There are some objects that the Transportation Security Administration prohibits for air travel so that no harm, either intentional or accidental, be caused during the flight. There are some items that are allowed to be packed in the checked baggage, but not in the carry-on ones, and there are some that are strictly prohibited. Thus, in case you have doubts regarding an item, either you pack it in the checked luggage, or, much better, don't take it with you.
Items that are sharp
It is allowed to take most sharp items within the checked luggage, with the condition of being sheathed accordingly so that the luggage handlers be protected. It is allowed to take disposable razor blades in the carry-on bag. Also, scissors can be transported in the carry-on baggage, if the length of its blade is not longer than 4 inches. But items such as: ice picks, swords, meat cleavers are banned in the carry-on bags.
Sporting items
All sporting items are banned in carry-on luggage, because they are considered to have a potential to harm or to cause injuries. Thus, it's suggested to better leave your baseball bat at home. It's restricted to bring into the airplane items like: baseball bats, bows and arrows, hockey sticks, cricket bats, ski poles, and spear guns. You can rent any of these objects at your destination. Pay attention not to take into your carry-on bag anything that can be considered weapon.
Ammunition and fire weapons
Guns can be packed only in checked bags if and only if they are fully disarmed. But to pack ammunition, you have to contact the airline and see if they allow or not ammunition to be carried in the checked bags. There are some airlines that prohibit ammunition even in the checked bags. To be able to take a weapon in the checked luggage, such as a small firearm, BB gun, compressed air guns or flare guns, you have to completely disarm it and put it into a locked box that has hard sides. Remember that all items such as gun accessories, ammunition or guns have to be reported when doing the check-in.
Carrying tools
You are allowed to take tools in your checked bag if they are properly sheathed, in order to prevent injury. You can pack: axes, hammers, hatchets, cattle prods, crowbars, drills and saws. If you have screwdrivers, pliers and wrenches that have a length bellow 7 inches you can pack it in your hand bag.
Carrying chemicals
Everything that is flammable or explosive is strictly banned. You cannot take spray paint, lighter fluid, fireworks, gas, matches, chlorine, bleach or aerosol. You are allowed to have one matches box in the carry-on bag. However, you cannot carry matches in your checked luggage. You can have compressed gas cartridges that are up to 4 – 2 vests and 2 spares in both carry-on and checked baggage.
