Although travelers no longer have to walk through airport security in their socks (or even worse, barefoot), TSA is seemingly cracking down on more items than ever in 2025.
5 everyday items TSA is confiscating in 2025
TSA offers a running list of prohibited items so travelers can stay up to date on the latest rules and regulations; however, sometimes directions can be unclear about what’s really allowed. Thus, we’ve curated a list of the five most commonly packed items that may get you in trouble at TSA.
And if you’ve ever wondered where you confiscated items go, here’s where they really end up. Moreover, review this quick checklist before your next flight!
1. Electric toothbrushes
When packing your bags, the essentials always make the list: face wash (100mL or under, of course), deodorant, and a toothbrush. But even these basics can land travelers in hot water with TSA if the rules aren’t followed.
According to TSA’s prohibited items list, electric toothbrushes are only allowed in check bags and carry-on luggage with special instructions. Any electric toothbrushes that utilize lithium metal or lithium ion batteries must be placed in carry-on bags only. This is because of the fire risk the lithium metal or batteries pose.
Consequently, if your carry-on bag is checked at the gate, you must ensure the device is removed and kept on your person when boarding the aircraft.
2. Power banks / portable chargers
Everyone likes to keep their devices at full power, but travelers may run into an issue with TSA when packing their power banks or portable chargers.
Both items, if they contain lithium batteries, must be kept in carry-on bags (never checked luggage) for fire safety reasons. Furthermore, either a power bank or portable charger must have a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less, according to TSA and FAA guidelines.
3. Cordless curling irons
This common beauty tool using gas cartridges has been categorized as containing hazardous materials for air travel by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Therefore, if you’re picking which hair styling tools to bring along with you for your trip, be sure to bring a curling iron with a cord. Otherwise, travelers can still pack a cordless curling iron, it just must be in a carry-on bag with a safety cover and only allowed one per person.
4. Protein powders
Looking to stay fit during your travels and maintain your protein intake? Think again. Or at least, be extra cautious to follow the necessary packing rules.
Travelers who want to bring their protein powder with them in their carry-on bags must not bring any more than 12 oz. Otherwise, additional screening may be triggered.
Moreover, if the protein powder is not properly labeled or packaged, TSA has the right to confiscate it. The same goes for other powders such as pancake mix, powdered drink mix, spices in bulk and herbal powders and supplements. This is because certain powders can resemble explosives in some security scanning technology.
5. Reusable water bottles
For years, reusable water bottles have been an eco-friendly way to stay hydrated at the airport, without having to splurge on an $8 Hudson News water. However, more recently, TSA has been flagging certain reusable water bottles with hidden compartments, meant to store supplements, pills or powders.
Since TSA is trained to be extra cautious, bringing one on your trip, even if its harmless, may result in its confiscation. To be safe, only bring empty, single compartment water bottles, preferably clear.