Have you ever been unsure of what can be brought along on a flight in your carry on? It can be tricky when it comes to certain items.

I think we all know weapons, large bottles of liquids and most sharp items won’t be allowed through security. But what about items like razors (no I don’t mean boxcutters), crochet needles, toy guns

Did you know that the TSA has a feature online that could answer the question of what can be brought on flights?

TSA.gov has a pretty cool and helpful feature called When I fly I can bring my…

I was curious to find out how well the feature works and decided to input the items mentioned above to see what kind of results would be returned.

Here are the items I checked and the results:

1- Razors:  I searched razors and then was asked to check off which kind of razor I was  asking about. I was curious about shaving razors, so I selected disposable razors.

Here are the results: “In general, you are prohibited from traveling with sharp objects in your carry-on baggage; please pack these items in your checked baggage. Scissors with blades smaller than 4 inches, small needles carried for special medical needs, and other sharp objects that do not contain a blade may be placed in carry-on baggage.

Any sharp objects placed in carry-on or checked baggage should be properly sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to TSOs and baggage handlers.

Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane“.

Based on these results, it’s safe to say that shaving razors are allowed.

2- Crochet Needles

Here are the results: “In general, you may place your knitting needles and needlepoint tools in carry-on or checked baggage.

Circular thread cutters or any other cutter or needlepoint tools that contain blades must be placed in checked baggage. You are permitted to keep scissors smaller than 4 inches in your carry-on baggage.

Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane“.

Knitting needles & tools, including small scissors are allowed to be in carry-on bags.

3- Toy Guns:

Here are the results: “Firearms, ammunition, firearm parts, and realistic replicas of firearms are prohibited in carry-on baggage. Subject to certain restrictions, you may transport these items in your checked baggage.

As part of the check-in process, all firearms and firearms parts must be declared to the aircraft operator. Firearms may be permitted in checked baggage if unloaded and properly locked in a hard-sided container. Passengers may be summoned to assist Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) in the screening of firearms and firearm parts. Airlines may have additional restrictions on the transport of firearms.

The FAA requires ammunition to be properly packaged. The FAA and airlines may have additional restrictions on the amount of ammunition that may be placed in checked baggage.

Violations can result in criminal prosecution and civil penalties up to $11,000 per violation.

Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane“.

The results for my search were a bit more confusing. The main result says check only. However, when you read the first sentence of the explanation, it only states that realistic replicas are prohibited in carry-ons. So the first answer says checked bags but based on further reading, a toy gun which clearly looks like a toy is allowed. Makes sense?

In conclusion:

Next time you’re flying (and packing for your trip), don’t forget to use the TSA’s handy When I fly, I can bring… tool if you’re not sure if a particular item can be brought as a carry-on. It might save you from having the item confiscated by the TSA.

The When I fly, I can bring… tool can be found at the top right corner of TSA.gov or you can just click here.