It can be difficult to know for sure what can and cannot be carried on an airliner these days. There was a time just after 9/11 when it seemed that anything with a sharp edge was destined to be confiscated at airport security. Airports proudly displayed collections of confiscated nail clippers, throwing stars and pocket knives as a reminder that sharp objects weren't allowed on the airplane. The good news back then was that dehydration wasn’t a problem.
Then came the ban on all liquids, which eventually was relaxed a bit to allow three ounce packages of non flammable liquids so travelers didn’t have to buy toothpaste and shampoo everywhere they traveled. The bad news is that snow globes, even the tiny ones, are still banned from your carry-on baggage.
Some of the things that were sure to be taken away in the not too distant past, such as scissors, screwdrivers (less than seven inches) and a Bic type lighter, are now okay in your carry-on baggage. To its credit, the TSA does have a simple website that answers many of the questions for passengers wondering whether or not their pool cue, cattle prod or gel shoe inserts can be carried or worn on board (no, no and no). The agency also operates a blog discussing what passengers can and cannot bring on an airliner these days. They even seem to have at least some hint of a sense of humor such as the entry titled, “Can I Take my Hand Grenade on the Plane?” Turns out they prefer you don’t carry your hand grenade shaped lighter in your carry-on baggage.
Of course many of the TSA’s actions still feed the anger passengers feel as soon as they even get close to the long lines at security checks. Snow globes have been banned for a few years now. There are numerous stories of frustrated grandmothers, dismayed children and simply dumbfounded travelers who are surprised when their classic holiday gift is removed from their carry-on baggage. But right at the bottom of the list of prohibited items list on the TSA website sits the spherical winter wonderland, “snow globes and like decorations regardless of size or amount of liquid inside, even with documentation.” Sounds like there have been quite a few arguments between the TSA and holiday travelers regarding the agency’s own three ounce non flammable liquid rule.
Of course the snow globe ban raises one of the most often debated questions about the TSA’s security measures. Why, if you’re carrying more than three ounces of a supposedly hazardous liquid, is the container simply thrown into a large garbage can at the security checkpoint? There is no hazardous material disposal area and no bomb squad to take the liquids to a safe disposal site. What is dangerous in an airplane, apparently presents no danger to the same passengers on the ground.
We here at Autopia are curious to some of your favorite examples of items that didn’t make it through the TSA security check at your local airport. Let us know in the comment section below if your snow globe or t-shirt ended up in the trash can with all of those hazardous liquids.
Photo: Flickr/Adam Kuban
