Things You Should Never Pack for a Flight in 2025

Every year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shines a spotlight on the unusual, outlandish—and often illegal—items travelers attempt to sneak into their carry-ons. From exotic animals to ninja weapons, the creativity never ends. And somehow, batarangs (yes, like Batman’s) keep making the list.

It’s entertaining, sure, but it also reminds us of an important truth: knowing what not to pack when flying can make or break your trip. Although, we may not be able to help you if you bring these items we put together a list of what absolutely should not be packed for a flight.

Here’s a modernized guide to what you should absolutely leave out of your suitcase in 2025 and how a smart travel protection plan may help you in covered events when things go wrong.

1. Firearms, Ammunition, and Other Weapons

Let’s start with the obvious. Firearms and ammunition are heavily regulated—especially when traveling internationally. Even travelers who accidentally bring a bullet or two in their luggage have faced serious legal consequences in 2025, particularly in destinations like the Turks and Caicos, where recent headlines have shown zero tolerance.

What to know:

Even if it’s legal where you’re coming from, it may be strictly illegal where you’re going.
“Honest mistakes” don’t always matter to local law enforcement.
TSA allows unloaded firearms in checked baggage if declared and properly stored in a locked, hard-sided container. Ammunition must be securely packed and declared, and is never allowed in carry-on bags.

Travel tip: Always inspect your bags after a hunting or shooting trip. Better yet, keep a “travel-only” suitcase.

2. Vapes and E-Cigarettes

You might think your vape pen is no big deal—but in many parts of the world, that logic won’t fly.

Key updates for 2025:

Vape batteries must be in carry-on luggage. They’re banned from checked bags due to fire risk.
Liquid refills must comply with the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids.
Some countries (including Mexico, Thailand, and Qatar) now have strict bans on vapes and severe penalties, including fines or jail time.

Travel tip: Before packing any vape device, check the U.S. State Department’s destination guide or the embassy website for local laws.

3. Cannabis and CBD Products

Even if marijuana or CBD is legal where you live, it could get you arrested overseas.

2025 Cannabis Travel Reality:

Many countries still enforce zero-tolerance drug laws, even for tiny trace amounts.
UAE and Singapore remain especially strict. A medical card from the U.S. will not protect you abroad.
Some CBD products are banned even in parts of Europe, due to local classifications.

Travel tip: Don’t assume your edibles, oils, or vape cartridges are safe to travel with—even if they’re labeled “non-psychoactive.”

4. Flammable Liquids and Hazardous Materials

You might be surprised how many seemingly harmless items fall into this category.

Banned or restricted in 2025:

Spray paint
Pool chlorine
Bleach
Butane canisters
Disposable lighters (in checked bags)
“Recreational oxygen” canisters

TSA lighters policy:

Disposable and Zippo lighters without fuel are OK in checked baggage.
Fueled lighters require a DOT-approved case—and even then, only two per passenger are allowed.

Travel tip: If you’re not sure whether something qualifies as hazardous, leave it behind or ship it separately via a service that handles such goods.

5. Weapons, Real or Replica

No, you can’t bring a nunchuck, spear gun, or antique cannonball onto a plane. Not even in your checked bag without special clearance.

Also banned:

Throwing stars
Knives (even tiny ones)
Airsoft or BB guns
Fake weapons or props
Maces and batons
Baseball bats and pool cues

Even replica items can cause delays or confiscations—especially if they’re mistaken for real weapons during screenings.

Travel tip: Heading to a cosplay convention or martial arts event? Ship your gear in advance.

6. Non-Native Plants, Fruits, and Live Animals

Smuggling exotic flora and fauna can have devastating effects on local ecosystems and result in steep penalties.

Real 2025 examples:

Tourists fined thousands for trying to bring live reptiles through customs.
Fruit confiscated due to pest risks.
Illegal seeds and soil samples causing delays and detentions.

Travel tip: Avoid bringing back “souvenirs” from nature, especially anything alive or freshly picked. And double-check quarantine laws for pets and wildlife.

7. Miscellaneous Bizarre (But Common) Offenders

Here’s a list of items that travelers continue to try to bring on flights—despite clear bans:

Car engines or engine parts
Vehicle airbags
Large bottles of alcohol or perfume
Spray foam or pressurized cans
Matches
Fake bombs or novelty explosives

Yes, even “joke items” can result in criminal charges or denied boarding.

Why Travel Protection Matters in 2025

So, what happens if your luggage is delayed, confiscated, or stolen—even when you’ve done everything right?

That’s where a travel protection plan from Generali Global Assistance can help. In 2025, smart travelers choose protection not just for peace of mind—but because the world is more complex than ever.

With a Generali Global Assistance Travel Protection plan, you get:

Baggage coverage for theft, damage, or delay
Trip Interruption coverage if you’re held up due covered events,
24/7 Emergency Assistance and translation services
Concierge support to help replace lost items or rebook flights

Whether you're flying to Tokyo or taking a hiking tour in Patagonia, travel insurance with assistance services may help rescue your trip from the unexpected.

Don’t Risk It: Know Before You Go

The best way to avoid travel mishaps is to research local regulations and pack smart. TSA’s website, the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories, and your airline’s prohibited items list are great resources.

And if you’re worried about your gear, itinerary, or what-ifs? Start your travel protection quote with Generali Global Assistance today.

It’s quick, it’s easy, and it may provide peace of mind on your trip.