TRAVEL TIPS | Some uncommon TSA rules everyone should know

When we were traveling, the two to three hour rule to show up to the airport before departure was definitely something to keep at top of mind; however, with our current climate, things have drastically changed with the wait times. And although we are not waiting in line for hours, one thing is for sure you should still allocate enough time for going through TSA and knowing the TSA rules and regulations.

Most people know the basic TSA regulations such as taking off your shoes, putting your liquids under 3.4 ounces in Ziploc bags, and placing your electronics in separate bins,  but there are other regulations that aren’t commonly known.

Here are some uncommon TSA rules you should know:

Solid Foods Are Allowed On Flights

It’s a familiar scenario for many travelers: You board your flight, put away your bag, and climb into your middle seat. Your reward for being a good passenger? A miniaturized bag of pretzels to keep your belly happy for the next three hours of flying time. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Instead, you could celebrate #NationalHamburgerDay properly, and replace that tiny snack bag with a juicy, grilled, topped-with-your-favorites burger that would make the armrest hogs in Seat A and Seat C turn green with envy! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This delicious inquiry came to our AskTSA team from a passenger who wanted his burger to go… out of the restaurant, thought the security checkpoint, and on the flight. Carnivores everywhere will be pleased to know that burgers are allowed through the security screening checkpoint. That goes for fries, too .
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In essence, you are allowed to bring home cooked meals with you on your flight.

Medicine and Prescriptions are allowed in your carry-on

Having a cold is snot fun, but don’t lose your temper-ature on whether or not your meds can fly. So grab a spoon full of sugar and learn how to travel with medicine. We promise it won’t be a hard pill to swallow… 💊
Medications in pill or other forms must undergo security screening, but we allow larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols for your trip. This includes over the counter and prescription medications.
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If you’re bringing liquid medication, be sure to remove it from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. You are not required to place your liquid medication in a plastic zip-top bag, but we recommend it.

Drones Are Allowed

Drones are awesome for capturing amazing content while traveling and they’re allowed on planes! Just be sure to check with your airline on whether or not they allow drones on board.

If you captured stunning photos on your film camera that has yet to be developed, it’s going to have to go through an inspection by a TSA officer. To ensure your film doesn’t get ruined, you can request that the film goes through a physical inspection — just be sure to ask a TSA officer as soon as you get to the security checkpoint. 

Keep Your Expensive Jewelry On

When going through security, you don’t have to take off your expensive jewelry. The TSA doesn’t want you to lose or have your expensive items stolen while going through security. 

Pack Smart

Ever had a paper cut and didn’t realize it until you used some hand sanitizer? Ouch! Been there, done that and boy does it sting!
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What stings more? Getting to the TSA Security Checkpoint and realizing you have a prohibited item in your bag that you need to leave behind. Avoid the issue and be sure to #PackSmart before heading to the airport.
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We know you’re wondering…and yes, due to #COVID19, you are allowed one hand sanitizer container (up to 12 ounces) in your carry-on bag until further notice. If your hand sanitizer exceeds 3.4 ounces, it may need additional screening, so give yourself time to remove the item from your bag at the checkpoint. And since you’re being proactive, go ahead and bring your favorite lotion so you can keep those hands from drying out. We know how that goes! But remember, your lotion and any other liquids, gels or sprays will still need to be 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags!
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Interested in learning more about items you can and can’t bring through airport security? Check out the ‘What I Can Bring’ page on our website for all the cans and cannots when it comes time to packing for a flight.