The TSA has a wide variety of items on their no-fly list, and they routinely update and change which items are allowed -- and which are prohibited. At time of publication, some prohibited items included box cutters, knives, ice picks, razors, sabers and swords, scissors with blades longer than 4 inches and other items that could be used as weapons. This includes baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks and other similar sporting equipment. Guns, ammunition and other firearms are also banned from being carried on. Many tools, such as hammers and saws are prohibited. Liquids over 3.4 ounces can't be carried on. Most of the prohibited items, however, are allowed to go in a passenger's checked luggage. An exception is disabling chemicals and explosives, which are banned from both carry-on luggage and packed baggage. You can find a full list of prohibited items on the TSA's official website.
Any liquids over 3.4 ounces -- including perfumes, shampoos, lotions and other toiletries -- that the TSA confiscates are thrown in the trash. According to the TSA blog, the administration once considered donating these items to homeless shelters, but decided against this measure due to security risks. The best way to keep your favorite cologne or that new snowglobe you picked up on vacation out of the trash is to pack them in your checked luggage.
All non-liquid items taken by TSA agents are taken to state-run stores and sold to the public or posted on an online auction site. The public is then able to purchase the confiscated goods. From throwing knives and belt buckles to cricket bats and collectible statuettes, people can rummage through the items on the shelves of thrift stores and buy them at a hefty discount. Of course, the original owners of the items aren't privy to the profits.
If you're uncomfortable with your goods being thrown away or sold to the highest bidder, there are alternatives to TSA confiscation of the items. If your car is parked at the airport, you can go stash them in your trunk and then return to the security checkpoint for screenings. If a friend or family member escorted you to the checkpoint, you can give the items to him to take home for you. In the event you need to take the items with you to your destination, you can take advantage of an on-site postal service at the airport and have the items shipped to your destination. Alternatively, you can return to your airline's baggage check window and try to check the items rather than carry them on.
