According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), most electronic devices can be packed in checked luggage. However, certain exceptions exist where electronic items are either entirely prohibited or fall into a gray area. Travelers should be aware of these restrictions to avoid potential consequences, which could range from confiscation to fines or even arrest. There’s even a website where TSA-confiscated items are sold, which might be useful if you want to retrieve something that was taken.
While many electronic items are permitted in carry-on luggage—and some are required to be placed there instead of in checked bags—a few exceptions apply. These include power tools, mobility devices, and even a specific model of smartphone. If you’re uncertain whether an item will be allowed through security, it’s always a good idea to check with the TSA beforehand. The agency’s policies frequently change, and this article reflects the rules in place at the time of writing. Additionally, while many of the electronics that are banned in carry-ons can still be checked, the regulations differ for electronics in checked baggage. Below is a list of eight electronic devices that the TSA does not allow in carry-on luggage.
Electric Lighters Require Special Handling in Carry-Ons
While traditional lighters, such as disposable Bic lighters and Zippo-style lighters, are permitted in carry-on bags, electric lighters face stricter rules. Although they may seem safer than lighters that rely on combustible fuel, electric lighters contain batteries, which the TSA closely regulates due to potential fire hazards. Cheap electronics, including many electric lighters, are particularly prone to a reaction known as thermal runaway, which can cause batteries to combust. A report from UL Standards & Engagement found that thermal runaway incidents on aircraft increased by 28% between 2019 and 2023, with 90% of these incidents occurring near passengers’ seats.
To bring an electric lighter, arc lighter, or e-lighter in your carry-on, you must take precautions to “prevent unintentional activation of the heating element while on board the aircraft,” according to the TSA. The agency suggests removing the battery or placing the lighter in a protective case. Charging an electric lighter on the plane is never allowed, even if it is stored properly. As with other security measures, whether your lighter is permitted ultimately depends on the TSA agent inspecting your bag.
Lighter Guns Are Completely Banned on Airplanes
Unlike standard electric lighters, lighters that resemble firearms are entirely prohibited on aircraft. Even if these lighters are not electric, they are banned from both carry-on and checked luggage.
This prohibition is likely due to multiple factors. First, gun-shaped lighters could cause confusion, potentially alarming airline staff or passengers. Additionally, a person with malicious intent could use a firearm-shaped lighter to intimidate others or commit a crime. In high-stakes situations, TSA agents or law enforcement officers may treat any object resembling a gun as a real threat. The ban on gun-shaped lighters is intended to protect both passengers and airline personnel.
Power Tools and Drills Must Be Checked
Although you may be comfortable handling power tools, they are not allowed in carry-on luggage. Power tools, including drills and drill bits, must be packed in checked baggage. A determined individual could easily turn a drill into a dangerous weapon, which is why the TSA enforces this restriction. Even though it may be inconvenient to check valuable tools, doing so is necessary to comply with security regulations.
However, power tool batteries are subject to different rules. The TSA states, “External battery chargers that don’t require electricity and spare, uninstalled lithium batteries must be packed in a carry-on bag.” This aligns with general TSA battery regulations, as most batteries must be transported in carry-on luggage rather than checked bags. If you need to travel with power tools, be sure to pack the tools themselves in a checked bag while placing the batteries in a protective case in your carry-on.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Is Still Prohibited in Carry-Ons
Samsung’s now-discontinued Galaxy Note series was once highly regarded for its productivity features, sleek design, and included S-Pen. However, one specific model, the Galaxy Note 7, remains banned from carry-on luggage due to safety concerns.
Released in 2016, the Galaxy Note 7 initially received positive reviews. However, the device quickly became infamous due to a major battery defect. A lack of shielding in some batteries and missing cells in others led to overheating and short-circuiting, causing fires and explosions. As reports of injuries and property damage mounted, the Department of Transportation issued a travel ban on the device in October 2016.
The ban remains in effect, and some believe Samsung never fully recovered from the public relations disaster. The incident is often cited as a reason why Samsung has been more conservative with battery sizes in its flagship phones since then.
Nail Guns Must Be Checked
For safety reasons, nail guns are only allowed in checked luggage. A nail gun could easily be repurposed as a dangerous weapon, making it unsuitable for carry-on luggage. Even if the tool is not loaded with nails, it remains prohibited.
This policy aligns with TSA restrictions on firearms, as even unloaded guns cannot be brought into an aircraft cabin. If you need to travel with a nail gun, place it in checked luggage. If the tool has a removable battery, pack the battery in your carry-on inside a protective case. TSA guidelines do not specifically mention nails, but since they are sharp objects, it’s best to pack them in checked baggage as well.
Tasers and Stun Guns Are Not Allowed in Carry-Ons
Tasers, stun guns, and other electroshock weapons are not permitted in carry-on luggage under any circumstances. However, they can be transported in checked luggage if precautions are taken to prevent accidental activation.
Even without batteries or a power source, these weapons remain banned from carry-on bags. The TSA prohibits them because they can incapacitate individuals, making them a security risk in an aircraft cabin. Allowing passengers to carry such weapons onboard would pose a safety threat, regardless of intent.
If a taser or stun gun is packed in a checked bag, the TSA requires that it be “transported in a manner that renders the device inoperable from accidental discharge.” A discharge in the cargo hold could cause a fire or lead to an emergency.
Metal Detectors Are Generally Discouraged in Carry-Ons
Unlike other electronics on this list, metal detectors exist in a gray area. While they are not explicitly banned, TSA guidelines discourage passengers from carrying them in their carry-on bags.
The likely reason is their size. Many metal detectors, especially those designed for hobbyists, have long poles and sensor arrays that make them difficult to store in overhead bins or under seats. To avoid potential issues, travelers are advised to check these items instead.
TSA also recommends contacting airlines before traveling with a metal detector, as policies may vary. It may also be wise to check with the TSA in advance, as regulations can change.
Battery-Powered Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices Must Be Checked
For individuals who rely on wheelchairs and mobility devices, special precautions are required when flying. Although these devices can be brought through security and used to reach the gate, they are not permitted in the aircraft cabin. Instead, airline staff provide accommodations to ensure passengers can board safely and retrieve their mobility devices upon arrival.
If a wheelchair or mobility device has a spillable battery, the TSA states that it may remain installed as long as it is “securely attached to the mobility device and the battery housing provides protection from damage, the terminals are protected from short circuit, and the battery remains in an upright position when stowed on the aircraft.” The TSA also advises travelers to consult relevant FAA regulations.
For lithium-ion batteries, additional precautions may be necessary. If the device lacks protective battery housing, the lithium-ion battery must be removed and placed in carry-on luggage.
By staying informed about TSA policies, travelers can ensure a smoother security screening process and avoid any issues with their electronic devices while flying.