What Should Be on Your “Do Not Pack” List

A couple of summers ago, I was flying to France to stay with friends who had visited San Francisco in the past and fell in love with our foggy city. I thought I had found the perfect hospitality gift when I bought a fog globe featuring the Golden Gate Bridge. A fog globe is similar to a snow globe, but when you shake it up, instead of snow falling, the bridge disappears in gray fog. Because it was breakable, I carefully packed the globe in a carry-on bag, and that was my big mistake. It never occurred to me that airport security (TSA) would confiscate the gift because it contained too much liquid. I have since learned that fog and snow globes about the size of a tennis ball are allowed if they can fit in a clear, quart-sized plastic bag. Next time, I’ll make sure to pack this type of gift in my checked luggage or buy a smaller one.

I also had a carton of yogurt confiscated by TSA not too long ago, which surprised me. I had brought it from home because I didn’t want to pay high airport prices for breakfast. Apparently, travelers should avoid anything that’s even somewhat “liquidy”—things like salsa, soup, alcohol, Jell-O, pudding, syrup and jam are not allowed.

According to the TSA’s website, other things not to pack in your carry-on include large liquid deodorants, suntan lotions or shampoos (anything under 3.4 ounces is OK), safety razors with removable blades, children’s toys with gel inside, gel inserts for shoes, and scissors with blades longer than four inches.

To learn about the latest TSA rules for both carry-on and checked bags, here’s the most updated list I found: www.tsatraveltips.us/can-i-bring-it-on-an-airplane