Journeys With Jani

Traveling is stressful enough without TSA snatching your favorite stuff out of your bag. Following their rules isn’t just about getting through security on time—it’s also about keeping everybody safe up there in the sky.

Now, TSA may have finally ditched the dreaded “shoes-off shuffle,” but they’re still hanging onto that little 3.4-ounce liquids rule like it’s the Ten Commandments. And as of now, they’ve decided three new items are a big ol’ NOPE in your checked bags.

The Big Offender: Cordless Hair Tools

Ladies (and gents, no judgment), if you swear by your cordless hair gadgets, listen up. TSA says those tools can stay at home. Why? Because some of them run on butane or gas cartridges, and apparently, the whole “exploding fire hazard in the cargo hold” thing isn’t a good look for anyone.

Here’s what just made the banned list:

Cordless curling irons or flatirons with gas cartridges Butane-fueled curling irons or flatirons Extra gas cartridges/refills for those irons

👉 Translation: if TSA finds these in your checked bag, they’ll yank your luggage faster than you can say “bad hair day.”

But here’s the twist: you can bring them in your carry-on—so long as they’ve got a safety cover that keeps them from turning on mid-flight. Oh, and your old-school corded hair tools? Those are still welcome in both carry-on and checked luggage.

The Fun Part: 9 Weird Things TSA Actually Lets You Bring

Now, while TSA is busy banning curling irons with an attitude problem, they’re totally fine with some truly bizarre items. If you’re a cowboy Harry Potter fan traveling with a live lobster and a string of Christmas lights, you’re golden.

Here are 9 head-scratchers that are totally TSA-approved:

Live Lobsters – Yes, you read that right. They just have to be in a clear, spill-proof container. (And no, they don’t need a boarding pass.)

Christmas Lights – Want to decorate your row on the plane? Go for it.

Cowboy Spurs – They’re fine, just not on your boots. Antlers – As long as they fit in the overhead bin. Talk about a carry-on conversation starter.

Harry Potter Wands & Lightsabers – TSA even joked, “May the force be with you.” Bless ‘em.

Coffee & Espresso Makers – If you need caffeine on standby, pack it up.

Magic 8 Ball – It can’t ride in your carry-on, but it’s welcome in checked bags. TSA even asked it, and apparently, “Outlook not so good.”

Sewing Machines – Allowed. Just make sure it’ll fit under the seat or in the bin.

Waffle Irons – So yes, you can take your waffle obsession on vacation.

Bottom Line

Cordless gas-powered hair tools? Forget it. But cowboy spurs, Christmas lights, and lobsters? TSA says sure, why not.

Moral of the story—before you pack your bag, hop on over to TSA’s full list online. It might just save you from having your luggage hijacked… or from having to explain why you tried to sneak a waffle iron through security.

Happy Travels!

XOXO, Jani