Ever tossed random items from your pockets into those plastic bins at airport security, only to see a TSA agent give you the stink eye? You’re not alone. The Transportation Security Administration recently issued warnings about what travelers should stop putting in security bins and what shouldn’t make it into carry-on bags at all. From pocket snacks to summer yard games, some items cause more headaches than you’d think. These warnings might seem quirky, but they’re addressing real problems that slow down security lines and create confusion for both travelers and agents.
Empty your pockets into your bag, not the bin
Most people automatically start dumping everything from their pockets into those gray bins when they reach security. Keys, phone, loose change, gum wrappers, receipts—it all goes clattering in there. But TSA actually wants you to stop doing this. In their recent advisory, they specifically asked travelers to place pocket items into their carry-on bags instead of bins. This includes phones, keys, wallets, tissues, gum, and mints. The reason makes sense once you think about it. Small items in bins can get lost, mixed up with other people’s belongings, or accidentally left behind when you’re rushing to catch your flight.
The agency’s August warning on social media listed several items that commonly end up in bins but shouldn’t. Beyond the obvious stuff, they mentioned some pretty weird ones too: cheese slices, pet rocks, pocket chicken, and hot sauce packets. Yes, people apparently travel with these things in their pockets. By keeping everything in your bag, you reduce the chance of losing something important and help the line move faster. Plus, you won’t be that person frantically searching for their AirPods while everyone behind you sighs impatiently.
Lawn darts won’t make it past security
Planning a beach vacation or family reunion with outdoor games? You might want to rethink packing lawn darts in your carry-on. TSA made this point crystal clear in their summer travel reminders. While swimsuits and flip flops are perfectly fine to pack, lawn darts are a hard no. The pointed projectiles fall under TSA’s prohibited items list because, well, they’re basically sharp objects designed to fly through the air. The same rules that keep you from bringing knives and scissors in your carry-on apply to these old-school backyard game pieces.
The agency used this as an example of a bigger principle: just because something fits in your bag doesn’t mean you can bring it on a plane. TSA’s summer travel checklist emphasized this point with a touch of humor, even joking about someone trying to bring a kitchen sink through security. If you absolutely need lawn darts at your destination, pack them in checked luggage instead. The same goes for other sporting equipment with sharp or pointed parts. When in doubt, check TSA’s website or use their AskTSA service on social media before you pack.
Vapes need special handling at checkpoints
Vaping devices have become super common, but many travelers don’t realize they can’t just toss them in the bin with their keys. TSA mentioned vapes specifically in their list of items that should go in your carry-on bag rather than loose in a bin. Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are actually required to travel in carry-on bags or on your person—you can’t pack them in checked luggage at all. This is because of the lithium batteries they contain, which have caused fires in cargo holds. The Federal Aviation Administration banned e-cigarettes from checked bags back in 2016 for this exact reason.
When you go through security with your vape, keep it in your bag or pocket until you’re told to remove electronics. Don’t place it loose in a bin where it might get damaged or confused with someone else’s belongings. The TSA guidelines are clear that these devices need to be accessible for inspection, but secured in your personal items. Also, remember that you can’t use your vape anywhere in the airport terminal or on the plane itself. Pack any e-liquid bottles according to the liquid rules—each container must be 3.4 ounces or less and fit in a quart-sized bag.
Hot sauce packets cause unexpected delays
Who knew hot sauce could be controversial at airport security? TSA specifically called out hot sauce packets as items that shouldn’t go in bins. While it might seem harmless to have a few Taco Bell Fire sauce packets in your pocket from lunch, they can actually confuse screening. The packets show up oddly on X-ray machines, and loose condiment packets in bins can leak or create a mess. More importantly, if you’re carrying multiple packets or small bottles of hot sauce, they need to follow the liquid rules. Anything over 3.4 ounces must go in checked luggage.
Some travelers are serious about their hot sauce and want to bring their favorite brands on vacation. That’s fine, but plan. Individual packets from fast food restaurants should stay in your carry-on bag, not loose in bins where they might get crushed or separated from your belongings. Larger bottles should either meet the size requirements and go in your liquids bag, or get packed in checked luggage. The recent TSA reminder used hot sauce as an example of the random stuff people try to bring through security without thinking it through. Bottom line: keep your condiments contained and in the right luggage.
Pet rocks and pocket chickens are apparently a thing
TSA’s list of items not to put in bins included two head-scratchers: pet rocks and pocket chickens. While pet rocks are obviously a joke reference to the 1970s fad (or maybe people actually still carry them?), pocket chickens are surprisingly real. Some people keep small rubber chickens, chicken-shaped stress toys, or other poultry-themed novelties in their pockets as good luck charms or conversation starters. Whatever the reason, TSA has seen enough of these items to specifically mention them. The point isn’t really about rocks or chickens—it’s about keeping weird, non-essential items out of the bins.
Security bins are for items that must be screened separately, like laptops, liquid bags, shoes, and belts. Everything else should stay in your carry-on bag. When you put random objects in bins, you risk losing them, and you slow down the screening process. TSA agents have to examine unusual items more carefully, which backs up the line. The lighthearted warning about pet rocks and pocket chickens drives home a serious message: pack smartly and keep your personal items organized. If you’re traveling with something unusual, keep it tucked safely in your bag where it belongs. Save the bins for what actually needs to be screened.
Cheese slices in your pocket are a bad idea
Yes, TSA specifically mentioned cheese slices in their warning about items people put in security bins. Apparently, enough travelers have tried to bring unwrapped cheese through security for it to make the list. Maybe someone grabbed a slice from breakfast and stuffed it in their pocket. Maybe someone thought individually wrapped cheese slices would make a good travel snack. Either way, loose cheese doesn’t belong in security bins. It’s messy, potentially violates food safety rules, and probably seems suspicious on X-ray screens. Food is generally allowed through security, but it needs to be properly packaged.
If you’re bringing snacks for your flight, keep them in your carry-on bag in their original packaging or in sealed containers. Loose food items, especially anything that could melt, squish, or leak, should never go in bins or loose in your pockets. The TSA advisory used cheese as an example of the strange things agents encounter daily. Solid food items are permitted through security, but you need to use common sense. Pack your snacks properly, keep them in your bag, and save everyone—including yourself—from the embarrassment of explaining why you have unwrapped cheese in your pocket at the airport.
Wallets should stay in bags during screening
Many people automatically pull out their wallet and place it in a bin, thinking it needs to be screened separately like electronics. This isn’t necessary and actually creates more opportunities for loss or theft. Your wallet can stay in your carry-on bag or personal item during screening. TSA’s new guidance specifically includes wallets in the list of things that should remain in bags rather than going into bins. Wallets contain your most important items—credit cards, ID, cash—and leaving them loose in a bin increases the risk of forgetting them or having them mixed up with another passenger’s belongings.
The only time you need to remove your ID is when you’re actually showing it to the TSA officer at the document check station. After that, it goes back in your wallet, which stays in your bag. Some travelers worry that the metal in their wallet will set off the scanner, but modern screening technology can differentiate between a wallet and a prohibited item. The recent reminder from TSA emphasizes keeping valuables secure and organized. If you’re still concerned, place your wallet in an easily accessible pocket of your carry-on so you can quickly grab it after screening. Just don’t put it in a bin where it’s vulnerable.
Use AskTSA before packing questionable items
When you’re unsure whether something can go in your carry-on, you don’t have to guess. TSA runs a service called AskTSA, where you can message them on social media or through their website to get answers about specific items. They respond to questions on Twitter and Facebook Messenger every day from early morning until late at night. This service has become incredibly popular because it gives travelers clear, official answers before they get to the airport. Instead of showing up with a questionable item and hoping for the best, you can find out ahead of time whether it’s allowed.
TSA specifically promoted this service in their summer travel tips, encouraging people to message them with questions. The agents who run AskTSA have seen it all and can tell you whether your item is permitted, whether it needs to go in checked baggage, or if there are special packing requirements. This is especially helpful for unusual items or things you’re bringing for the first time. You can even send them a photo of an item if you’re not sure how to describe it. Using this resource takes five minutes and can save you from having to throw away items at security or missing your flight while dealing with prohibited items.
Kitchen sinks and other ridiculous items
TSA’s social media team has a sense of humor, which they demonstrated by posting a photo of an actual kitchen sink with their warnings. The joke about bringing “everything but the kitchen sink” is apparently not always a joke—people have tried to bring some truly bizarre items through security. While a kitchen sink itself isn’t prohibited (it’s just impractical), the point is that travelers often pack without thinking about whether items are appropriate for carry-on luggage. The agency sees everything from full-sized swords to chainsaws, from cremated remains in unmarked containers to live animals in people’s clothing.
The lighthearted approach TSA takes on social media serves a serious purpose: getting people to think before they pack. Just because you can physically fit something in your carry-on doesn’t mean it’s allowed or appropriate. Before you pack anything unusual, consider whether it’s necessary for your trip, whether it could be shipped instead, or whether it should go in checked luggage. The prohibited items list covers obvious things like weapons and explosives, but also includes items that might seem harmless ,like tools over a certain size, sporting equipment, and certain electronic items. When in doubt, check the rules or ask before you pack.
Airport security moves faster when everyone knows what to pack and how to pack it. Keep small items in your carry-on bag instead of loose in bins. Check TSA guidelines before packing anything questionable, and use the AskTSA service when you’re unsure. Leave the lawn darts, loose cheese slices, and pocket chickens at home—or at least packed properly in checked luggage. These small changes help security lines move smoothly and reduce stress for everyone traveling. Next time you’re packing for a trip, remember that a little preparation goes a long way toward a hassle-free airport experience.
