Planning your next flight? Airlines have become stricter about what you can pack in 2025. Security updates and safety concerns have led to new restrictions on popular travel items that might surprise you. Knowing these rules beforehand can save you time, money, and the frustration of having your belongings confiscated at the airport.
1. Smart Water Bottles with Built-in Electronics
Your high-tech water bottle might seem harmless, but airlines are now flagging these gadgets at security checkpoints. Bottles with Bluetooth connectivity, temperature sensors, or wireless charging features contain embedded batteries and complex wiring systems.
Security agents worry these electronics could interfere with aircraft systems or pose fire risks. Many travelers have reported delays and confiscations when carrying these bottles.
Pack a regular water bottle instead to avoid headaches at the gate.
2. Gas-Cartridge Powered Hair Styling Tools
Butane-powered curling irons and flat irons have become a major headache for airline staff. These tools use pressurized gas cartridges that create serious fire hazards during flight.
Recent TSA updates from August 2025 specifically ban these styling tools from checked baggage. Even if the cartridge seems empty, residual gas can expand at high altitudes and potentially ignite.
Airlines prefer you bring electric versions that plug into wall outlets instead of gas-powered alternatives.
3. Power Banks in Checked Luggage
Airlines absolutely hate when passengers pack power banks in checked bags. These lithium-ion devices can overheat and catch fire in the cargo hold where crew members cannot reach them.
Major carriers like Southwest and Vietjet now require all power banks stay in carry-on luggage. Some airlines even demand you keep them under the seat in front of you during takeoff and landing.
Always pack your portable chargers in your personal bag, never in checked suitcases.
4. Smart Luggage with Non-Removable Batteries
That expensive smart suitcase with GPS tracking might not make it past security. Airlines specifically target luggage with built-in batteries that cannot be removed by passengers.
The problem occurs when batteries malfunction during flight and crew members cannot access them for safety reasons. Most airlines now require that any electronic luggage have easily removable battery packs.
Before traveling, check if your suitcase batteries can be taken out and carried separately in your personal bag.
5. Certain Bluetooth Tracking Devices
AirTags and similar Bluetooth trackers are facing new restrictions on international flights. Some carriers worry these devices interfere with aircraft navigation and communication systems.
While domestic flights often allow them, international airlines have started banning real-time tracking devices in checked baggage. The constant signal transmission concerns flight crews who must monitor all electronic interference.
Check with your specific airline before packing any tracking devices, especially for overseas travel where rules vary significantly.
6. Liquids Over 100ml in Carry-On Bags
The 3-1-1 rule remains airline enemy number one when it comes to passenger compliance. Security agents still confiscate thousands of oversized liquid containers daily from travelers who forget this basic restriction.
Each liquid container must be 100ml or smaller and fit in a clear, quart-sized bag. Larger bottles, even if mostly empty, will be thrown away at security checkpoints.
Airlines lose time and money processing these violations, making oversized liquids their most hated carry-on items.
7. Hoverboards and Electric Scooters
These trendy transportation devices pack massive lithium batteries that exceed most airline safety limits. The combination of large battery capacity and potential for overheating makes them extremely dangerous in aircraft cargo holds.
Most models are banned from both carry-on and checked luggage due to their size, weight, and fire risk. Airlines have dealt with several battery-related incidents involving these devices.
Leave your hoverboard at home and rent one at your destination instead of risking confiscation.
8. High-Proof Alcohol Over 140 Proof
That bottle of specialty rum or moonshine from your last vacation cannot come home with you. Airlines ban any alcoholic beverages over 140 proof (70% alcohol content) from both carry-on and checked luggage.
These highly flammable liquids pose serious fire risks during flight and can ignite from static electricity or heat sources. Even small bottles of high-proof spirits will be confiscated immediately.
Stick to regular wine or beer purchases that fall within acceptable alcohol percentage limits.
9. Large Lithium Batteries Over Watt-Hour Limits
Professional photographers and drone operators often pack powerful batteries that exceed airline watt-hour restrictions. Most carriers limit lithium batteries to 100 watt-hours without special approval.
Batteries between 100-160 watt-hours require airline permission, while anything larger is completely prohibited. These oversized power sources pose significant fire risks that airlines cannot manage safely during flight.
Always check your battery specifications and get written approval from your airline before packing professional-grade power equipment.
10. Compressed Gas Cylinders and Cartridges
Small CO2 cartridges for beauty gadgets and camping gear create big problems for airline safety teams. Even tiny pressurized cylinders can explode at high altitudes where cabin pressure changes dramatically.
Unless completely depressurized and certified empty by professionals, airlines will refuse these items entirely. Beauty misters, camping stoves, and inflatable device cartridges all fall under this strict ban.
Buy replacements at your destination rather than risking confiscation of expensive gear and potential safety violations.
