The summer travel season is upon us, and although many Americans are skipping trips this year because of cost, close to half are still planning to head off on a summer vacation, according to a recent Bankrate survey.
Taking summer trips often means packing differently than you do when heading to winter destinations. Instead of parkas and sweaters, you may bring bathing suits, shorts, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
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Of course, no matter the time of year, you’ll need to make sure you comply with Transportation Security Administration (TSA)Â regulations.
Most people are already familiar with the most common TSA rules and restrictions, such as not bringing liquids, gels, or aerosols in your carry-on if they are larger than 3.4 ounces in size. However, there’s another popular summer item that you may not know is against the rules.
In fact, the TSA recently issued a stern warning on its Facebook page after an unsuspecting passenger tried to bring this item aboard a plane, unaware that TSA regulations did not allow it.
TSA wants to help others avoid making the same mistake. By heeding their advice, you can avoid trouble, and you won’t get stuck leaving valuable possessions behind at the security checkpoint because you aren’t allowed to get on a plane with everything you brought with you.
Don’t bring this item into the TSA line.
Image source: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
TSA says do not try to bring this item aboard a plane
The TSA’s warning stems from a situation at Pensacola International Airport last week. A passenger attempted to come through standard security screening with an item that was not permitted.
The offending item was a camp stove with a propane tank attached to it. The passenger had the item in his carry-on bag, and when TSA stopped him, he indicated that he was not aware of the rules surrounding these types of items.
The TSA clarified the issue on Facebook, stating, “Listen, friends, we love watching cooking shows as much as you do, but any top chef has to know that you cannot bring a stove with a propane tank attached through airport security in your carry-on bag.”
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According to the security agency, propane tanks are prohibited from both carry-ons and checked bags. So, even though summer is camping and grilling season, when many people opt to BBQ outside with propane as their fuel, you’ll need to leave this popular item behind.
Surprisingly, though, the stove itself was not a problem if it did not have the propane tank attached.
“Camp stoves can be carried on, but *only* if they’re empty of all fuel and fully cleaned so no fuel vapors or residue remain,” the TSA’s Facebook page reads.
Passengers should be aware of the rules before traveling
The Transportation Security Administration screens over 2.5 million passengers on most days, according to TSA Checkpoint numbers. In most cases, passengers travel through without major incident, although, of course, there are exceptions.
In 2024, for example, the TSA intercepted 6,678 firearms at security checkpoints at U.S. airports, 94% of which were loaded at the time of the incident. Oversized liquids are also commonly surrendered, along with knives and tools that are above seven inches long.
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Confiscated items may be destroyed or may be turned over to the state, which may destroy or sell the item depending on the circumstances. Passengers need to be aware of which items are forbidden, such as propane tanks, so they can avoid having valuable items lost at security when they are trying to catch a plane.
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Summer travelers will want to heed the TSA’s warning and ensure they disconnect propane tanks and clean their camp stove thoroughly before trying to travel with the item.Â
And for those who are traveling with other possessions that may be questionable, the TSA advises texting AskTSA for answers at (275-872).Â
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