When traveling, we try to remember what isn't allowed on a plane so that it doesn't get confiscated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). We pack travel-sized shampoos to accommodate the liquid limit and make sure nothing sharp is packed with our carry-ons. It is best to check with the TSA regulations to make sure that your carry-on items are acceptable, as many aren't.
However, there are certain things that are permitted which may be surprising.
Ice Skates
Sports equipment like baseball bats and ski poles are not allowed to be carried on, but ice skates are! Don't bring a razor blade, but it's okay if it's attached to your skates. Those sharp blades on ice skates could easily be turned into a weapon, but the TSA has no problem with them being in your carry-on bag.
Knitting Needles
Crafty sweater makers rejoice! Your knitting needles are permitted on the plane with you. Just bring bamboo or plastic needles to avoid any problems. For all others, keep an eye on that sweet looking grandmother who's knitting a dress for her granddaughter's doll. You never know when they could turn those crafty tools into deadly weapons.
Common Lighters
Wait, I thought planes don't want people to be able to light an explosive? Lighters are generally not allowed unless they have no fuelor they adhere to the Department of Transportation (DOT) exemption, which allows up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case. Have a special case for your fire starters? No problem! At least explosives still aren't allowed. Just don't put lighters in your checked luggage. That's prohibited.
Scissors
Like mom always said, don't run with scissors! But flying with them is cool. Knives aren't allowed on the plane, but if you attach two together, that's fine as long as the blades are shorter than four inches.
Parachutes
Always be prepared! You may never know when you'll have to engage in some spontaneous skydiving if the plane is having problems. Good thing you can bring your own parachute. Hopefully you won't actually have to use it.
Corkscrews
Your duty free bottle of wine will be checked until the end of your flight, but you can bring the sharp spiraled metal bottle opener! Except in Canada. At least they don't have a screw loose.
Dry Ice
Don't be alarmed by the vapors creeping out of someone's carry-on bag. It's probably not smoke, just some dry ice. The TSA permits passengers to preserve items using this solid carbon dioxide form, as long as it is less than 5.5 pounds worth.
Tools
Leave the hammers and saws at home, but other tools are permitted as long as they're under seven inches long, including screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers. You'll never know when you'll have to do some handy work on your flight.
Deceased Remains
I see dead people...on my plane! If your loved one enjoyed traveling, they still can! You don't even need to pay for an extra seat. Just keep their ashes in a wood or plastic container to be x-rayed. However, if you do need to transport cremated remains, check with your airline, as certain airlines do not allow them on flights.
Pot-Bellied Pigs
I'll believe it when pigs fly! Wait, they can? Animal service is not just for the dogs. The Vietnamese pot-bellied big is legally classified as a service animal and can accompany you on your flight under certain cicumstances. However US Airways banned them after a 300-pound piggy companion caused chaos on one of their flights. If you happen to have a therapy pig and you need to fly with them, make sure your airlines approves.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
