TSA issues warning as it bans passengers from taking nine bizarre items on planes
With summer almost upon us, the Transport Security Administration has issued a reminder to its passengers what they can and can't bring on planes in the US.
Bizarrely, there are nine items that the majority of people wouldn't typically bring on a flight, although if you have kids or are traveling during a specific season - you could find yourself in possession of one or more of these things.
Of course, we all know we shouldn't bring knives, guns, explosives and what not on board with us, so we won't need to get into them.
Anyway, the TSA has recently issued the following statement: "TSA incorporates unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, to accomplish our transportation security mission.
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"Security measures begin long before you arrive at the airport. TSA works closely with the intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information. Additional security measures are in place from the time you get to the airport until you get to your destination.
"TSA adjusts processes and procedures to meet the evolving threat and to achieve the highest levels of transportation security. Because of this, you may notice changes in our procedures from time to time."
Magic 8 Ball
If you've ever been caught out at customs for having a magic 8-ball, you probably didn't ask it whether you were okay to bring it in your carry-on luggage.
Yes, TSA has listed the Magic 8 Ball on its website as it contains too much liquid inside of it.
The website hilariously states: "For Carry-on bags: We asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us…Outlook not so good!
"For Checked bags: We asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us…It is certain!"
English Christmas crackers
Over in Britain, it's tradition to pull crackers with your loved ones on Christmas, and if you've ever vacationed there during the festive period you may have came across them while sitting down to dine at a restaurant.
They're a fun little novelty and something many Americans think to bring back to the States... but as many have discovered, the TSA ban these.
"These items are prohibited from flying in checked or carry-on bags. They are flammable and should not be brought on airplanes," a spokesperson for the administration explained.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
It's coming up on 10 years since Samsung released its Galaxy Note 7 - in August 2016 to be specific, but it has been outlawed by the TSA due to battery defects resulting in them overheating and catching fire.
A TSA statement reads: "The U.S. Department of Transportation, with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, have issued an emergency order to ban all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States.
"Individuals who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device may not transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States."
The phone was recalled after just one month by Samsung, and has since been discontinued.
Gardening fertilizer
Realistically, who in their right mind is looking at carrying fertilizer in their luggage? Well, on the off-chance that you planned to... don't.
Fertilizers contain ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound that can be used in explosives.
Toy swords made of foam
Foam toy swords are banned from carry-on luggage but not from entering the cargo hold of a plane. This is due to the unnecesary panic it could cause passengers who mistake the toy for an actual sword.
Party poppers
Yes, the party poopers over at the TSA have actually outlawed party poppers! Although, you can't really blame them as they are pyrotechnic devices.
They make a loud noise upon popping and spew confetti everywhere. It's a no-go for TSA for both the cargo hold and carry-on luggage.
Gel-type candles
If you're purchasing a candle for a friend or family member, or even yourself, while vacationing, make sure to check that it isn't a gel-type candle.
That's because they are technically considered a liquid by security agencies due to their potential to leak.
TSA say no to carry-on but yes to hold.
Heat therapy gel pads
Finally, like the above candles, gel-type heating pads are not allowed in your carry-on luggage due to them being liquid and typically possessing more than 100ml.
However, you can carry it in checked-in bags.
Joe Yates