Airport security checkpoints are designed to ensure passenger safety by identifying and confiscating prohibited items. Despite clear regulations, travelers often unintentionally or intentionally carry items that violate security guidelines. Below is a breakdown of the most commonly detected prohibited items during airport baggage checks.
1. Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs)
Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes exceeding the 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) limit are among the most frequently confiscated items. These include everyday products like water bottles, coffee cups, toothpaste, lotions, perfumes, and even duty-free alcohol without proper documentation. Many passengers forget these restrictions or misunderstand the rules about liquid containers in carry-on luggage.
2. Knives and Sharp Objects
Knives, scissors, corkscrews, box cutters, and other sharp tools are commonly seized at security checkpoints. Items like kitchen cleavers, machetes, throwing stars, and swords occasionally appear as well. While some passengers claim they forgot these items were in their bags, others attempt to bring them knowingly.
3. Firearms
Firearms and firearm components are strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage but surprisingly often detected. In the U.S., the TSA reported a significant increase in firearm discoveries in recent years—many of them fully loaded. Travelers caught with firearms face fines or arrest unless they follow proper procedures for transporting them in checked baggage.
4. Explosives and Flammable Materials
Explosives such as gunpowder, fireworks, flares, and lighter fluid are banned from both carry-on and checked luggage due to their dangerous nature. These items are occasionally found during security checks despite strict prohibitions.
5. Realistic Replicas and Novelty Items
Replicas of weapons—such as toy guns or imitation grenades—are also prohibited because they can cause confusion or alarm during screening processes. Even novelty items that resemble weapons can lead to confiscation.
6. Ammunition
Ammunition is another frequently detected item that passengers attempt to carry in their hand luggage. Like firearms, ammunition must be declared and properly packed in checked baggage according to airline-specific guidelines.
7. Flammable Household Items
Everyday household items such as paint solvents, lighter refills, strike-anywhere matches, and self-heating meals (MREs) are often flagged during baggage checks due to their flammable properties under flight conditions.
8. Restricted Powders
Powder-like substances larger than 12 ounces (350 milliliters) are restricted for cabin baggage on flights departing from certain countries like Canada or Mexico due to potential security risks.
9. Electronic Devices with Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries not installed in devices are frequently flagged during security checks due to their risk of overheating or catching fire under certain conditions. Only batteries properly installed in electronic devices are allowed in checked luggage.
10. Alcoholic Beverages Over 140 Proof
High-proof alcoholic beverages exceeding 140 proof are prohibited from being transported on flights due to their flammability.
Conclusion
Airport security officers encounter a wide range of prohibited items daily—from seemingly harmless liquids to dangerous weapons and explosives. While some cases involve forgetfulness on the part of travelers, others highlight deliberate attempts to bypass regulations. To avoid delays or penalties at security checkpoints, passengers should familiarize themselves with airport rules regarding prohibited items before traveling.
For guidance on what you can pack in your carry-on or checked luggage, consult resources like the TSA’s “Can I Bring” app or your airline’s website for specific restrictions.
BOS Security is proud to be a trusted partner in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Screening Partnership Program (SPP) since 2009, providing private security screening services at airports nationwide. We uphold the highest federal security standards, ensuring passenger safety and operational efficiency. BOS Security delivers specialized screening services, including passenger checkpoints and baggage operations, while adhering to TSA protocols and utilizing approved technologies. Our commitment to excellence allows airports to benefit from cost-effective solutions, reduced wait times, and enhanced accountability. With BOS Security, travelers experience reliable and professional service backed by federal oversight and private sector innovation.