8 TSA-Approved Items That Still Surprise Seasoned Travelers

Airport security feels like a minefield of "no's"—until you discover the bizarre loopholes hiding in plain sight. While you're nervously triple-checking your toiletry bag, other passengers are breezing through with items that seem wildly out of place at 30,000 feet. The TSA's approved list is far stranger than most travelers realize, accommodating everything from the oddly practical to the genuinely weird. These eight items prove that security theater has its plot twists—and knowing them might just make you the most interesting person in the security line.

1. Live Lobsters (In Your Carry-On)

Yes, you can board a plane with a live crustacean. TSA explicitly permits live lobsters in carry-on luggage, packed in a clear, spill-proof container. This isn't theoretical—travelers from Maine and Boston regularly fly home with their fresh catches, safely stowed under the seat. The key is proper packaging: the lobster must be in a clear container that can be visually inspected, and any gel packs must be frozen solid. Airlines ultimately decide if they'll allow it, but TSA won't stop you. It's the perfect conversation starter, assuming your seatmate isn't shellfish-phobic. Bring clarified butter at your own risk.