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CBD oil, small pets, sand, rocks and plants. These are just a few of the items that Transportation Security Administration officers will be allowing through checkpoints — though there are plenty of items that won’t pass muster. You’ll save yourself (and the officers) precious time if you know what will and won’t stop you from getting to your gate.
Getting through those pain points is easier if you know what you may and may not take through the scanners.
CBD oil — used for a host of medical problems — is a relatively new item on their OK list. TSA says, “Products/medications that contain hemp-derived CBD or are approved by the FDA are legal as long as it is produced within the regulations defined by the law under the Agriculture Improvement Act 2018.” More practically, a TSA spokesperson says that looking for marijuana or CBD oil is “not our main role.” However, “marijuana possession is still a federal crime so it is the responsibility of our TSOs [Transportation Security Officers] to refer anything that they see that is potentially illegal or questionable to the appropriate authorities.”
The TSA offers a database, “What Can I Bring?” where travelers can search any item they wish to take on the airplane to determine if it can be packed in carry-on or must be in a checked bag.
If a specific item is not addressed in the database, travelers can tweet their question to @AskTSA or message AskTSA on Facebook.
Among the most common queries, categorized by how they can be transported
TSA's Top Tip: Enroll in PreCheck Program
PreCheck offers an expedited security screening and doesn't require passengers to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets. In April 2019, 93 percent of PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes in line, according to TSA. In non-precheck lines passengers wait less than 20 minutes on an average day, says Jenny Burke TSA spokesperson.
Joining requires an $85 (for five years) fee, a five-minute application, a 10-minute in-person appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting. Once approved, a Known Travel Number will be added to your ticket. It typically takes just days for approval.
Permitted as carry-on or checked
- Knitting needles–sharp objects in checked bags should be securely wrapped to prevent inspector injury
- Canes–must undergo X-ray screening, a TSA officer will inspect item if it cannot fit through a machine
- Tents–check with airline, but tent stakes and poles must be checked in
- Umbrellas–Allowed in carry-on bags
- Insulin and insulin supplies–Notify TSA officer of your condition and that you are carrying supplies. Any forms or dispensers must be clearly identified.
- Liquid medications–Liquids, gels or aerosol medications greater than 3.4 ounces must be declared to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection.
- Sand, rocks, seeds, plants—OK in either
- Medical marijuana/CBD–Not searched for but if illegal substance is discovered, TSA will refer to law enforcement
- Yogurt–Must be less than 3.4 ounces
- Small fishing lures–Large hooks should be wrapped in checked luggage. Expensive reels or fragile tackle may be placed in carry-on
- Dry batteries—AA, AAA, C and D, but not lithium varieties
