Flying This Summer? Here’s What You Can (and Can’t) Bring on a Plane

As summer travel season kicks off, airports are getting busier—and so is the TSA. If you’re flying within the U.S., it helps to know what you can fly with and what should stay at home. Some rules are expected. Others might surprise you.

You Can Bring These Onboard:

Live lobsters and fish are allowed, but there are conditions. Lobsters must be properly packaged and can be checked. Fish need to fly in the cabin with you in spill-proof containers.

Bowling balls are fine. So are lightsabers, yes, the toy versions.

Even knitting needles and ice skates are approved.

But Leave These at Home (or in Your Checked Bag):

Foam swords may sound harmless, but they’ll be confiscated.

Snow globes are banned from carry-ons unless they hold less than 3.4 ounces of liquid, and that’s a rare find.

Peanut butter jars? Nope. They’re considered a liquid and must meet TSA size limits.

British Christmas crackers are strictly banned. These festive party favors might seem innocent, but each one contains a small amount of gunpowder to produce that signature pop. That makes them a security risk, and they’re not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage.

To avoid delays and last-minute surprises, double-check TSA guidelines before you pack. When in doubt, use the “What Can I Bring?” tool on the TSA website or ask at the airport.