Are you traveling in 2025? Do you want to avoid the hassle of having your belongings confiscated by the TSA? Every year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) updates its rules and regulations, and 2025 is no exception. This year, they’re confiscating more items than ever, including some that might surprise you. You might get caught off guard, and that is why we are here to help you be prepared for the TSA rules 2025.
In this blog post, we’ll reveal the top 10 items that the TSA rules will confiscate in 2025, including some that are catching even seasoned travelers off guard. From protein powder to tech chargers, reusable water bottles to certain medications, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and stress-free airport experience. Stay informed, pack smart, and keep your belongings safe! To help you book your next stress-free trip, check out Expedia Travel Tours
1. Protein Powder and Pancake Mix: The Powder Panic
That innocent-looking pouch of whey protein for your morning smoothie? The TSA might see it as a potential chemical threat. In 2025, any powder-like substance over 12 oz (about the size of a soda can) can trigger additional screening. This includes protein powder, flour, pancake mix, baby formula, and even powdered drink packets.
Certain powders can mimic explosives under current scanner technology. If it’s unlabeled, expect delays. Travelers are reporting long security holdups simply for carrying a container of powdered greens or electrolyte mix.
The Fix:
- Keep powders under 12 oz (350 ml) per container.
- Place them in a separate bin.
- Be ready to explain what it is, especially if it’s unlabeled.
- Pre-portion what you need and label everything clearly.
2. Smart Luggage: Battery Blues
Spent big bucks on a sleek smart suitcase with a GPS tracker, USB charger, and remote lock system? If the battery can’t be removed, the TSA rules in 2025 will confiscate the entire bag, even at check-in.
Non-removable lithium-ion batteries are banned in all luggage due to fire risk. If the battery overheats in the cargo hold, it’s a major emergency, and the cabin crew can’t access your bag.
Pro Tip: If your bag is smart, ensure the battery can be removed without tools. Pack the battery in your carry-on, or be ready to leave the bag behind. Check the manufacturer’s website before flying, as some airlines now require photo proof. Before your flight, you might also want to renew your TSA rules. Make sure you know the Passport rules!
3. Reusable Water Bottles: Hidden Compartments
Reusable bottles are generally eco-friendly and TSA approved, but not always. In 2025, security agents are flagging certain bottles with hidden compartments designed to store pills, supplements, or powders.
Some popular bottle brands now come with detachable pill holders or stash spaces that travelers didn’t even know were there. To a TSA agent, a double-walled base can look like a hiding spot, leading to more scrutiny, delays, and possibly losing your bottle altogether.
Solution:
- Avoid novelty water bottles with detachable bases, hidden sections, or opaque linings.
- Stick to clear, single-compartment bottles.
- Always empty them before security.
4. External Laptop Batteries: Watt-Hour Woes
Bringing an external battery to power your laptop? If it’s over 100 watt-hours, it’s banned without airline approval. If it’s over 160 watt-hours, it’s banned completely.
Don’t expect TSA agents to calculate it for you. If the label’s unclear or missing, your device could be pulled. Multiply volts by amp hours to get watt-hours. If that number is over 100, get airline permission and never check it in. Power banks and spare batteries go in your carry-on, period.
5. Toys That Look Like Weapons: Playtime Problems
TSA has cracked down on anything resembling a weapon, including plastic swords, toy guns, lightsabers, foam nunchucks, and even superhero figurines with removable mini-weapons. And no toys that look like weapons are allowed, even if they’re for your grandkids.
If it could cause alarm or confusion, it doesn’t fly. There have been reports of entire family trips delayed because a toy pistol was tucked into a backpack. Leave the toy arsenal at home, or risk watching a screener toss your collectible into the bin.
6. Camping Gear and Tent Stakes: Dual-Use Dilemmas
Headed on a scenic adventure? In 2025, TSA rules has flagged many camping items as dual-use tools. Tent stakes are considered potential weapons, fuel canisters are absolutely banned, and even certain stove components may be flagged for scrutiny.
One traveler recently had a $300 ultralight stove seized because of a tiny sharp-edged adapter. Ship your gear to your destination if it’s valuable, or buy inexpensive versions locally. Never fly with fuel, flammable liquids, or pressurized gas.
7. Medication with Certain Names: Prescription Predicaments
Some prescription medications are now flagged at international borders and even US security due to active ingredients that appear on controlled substance watch lists. This includes sleep aids like Zulpadm (aka Ambien), anti-anxiety meds, pain medications with codeine, and even some over-the-counter allergy pills.
If the TSA finds one of these medications unlabeled or in a random pill organizer, they can confiscate it, and you may face additional screening or even temporary detainment. Now is a great time to purchase a travel credit card.
Always:
- Travel with the original prescription bottle.
- Bring a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s letter.
- Declare it before you’re screened, not after you’re flagged.
8. Batteries in Your Razor: Electric Edge
Electric razors, toothbrushes, and clippers are all perfectly legal until they’re not. TSA has started pulling certain devices based on internal battery type. Some older or international models use non-standard lithium batteries that aren’t TSA approved.
Many devices don’t clearly display their battery specs, meaning TSA agents have to guess. If your device doesn’t have a clear battery label showing watt-hours, TSA may choose to air on the side of caution. Bring a backup, especially if it’s a vital grooming tool or medical device, and keep these in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
9. DIY Snacks in Foil Wraps: TSA Rules Food Flags
Bringing your own sandwich? No problem. Wrapping it in aluminum foil? Problem. TSA scanners can’t clearly see through foil, and agents are trained to flag any dense, opaque packages. Foil-wrapped items like burritos, sub sandwiches, or even wrapped chocolate bars can trigger a full bag search.
Travelers have reported missed connections due to food flagging. It’s not that your sandwich is banned; it’s just invisible to the scanner. Use clear plastic wrap, Tupperware, or parchment paper for TSA-friendly and safer food transport.
10. Incense, Herbal Powders, and Spiritual Items: Sacred Scrutiny
TSA is flagging spiritual powders, incense, and herbal blends due to concerns about unmarked substances and flammable materials. If a substance smells strong, lacks labeling, or looks like it could be used recreationally, expect a conversation.
Some travelers have lost rare sacred items at the gate simply because they didn’t have proper documentation or because a screener wasn’t familiar with the object. If you’re traveling with items like burning sage, religious herbs, sand, or powder for rituals, pack them carefully, label them, and place them in your carry-on if possible. Declare it early to avoid issues.
Bonus: The Silent Ban on Overstuffed Bags
You measured your carry-on, it’s within the size limits, you even weighed it, so why did the TSA pull it aside? Overstuffed bags can now be rejected even if they meet the official dimensions, because when expanded, they no longer fit sizing bins at boarding.
Airlines and TSA are cracking down on bags with bulging zippers, external attachments, pillows, blankets, and hanging tech chargers. Always zip down expansion panels, detach extras, and do a test fit at home. Consider booking flights utilizing Trip.com!
Conclusion: Travel Smart and Stay Informed
Staying informed about the latest TSA rules is crucial for a smooth travel experience in 2025. By knowing what items are likely to be confiscated and following our tips, you can minimize stress and avoid unnecessary delays. Remember to pack smart, label everything clearly, and always declare any questionable items before screening. Safe travels! If you are headed to Europe make sure you read up on ETIAS Website
Have you ever had something confiscated by the TSA that seemed totally normal? Drop your story in the comments below!
