🛍️ Duty-Free Liquids
That full-size bottle of perfume or local liquor from your trip? If it's sealed in a tamper-evident bag with receipt, it's cleared for takeoff.
The Surprisingly Banned
🔋 Power Banks in Checked Bags
Portable chargers and external battery packs are now prohibited in checked baggage on most airlines. They must travel in your carry-on due to fire safety concerns.
🪥 Electric Personal Items
Battery-powered toothbrushes and razors are increasingly restricted in checked bags. Many airlines prefer them in carry-ons to prevent potential battery issues.
🔥 Butane Beauty Tools
Butane-powered curling irons and hair straighteners face tighter restrictions. Some airlines have banned them entirely due to pressurized gas cartridges.
⚡ Large Lithium Batteries
Spare lithium batteries are limited to 100 watt-hours each, with maximum two larger batteries (101-160 Wh) only with airline approval.
🫙 "Food" Items That Count as Liquids
TSA has confiscated more peanut butter, hummus, and honey than you'd expect. These spreads and gels fall under liquid rules—keep portions under 3.4 ounces.
Pro Tip: The Melt Test
Here's a simple rule of thumb: if it can melt, spill, or pour, TSA considers it a liquid. This applies to everything from frozen drinks to thick spreads like peanut butter or hummus.
New Rules Flying Under the Radar
Airlines are implementing additional restrictions beyond TSA requirements. These changes reflect growing concerns about lithium battery safety in aviation—a trend worth watching for all travelers.
👁️ Visible Charging Requirements
Some carriers now require portable chargers to remain visible during charging, not buried in bags or overhead compartments.
♿ Mobility Device Changes
Starting late 2025, passengers with mobility devices must remove lithium batteries before boarding, with power limits capped at 300 watt-hours by early 2026.
The Five Rules Most Travelers Forget
Even experienced flyers stumble on these basics:
Gels, pastes, creams, and spreads all count as liquids
Laptops and tablets require their own screening bins
Even allowed food items often trigger additional screening
All spare batteries must be in carry-on luggage
Frozen solid is fine, slushy gets tossed
Smart Packing for TSA Success
Understanding TSA's quirks highlights an important truth: the right packing strategy eliminates most travel stress before you even reach the airport. This is where thoughtful gear design makes all the difference.
The Bottom Line
TSA's rules aren't just a list of restrictions—they're a mix of safety measures, practical necessities, and occasionally baffling allowances that reflect the complex reality of modern travel security.
The travelers who glide through security aren't necessarily the ones who've memorized every regulation. They're the ones who pack strategically, stay informed about changes, and use systems designed around the realities of airport travel.
Wrapping It Up
TSA's quirkiest rules remind us that air travel is equal parts freedom and fine print. Some things you'd never expect (like a live goldfish) get the green light, while everyday items (like peanut butter) can ground you in security. The trick isn't memorizing every obscure rule — it's knowing where to check before you go.
That's where Traversatile's TSA SmartChecker comes in.
Know Before You Go with SmartChecker
Instead of second-guessing your carry-on, SmartChecker lets you:
Search instantly to see if an item is allowed, restricted, or prohibited
Get live updates when TSA adds or changes rules
Learn pro tips for packing smarter and avoiding checkpoint slowdowns
No more surprises at security. Just clarity, confidence, and smooth sailing from the curb to your gate.
Make security one less thing to stress about.