You Can Take A Live Lobster Through TSA, But These Items Are Now Banned

The TSA regularly updates its list of banned items, changing and reevaluating what could be a threat on board. The newly published collection of items includes all sorts of weird things you can’t bring in your carry-on luggage.

Stating the Obvious: Most things on the list are not allowed on a flight by the TSA for clear reasons. Knives, guns, and explosives are all to be kept in checked luggage only. However, that hasn’t stopped some idiots from trying it.

But, there are a few things that may surprise you that aren’t allowed on a flight according to the TSA. Some make sense, whereas others clearly have a very stupid story behind the ruling.

Banned Bowling

Sure, explosives and ammo aren’t allowed on board. But some of these are just confusing.

• Bowling Balls and Pins – These can both be left in checked luggage, but according to the TSA, they can’t be brought in checked luggage. According to their site, it’s because they can be used as bludgeoning weapons.
• Canoe, Kayak, or Paddles – I hardly think that many people would be stupid enough to bring an entire kayak through check-in luggage. But, if there is one thing I have learned as a journalist, it’s that there is no accounting for people.
• Chlorine for Pools and Spas – There is actually no reason given by the TSA for this to be banned from being brought on a flight. It can’t even be put into checked luggage. I suspect it has to do with the dangerous nature of the chemical when exposed to air.
• Cooking Spray – The problem with cooking spray isn’t with its food-use nature. Instead, it’s because of the aerosol properties. So, if you’re looking to chef up a meal in flight, you’re out of luck. Especially seeing as cast-iron cookware is also banned by the TSA.
• English Christmas Crackers – Unfestive and racist.
• Nunchuks –And this is the only reason I will never visit the US. I don’t go anywhere without my Nunchucks.

The full list of banned and allowed items on flights can be found on the TSA website. Although there are a lot of things not allowed, the permitted items can be quite surprising. I can’t go on with my bowling balls, but as long as my spurs are unattached, they’re fair game.