Flying out of Canada soon? Don’t let airport security catch you off guard. When you’re packing for a trip, it’s easy to think you know what’s allowed in your carry-on. We all know the basics – no big bottles of liquids, no scissors, no knives. Simple, right? But here’s the catch: there are a lot of items that seem harmless but can actually get flagged at airport security. Some of them might even surprise you.

For example, did you know that tent stakes, toy guns, or even a big tub of protein powder can land you in a secondary screening line? And then there’s the growing concern about lithium batteries and power banks. In fact, just last month, a power bank caught fire mid-flight on a KLM plane, filling the cabin with smoke before the crew managed to put it out. Incidents like that are exactly why airlines are becoming stricter.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through ten everyday things you might not realize are banned or restricted in carry-on luggage. Some are obvious once you hear the reason, while others will leave you scratching your head. Either way, knowing these rules before you head to the airport can save you from delays, confiscated items, or worse, missing your flight.

Items You Can’t Bring in Your Carry-On

1) Tent stakes

Ever thought about tossing your tent stakes into your carry-on? Yeah… don’t. Here’s the lowdown – A lot of travelers get caught off guard with this one, because “tent” sounds harmless. But trust me, airport security sees those sharp pieces of metal in a totally different light.

People who’ve flown often say it’s hit or miss, depending on how strict the TSA agent is.

Why they’re a no-go?

TSA considers tent stakes sharp and potentially dangerous, kind of like mini weapons. That means no sneaking them in. They’ve gotta be in your checked bag, and even then, safely wrapped so nobody gets hurt during handling.

2) More than one lighter

You might roll your eyes and think, “Wait, you can’t bring more than one lighter?” Yep, it’s real, and it can get awkward.

• Only a single lighter (like a basic Bic or USB type) is allowed, and only if you’re carrying it on your person, think pocket or purse, it can’t go in your carry-on or checked bags.
• Torch lighters, novelty lighters shaped like grenades or guns, and fuel refills are a no-go, carried-on or checked.

Why just one?

Because lighters are tiny fire starters, airlines and airport security worry about safety. Most rules say only one disposable or Zippo-style lighter is allowed, and even that has to stay on your person or in your carry-on, not in your checked bag.

A traveler on Reddit shared this: “I got my SO a $200 custom lighter for Christmas… she packed it in her checked bag at the Toronto airport and it got confiscated.”

3) Lithium batteries and spare power banks

This is one of the most confusing rules for travelers, and one of the most important. Devices with built-in lithium batteries (like phones, laptops, or tablets) should be in your carry-on, not your checked bag. Spare lithium batteries and larger power banks cannot go in checked luggage due to fire risk.

Airlines and regulators worldwide have tightened oversight after several high-profile cabin incidents involving overheating devices. Always check the airline’s watt-hour limits if you’re traveling with larger batteries, drones, or camera gear.

And here’s the catch: lithium batteries can overheat and even catch fire, which is why airlines are so strict about them.

• Where to pack them: Spare lithium batteries and power banks are never allowed in checked luggage. They must go in your carry-on so that the crew can act quickly if something goes wrong.
• Extra care: Terminals should be protected (taped or in their original case), and it’s always best to keep them switched off when not in use.

There have been real incidents that show just how risky these can be. In August 2025, a KLM flight from São Paulo to Amsterdam had smoke fill the cabin after a passenger’s power bank caught fire. Luckily, the crew handled it quickly, and no one was hurt (source).

Just a few weeks later, an American Airlines flight had to divert after another device burst into flames mid-air. (source).

4) Oversized protein powder tubs

Ever lugged that big tub of protein powder through the airport, thinking you’ll clutch it for the whole trip? It happens, but here’s the deal:

You can bring protein powder in your carry-on. But if your tub is over 350 ml (that’s about the size of a soda can), it’ll need its own bin during screening. And yep, that means extra pat-downs, more waiting, and possibly opened containers. In Canada, this rule is exactly the same; anything over 350 ml has to go through additional checks or is better off in checked baggage.

Why the fuss?

• TSA (and CATSA here in Canada) need to make sure powders aren’t hiding anything questionable.
• Big tubs slow down line-ups and lead to extra “Let me open this…” moments.

5) Toy guns

So you might think, “Hey, it’s just a toy, can’t I bring it on the plane?” No, not always. In Canada, toy guns that look realistic, like squirt guns or Transformers that turn into guns, are considered replica weapons. That means you cannot bring them in your carry-on. They’re just plain not allowed in the cabin. If airline or airport security spots one, they’ll likely ask you to check it in or even take it away entirely.

On the flip side, obviously fake toys, think bright-coloured squirt guns or other playful toy weapons that don’t look real, are generally okay in your carry-on or checked bag.

Quick recap:

• Realistic toy guns (replicas) = No carry-on (usually must go in checked baggage, if allowed at all).
• Clearly fake/generic toy guns = Allowed (carry-on or checked is fine).

In February 2024, police in Winnipeg responded to an incident after someone reported seeing a toy gun; it turned out to be fake. Still, it sparked a serious reaction from authorities. (Global News)

This kind of situation is exactly why staff zero in on anything that looks like a real weapon; better safe than sorry.

6) Large fishing hooks

Even if you’re a dedicated angler, packing large fishing hooks in your carry-on isn’t the best idea. Here’s the scoop:

Why it’s a no-go: Hooks over 6 cm in length are considered too sharp or dangerous and aren’t allowed in your carry-on. They’ve got to go in your checked luggage, and wrapped up tight so nobody gets hurt

Plus, at security, whether you can carry something through often comes down to the officer on duty. The safest bet? Just check it in

7) Sharp souvenirs (e.g., sword-style letter openers)

Ever picked up one of those sleek, sword-style letter openers at a market, thinking it’s a cool keepsake? Trust me, we’ve all been there, but these little beauties are actually a no-go in your carry-on.

Why are they not allowed?

Canada’s rules are pretty straightforward: anything sharp with a blade over 6 cm, or objects that look weapon-like, can’t fly with you in the cabin. That includes things like novelty swords, sabres, or even a fancy letter opener that resembles a mini blade. So, even though it’s a fun souvenir, it needs to go in your checked bag if you want to keep it.

Keep it simple, pack it, or leave it

• If it’s sharp or blade-like (even if it’s small), checked baggage is where it belongs.
• If you’re unsure, just leave it behind or buy something else. No drama, no delays.

A Toronto man tried to bring a full 3-foot samurai sword in his carry-on at Buffalo–Niagara Airport. Spoiler: TSA saw it on the X-ray, the sword got confiscated, and the guy caught his flight, minus the sword. (niagara-gazette.com)

8) DIY kits with chemicals

Ever brought along a fun little DIY science kit or craft project, and wondered if it’ll work on a plane? Turns out, most kits that include corrosive chemicals, acids, or oxidizers (think bleaches, paints, or certain chemical experiment packs) aren’t allowed in carry-on or checked bags in Canada. It’s not just about making a mess; they’re security hazards and pose real risks.

• If the kit contains acids, alkalis, mercury, or oxidizing materials like peroxides, it’s a no-go for both your carry-on and checked luggage.
• Canada’s big safety bodies like CATSA and Air Canada follow these rules strictly, so don’t risk having your souvenir or experiment kit tossed at security.

Thankfully, there’s no weird news story or emergency on record lately involving these kits, so it’s more a case of “no news is good news” here!

9) Stun guns and other self-defense items

Okay, so here’s the deal: In Canada, you can’t bring stun guns or tasers in your carry-on, or anywhere in your bags, for that matter. Whether real or novelty, items like stun guns or pepper spray are prohibited. These fall under restricted weapon categories, even if they’re just gag gifts. They’re considered prohibited weapons, and airport security will alert the police if they spot one.

Why?

• These devices are straight-up illegal for civilians; only law enforcement can have them
• Even if you try to sneak one in your checked luggage, it’s still a no-go. Both carry-on and checked bags are off-limits

Real-life blunders:

• At Winnipeg airport, a pilot almost boarded his flight with what looked like a flashlight, but turned out to be a Taser. Yikes! It got seized, and he wasn’t allowed to fly until things got cleared up. (CBC News)
• Also, back in 2023, the Canada Border Services Agency intercepted a huge shipment of prohibited weapons at Vancouver International Airport, among them, 360 stun guns shipped into Canada without permission

10) Items that look like explosives

You’ve probably never thought twice about putting that funky little gadget or novelty item in your carry-on until it sets off alarm bells at security. Anything that looks like a bomb, even if it’s totally harmless, can cause major delays, raised eyebrows, and possibly a full evacuation. Think fake dynamite clocks, grenade-shaped souvenirs, or anything that resembles explosives. In a busy airport, even a harmless-looking “device” can trigger a serious response.

Why avoid these items?

• Safety teams don’t take chances. If it looks dangerous, that’s enough to pull you aside.
• You’ll cause delays, not just for yourself, but for everyone else.
• It can result in fines, charges, or being denied boarding, even if it’s just a prank or a harmless keepsake.

A Real incident

Just recently, a teen tried to bring what looked like sticks of dynamite, packed into a clock, through Toronto Pearson Airport. Turns out, it was just a novelty alarm clock. But security didn’t think so at first. The airport responded as if it was the real deal, and the teen ended up charged with mischief.

Quick Safety Tips

Packing for a flight isn’t just about squeezing everything into your bag; it’s about knowing what actually belongs in there. A few quick reminders can save you time at security and even prevent a scary mid-air incident.

• Check your batteries and chargers: Spare lithium batteries and power banks are never allowed in checked luggage, and for good reason. There have been cases where chargers overheated and filled a plane with smoke mid-air. Always keep your power banks in your carry-on and make sure they’re switched off when not in use.
• One lighter is fine, more are not: You’re allowed to carry a single lighter, but packing multiples can get you flagged at security. If you smoke, just carry one and toss the rest in checked luggage (or better yet, leave them behind).
• Sharp or weapon-like items? Skip them in carry-on: Tent stakes, big fishing hooks, and even toy guns can raise alarms. These are best packed in checked bags. Anything that looks like a weapon (even a replica) could delay your whole trip.
• Powders and tubs: If you travel with supplements or protein powders, keep the container small. Anything over 350 ml (about the size of a soda can) might get extra screening or be refused at security.
• When in doubt, check before you fly: Rules can vary slightly by airline and country, so it’s worth a quick look at the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) website before you pack.

Flying should be about getting excited for your trip, not stressing at the checkpoint. A little awareness goes a long way.

Final Words

At the end of the day, packing smart is really about knowing what belongs in your carry-on and what doesn’t. Some of these rules may feel a little odd or even unnecessary, but they’re in place to keep everyone safe and to make your trip as smooth as possible. A quick check before you head to the airport can save you from long delays at security or the frustration of losing something you thought you could bring.

So next time you’re getting ready to fly, take a moment to look over your bag, keep only the true essentials with you, and leave anything questionable for your checked luggage or at home. A little extra care when packing goes a long way in making sure your journey starts stress-free.

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Safe travels and enjoy the adventure ahead.

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