The Very Surprising Things You're Forbidden To Pack Before You Go On A Plane

If you are a regular traveler, preparing for a quick trip away may seem second nature to you. But we all get caught out sometimes—and a lack of foresight might result in you losing some of your favorite items. Here is a list of a few things you’re forbidden to pack. Some are obvious, others not so much.

This list pertains to carry-on luggage because, jet-setter that you are, you probably can’t be bothered with checking your bags—though make sure you watch out for the one item on this list that you can’t even pack in your checked luggage! As for the rest, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a 3-1-1 rule.

The 3-1-1 rule goes like this: to be taken in a carry-on bag, all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in 3.4 ounce or smaller containers that fit in one sealed zip-top plastic bag, with only one bag per passenger. Still, what constitutes as a liquid or gel? The answer isn’t as obvious as you think.

1.) Aerosol hairspray

Make sure if you pack aerosol hairspray, it goes in a checked bag. According to the TSA, your aerosol hairspray has to be marked non-hazardous material, otherwise, it might be confiscated.

2.) Spray deodorant

Same deal goes for spray deodorant as it does for aerosol hairspray. Or you could just switch to a solid.

3.) Cream Blush

Did you know that cream blush is considered a gel by the TSA? So, if you want to make sure you keep your contour, make sure your cream blush follows the 3-1-1 rule, or goes into your checked luggage.

4.) Liquid or cream foundation

Liquid and cream foundation are both banned unless under 3.4 ounces. So if you plan on bringing a big bottle, you’ll have to check them in. Hey, better extra bags at the airport than under your eyes.

5.) Shampoo and conditioner

Shampoo and conditioner must be each less than 3.4 ounces to comply with the 3-1-1 rule.

6.) Liquid bleach

Liquid bleach is totally forbidden in carry-on or checked luggage, so perhaps rethink packing all white everything.

7.) Body lotion

Lotion falls under the liquid or gel category and as such, much comply by the 3-1-1 rule.

8.) Large nail clippers

Nail clippers are OK, but make sure there an appropriate size. Leave your bigger pairs at home. Even more incentive for a vacation mani-pedi.

9.) Haircutting scissors (metal with pointed tips)

Don’t plan on cutting your own bangs or doing any sewing while on vacation (unless you want to check a bag) because carrying on scissors that have blades that are longer than four inches from the pivot point is forbidden.

10.) Liquid eyeliner

Can the secret to a smoldering cat-eye really be forbidden by the TSA? Absolutely—if it doesn’t comply with the 3-1-1 rule, that is.

11.) Undeveloped film

The machines that x-ray your items will ruin your undeveloped film. The TSA advises against bringing any with you on air travel.

12.) Toothpaste

You better pack travel size toothpaste if you want fresh breath on vacation. Regular size toothpaste is banned from carry-ons.

13.) Razor blades

If you’re a gent who likes an old-fashioned shave, please leave your razor at home. You are not permitted to carry on any unprotected blades.

Want more packing tips? Check out how to pack like a fashion editor!

About the author

Jill Di Donato

Fashion Editor

Jill is a New York native who holds a BA in Literature from Barnard College, and an MFA in writing from Columbia University. She is the author of the novel Beautiful Garbage (She Writes Press, 2013) about the downtown Manhattan art and fashion scene in the 1980s. A former staff writer for The Huffington Post and Bustle, Jill comes to Culture Trip after working with Refinery 29, Vice, Salon, Paste Style, Los Angeles Times, Nylon, Shopify, Autre, and producing content for emerging fashion labels. She teaches classes about fashion and culture at Barnard College and The Fashion Institute of Technology. Her prized possessions are her Gucci fanny pack, vintage rocker t-shirts, and her grandmother's collection of costume jewelry. She's always on the lookout for a gem-encrusted turban.