Every time I've taken a flight somewhere over the last year, either my wife or I get stopped by TSA to check something in our carry-on baggage. Generally, it's my wife's jewelry that needs a closer inspection, but my last time flying, I had to ditch a gift from a friend as it wasn't allowed in my carry-on luggage. Last night, I saw a post from the Transportation Security Administration that made me think about what you can and can't take with you on your next trip, including alcohol.

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The surprising things you can bring on a flight

I'm always confused about what you can and can't fly with. I get most of the rules for things, but an unopened Gatorade isn't going to affect anyone, so why they aren't allowed always blows my mind, as I can purchase one for seemingly $39.99 at a kiosk on the other side of the TSA Security Checkpoint.

Air Mattresses with Built-In Pump

Image Credit: dlx mattress via unsplash
Image Credit: dlx mattress via unsplash
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You can either carry-on your air mattress or have it checked under the plane, but there are some exceptions to bringing one along on your next trip. Learn more about air mattresses with a built-in pump here. 

Alcoholic Beverages

duminda-perera via unsplash
duminda-perera via unsplash
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Believe it or not, you can bring up to 5 liters of alcohol in your checked bag, as long as it's unopened, and you can have mini-bottles in your carry-on, according to the TSA website. (Note for the mini bottles to be carried on that they must fit "comfortably in a single quart-sized bag, and be less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed, and of course, you can't consume them on the flight)

Antlers

christina rumpf via unsplash
christina rumpf via unsplash
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Feel free to show off your rack...like antlers...as long as it fits in the overhead compartment or under your seat.

Bike Chain

brina blum via unsplash
brina blum via unsplash
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I'm not sure why you'd have this in your carry-on, but a bike chain is allowed, as is a bike pump. But you'll have to ask the airline about the rest of the bike. 

Blender

jake weirick via unsplash
jake weirick via unsplash
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Feel free to stash your Margaritaville Margarita blender in your carry-on, just make sure you remove the blades. You can secure the blades in your checked luggage, just be careful.

Eggs

jakub kapusnak via unsplash
jakub kapusnak via unsplash
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Fresh eggs are permitted to be placed in your carry-on or checked luggage, just make sure you can access them, in case they are flagged by the X-ray machine.

License Plate

semyon borisov via unsplash
semyon borisov via unsplash
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If you've got an affinity for your license plate, you can take that with you in both your carry-on and checked luggage. I'm not sure why you'd need to bring a plate on the plane when you could just mail it, but who am I to judge.

Plenty of other surprises that you can bring on plane

You can see more items that you can and can't bring with you on your next trip, but remember it's at the TSA's discretion if they will let you board with these items. Get all the details here. 

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