29 Harmless Things You Can’t Take on a Plane

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This lesson provides essential travel tips on what items are permissible and prohibited when flying. It emphasizes the importance of knowing specific restrictions, such as leaving behind items like nail polish, mercury thermometers, and sharp objects, while also highlighting exceptions for necessary medications and certain liquids. By following these guidelines, travelers can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable flying experience.

Travel Tips: What You Can and Can’t Bring on a Plane

Traveling can be exciting, but it’s important to know what items you can and can’t bring on a plane. Here’s a fun and easy guide to help you pack smartly for your next flight!

Nail Polish Removers

You can bring nail polish remover in your carry-on, but make sure it doesn’t contain acetone. Acetone is flammable and can damage your skin and nails. Choose acetone-free removers instead.

Perfume and Nail Polishes

Leave your perfume and nail polishes at home. Not only are they restricted because they’re liquids, but some passengers might be allergic to their smell. It’s best to paint your nails before your trip.

Mercury Thermometers

If you need to check your temperature, use an electronic thermometer or one with alcohol (the red liquid). Mercury thermometers are not allowed because mercury is dangerous and hard to clean up if spilled.

Magic Eight Balls

Magic Eight Balls are not allowed because of the liquid inside. Even though it seems small, it’s hard to measure the exact amount, so it’s best to leave it at home.

Bowling Pins

Bowling pins are considered dangerous because they can be used as a club. Plus, they might not want anyone having too much fun in the aisles!

Darts

No sports equipment is allowed, including darts. They’re sharp, and sharp objects aren’t permitted on board.

Knitting Needles

If you like knitting, choose plastic or wooden needles. Metal needles might not be allowed. Wrap them up to avoid any damage.

Snow Globes

Snow globes are tricky because of the liquid inside. If it’s smaller than a tennis ball, it might be allowed, but it’s safer to check it in your luggage.

Liquid Bleach

Liquid bleach is not allowed on planes. It’s a hazard, and the plane’s bathroom is too small for laundry anyway.

Hair Bleach

Hair bleach is also not allowed on board, so hairdressers will need to leave it behind.

Cordless Curling Irons

These are not allowed because they contain butane gas. Use an electric curling iron instead.

Cast Iron Pans

Cast iron pans are heavy and considered dangerous, so leave them at home.

Christmas Crackers

These festive items are not allowed because they make a loud noise and can scare passengers.

Gel Insoles

Gel insoles are not allowed because it’s hard to measure the liquid inside. The same goes for gel candles.

Paints and Turpentine

Artists can bring oil paints if they’re under 3.4 ounces, but turpentine is too flammable to bring on board.

High Heels and Thick Soles

These aren’t banned, but you might have to remove them for scanning. Airport floors can be dirty, so be prepared!

Wedding Dresses

Pack your wedding dress carefully. It might need extra checks because it could be too big for the x-ray machine.

Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses are considered liquids, so only bring small amounts. Hard cheeses are fine to bring.

Tent Pegs

If you’re camping, you’ll need to check your tent pegs as they’re sharp and not allowed on board.

Liquids

You can bring more than 3.4 ounces of a liquid if it’s medicine you need. Just let the airport know in advance.

Blenders

Blenders are allowed if you remove the blades. Otherwise, they’re not permitted.

Drills

Drills are not allowed in carry-on luggage, so if you buy one as a souvenir, check it in your luggage.

Dry Ice

You can bring up to 5.5 pounds of dry ice, but you need permission from the airline first.

Heating Pads

Electric heating pads are allowed, but gel ones are not. You might not be able to use them during the flight, though.

Razors

Disposable razors and cartridge blades are allowed, but box cutters and knives are not. Keep them in your checked luggage.

Soap Bars

Soap bars are generally allowed, but liquid soap follows the liquid rules.

Batteries

Spillable batteries are not allowed, but lithium batteries can be carried on. They can’t be checked because they might start a fire if damaged.

Laser Pointers

Laser pointers are not allowed in carry-on or checked luggage, so leave them at home.

Walking Sticks

If you need a walking stick for mobility, check with your airline in advance to see if you can bring it on board.

Now that you know what to pack, you’re ready for a smooth and stress-free flight. Happy travels!

  1. Reflecting on the article, what surprised you the most about the items that are not allowed on a plane, and why?
  2. How do you think the restrictions on certain items, like perfumes and nail polishes, impact travelers who frequently fly?
  3. Considering the safety reasons mentioned in the article, how do you feel about the balance between convenience and security in air travel?
  4. Have you ever had an experience where you had to leave an item behind at the airport? How did it affect your travel plans?
  5. What strategies do you use to ensure you comply with airline regulations when packing for a flight?
  6. How might the information in the article change the way you pack for future trips?
  7. Discuss how the restrictions on items like snow globes and gel insoles might affect travelers who are unaware of these rules.
  8. What additional tips or advice would you give to someone who is traveling by plane for the first time, based on the article?
  1. Pack Smart Challenge

    Imagine you’re going on a trip and need to pack your carry-on bag. Create a list of items you would bring and then check them against the article to see if they’re allowed. Share your list with the class and discuss any surprises or changes you had to make.

  2. Travel Safety Poster

    Create a colorful poster that highlights the key items you can’t bring on a plane. Use drawings or cut-out pictures from magazines to make it visually appealing. Display your poster in the classroom to help others learn about travel safety.

  3. Role-Playing Airport Security

    In pairs, take turns being a traveler and an airport security officer. The traveler will “pack” a bag with various items (real or pretend), and the security officer will decide which items are allowed based on the article. Discuss any items that are questionable and why they might be restricted.

  4. Travel Tips Quiz

    Create a quiz for your classmates with questions about what you can and can’t bring on a plane. Use the article to come up with tricky questions and see who can get the most correct answers. Offer a small prize for the winner!

  5. Creative Story Writing

    Write a short story about a character who accidentally packs a restricted item in their carry-on. Describe what happens at the airport and how they solve the problem. Share your story with the class and discuss how the character could have avoided the situation.

TravelTo move from one place to another, often over a distance – Scientists often travel to different countries to conduct research on various ecosystems.

LiquidsSubstances that flow freely and have a constant volume, like water or oil – In science class, we learned how different liquids can mix or separate based on their densities.

SharpHaving a thin edge or point that can cut or pierce – It is important to handle sharp instruments carefully in the lab to avoid injuries.

DangerousLikely to cause harm or injury – Some chemicals in the lab are dangerous and require special handling procedures.

AllowedPermitted or authorized – Only students who have passed the safety test are allowed to use the laboratory equipment.

ItemsIndividual things or objects – Before starting the experiment, make sure all the necessary items are on your lab table.

CheckTo examine or verify – Always check the expiration date on chemicals before using them in an experiment.

TemperatureA measure of how hot or cold something is – We used a thermometer to measure the temperature of the water in the experiment.

FlammableEasily set on fire – Flammable materials should be stored away from heat sources in the lab.

PackingThe act of placing items into containers for storage or transport – When packing for the field trip, remember to include all necessary scientific tools and equipment.

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