6 Devices That TSA Hates — And 3 That Somehow Keep Slipping Past

Airport security can feel like a complex game where you never quite know all the rules. The TSA officers at the checkpoint have seen it all – from harmless gadgets that set off alarms to potentially dangerous items hidden in plain sight.

I’ve compiled a list of devices that consistently cause headaches for TSA agents, plus a few that mysteriously manage to evade detection despite the sophisticated screening technology.

1. Large Bottles of Liquid

Every frequent flyer has faced this dilemma at least once. You’re rushing to pack and forget about the 3-1-1 rule, bringing along your favorite full-sized shampoo or water bottle.

The TSA agents will immediately flag these items during screening. They’ll give you that look – part frustration, part routine annoyance – as they explain you can either throw away your expensive products or go back to check your bag.

Pro tip: I always pack a small empty water bottle to refill after security, saving both money and hassle while still staying hydrated during my flight.

2. Unremoved Laptops

Leaving your laptop in your bag during screening creates an immediate slowdown for everyone. X-ray operators can’t properly see through the dense electronics when they’re buried inside your luggage.

When this happens, the conveyor belt stops, your bag gets flagged for additional screening, and the line behind you grows longer. The TSA agent must then remove your device and send it through separately.

Many travelers don’t realize that even some newer “checkpoint-friendly” bags still require laptop removal. Check your airport’s specific requirements before traveling to avoid becoming that person holding up the line.

3. Belt Buckles and Heavy Jewelry

Metal detectors at TSA checkpoints don’t discriminate between your flashy belt buckle and something more concerning. Large metal accessories trigger alarms, leading to additional pat-downs that nobody enjoys.

I’ve watched countless travelers awkwardly remove belts at the last second, holding up their pants with one hand while trying to place items in bins with the other. Heavy necklaces, chunky bracelets, and ornate watches create similar problems.

For smoother travels, I recommend wearing minimal metal when flying. Pack your statement pieces in your carry-on instead – they’ll be waiting for you to shine after you clear security.

4. Certain Power Banks

Not all portable chargers are created equal in the eyes of the TSA. Those high-capacity power banks that keep your devices running during long trips? They might cause serious scrutiny at security.

Power banks exceeding 100 watt-hours require special airline approval, while those over 160Wh are completely prohibited in carry-on and checked luggage. The problem is most travelers don’t know their power bank’s exact capacity.

During my last flight, the person ahead of me had their bag searched specifically for an unmarked power bank. The TSA agent explained they’d need to prove its capacity or leave it behind – a costly mistake!

5. Drones with Removable Batteries

Flying with your drone? Expect extra attention from security personnel. These devices contain multiple components that look suspicious under X-ray – especially the lithium batteries that power them.

Most TSA agents will ask you to remove the drone from your bag for separate screening. They’ll likely swab it for explosive residue and may ask you to power it on to prove it’s a functioning device.

I always pack my drone in an easily accessible part of my carry-on and remove the batteries beforehand, storing them in designated LiPo safe bags. This simple preparation has saved me countless minutes of explanation and examination at security checkpoints.

6. Forgotten Pocket Knives

That small Swiss Army knife on your keychain might seem harmless, but to TSA, it’s a prohibited item that triggers immediate concern. Many travelers genuinely forget these everyday tools are attached to their keys or buried in bag pockets.

When discovered, you’ll face a decision: surrender your knife, return to check your bag, or arrange to mail it home. None of these options are convenient when you’re rushing to catch a flight.

Did you know? TSA collects approximately 4 tons of prohibited items each month at US airports. Pocket knives are among the most commonly surrendered items, with many being quality tools worth $50 or more.

7. E-Readers in Sleep Mode

While TSA is hyper-vigilant about most electronics, e-readers like Kindles frequently slip through screening without the same scrutiny as laptops or tablets. Their thin profile and minimal components make them less suspicious under X-ray.

I’ve noticed multiple times that my Kindle stays in my bag without question, even when signs clearly state “remove all electronics.” When in sleep mode, these devices don’t trigger the same alerts as powered-on tablets might.

This isn’t an invitation to hide items, but rather an observation about inconsistent screening. Many TSA agents focus on larger electronics and may overlook e-readers entirely during busy periods.

8. Small Tubes of Toothpaste

Despite the clear 3.4-ounce (100ml) liquid restriction, slightly oversized toothpaste tubes regularly make it through security undetected. The tubular shape and common branding seem to fly under TSA’s radar.

During my travels, I’ve accidentally brought 4oz toothpaste tubes through multiple checkpoints without issues. Meanwhile, my perfectly regulation-sized shampoo gets flagged for additional screening.

This inconsistency happens because toothpaste exists in a gray area between solid and liquid. Agents often make judgment calls based on the product’s consistency rather than strictly enforcing volume limits. Still, I don’t recommend intentionally pushing these boundaries – better safe than sorry!

9. Smart Luggage with Power

Modern smart luggage with built-in battery packs seems to confuse TSA screeners regularly. These bags offer USB charging ports and sometimes location tracking, but the embedded electronics aren’t always obvious during screening.

I’ve witnessed several travelers sail through security with these high-tech bags without removing batteries, despite regulations requiring removable power sources. The batteries blend into the bag’s structure on X-ray screens, appearing as just another part of the frame.

Airlines have become stricter about these bags in recent years, but security checkpoints still miss them frequently. If you own smart luggage, save yourself potential headaches by removing the battery before reaching the screening area.