According to the Transportation Security Administration, flares and gun powder are prohibited from being brought onto commercial airlines. If either of these items were accidentally ignited while in flight, serious risks could be present including fire, missile and toxic hazards. Explosives and flammable materials represent the largest category of items prohibited from commercial airlines and are considered extremely hazardous. Amongst explosives, the following items are prohibited: blasting caps, dynamite, fireworks, hand grenades, plastic explosives and replicas of explosives. Flammable prohibited items consist of aerosol (with the exception of personal toiletry items in small quantities), fuels (including cooking fuel), gasoline, gas torches and lighter fluid. Other dangerous items include flammable paints, turpentine, paint thinner, chlorine, spray paint, liquid bleach and fire extinguishers. There are also many liquids and chemicals deemed unsafe for flight by the TSA. These items include the flammable liquids already listed as well as tear gas and toner and ink cartridges over 16 oz.
Some items are considered acceptable as long as they are checked at the ticket counter. Firearms and ammunition are allowed as well as most sharp objects such as utility knives, box cutters, axes, swords and cleavers. Note that these items must be safely packed as to avoid any injuries during baggage handling. Sporting goods like hockey sticks, golf clubs, bats and ski poles are too large to be carried on and also must be checked. Most tools are prohibited from being carried on such as drills, saws, crowbars, hammers and tools greater than 7-inches in length. Similarly, self-defense tools like clubs, brass knuckles, martial arts weapons, throwing stars and night sticks are only acceptable as checked baggage.
Having a properly packed carry-on is extremely important in order to get through security in a timely manner with ease. Although common sense dictates most of what is and isn't acceptable, there are a few special rules that need to be followed. Disposable razors and cartridges are acceptable as carry-on items as well as scissors with a blade less than 4-inches in length and tools, wrenches, pliers and screwdrivers that measure less than 7-inches in length. Specifications for bringing liquids and gels in a carry-on must be adhered to. The amount of liquid per container cannot exceed more than 3.4 oz. and must be placed in a quart sized, plastic zip lock bag for screening. In addition, only one bag per passenger is allowed for screening.
