The Weirdest Things Travelers Asked the TSA This Year on Twitter

The TSA is usually a traveler’s worst nightmare, but thanks to the @AskTSA Twitter account, the TSA it turns out can actually be funny. The customer-service Twitter account answers travelers most absurd questions (no, you cannot travel with liquid mercury) about what they can and cannot carry onto a plane. And while this article is all in good fun, some questions and responses are actually useful, especially when it comes to holiday travel—it prefers if you don’t wrap your gifts, by the way—and traveling with food, liquids, and electronics.

The TSA, This Year, Was Asked All This

So, without further ado, here are some of the weirdest questions travelers asked the TSA this year:

A light switch is allowed in carry-on bags. Have a nice flight!

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) December 10, 2017

Thanks for asking, Raj. A coconut scraper must be placed in checked bags. Safe travels!

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) December 10, 2017

Thanks for asking us, Heidi! Butter must follow our liquids rule in carry-on bags. It must be 3.4 oz or less and fit in a single, quart-sized, zip-top bag. Pls visit: https://t.co/F7bT8Rd06Y

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) December 9, 2017

Great question, Tony! Hula hoops are allowed through the security checkpoint. However, for items you wish to carry on, we recommend that you also reach out to your airline to ensure it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat on the airplane.

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) December 9, 2017

Thanks for your question! Eggs are allowed in carry-on bags. Safe travels!

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) December 5, 2017

Great question, Heather! Mashed potatoes must be in containers 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags. Pls visit: https://t.co/F7bT8Rd06Y

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) December 1, 2017

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Hi, Emily! Balloons are allowed through the security checkpoint. Pls check w/ your airline for their policies.

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) November 30, 2017

Liquid mercury is not allowed in either carry-on or checked bags. Safe travels!

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) November 28, 2017

DNA testing kit solution must be in containers 3.4 ounces or less and be able to fit into a single quart-sized bag in carry-on property. For more on our liquids rule, pls visit: https://t.co/F7bT8Rd06Y

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) November 28, 2017

Great question, Corey! A typewriter is allowed in carry-on bags.

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) November 26, 2017

We’re glad you asked, Tristan! Cast iron skillets must be packed in checked bags. Pls see: https://t.co/dIOimH5pHF

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) November 26, 2017

Good question, Harry. A live fish in water is allowed in carry-on bags and may exceed 3.4 oz. Please be mindful of spillage. Let our officers know of your fish and they will screen your pet accordingly. Have a great flight!

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) November 25, 2017

More from SmarterTravel:

• Flying with Gifts: The TSA Rules You Need to Know
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• Now There’s an Easier Way to Enroll in TSA PreCheck