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The TSA found this wild item in a carry-on bag

By Mark Reif Jun 13, 2025 9:56 AM

Carry-on bag — Maurizio Pesce via Flickr / Flickr

Carry-on bags let you avoid baggage fees and pack what you need for a short trip. They’re also a helpful addition to checked bags when you need to bring a little extra gear. Recently, one traveler took things too far, attempting to bring a piece of camping equipment in their carry-on. Thankfully, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) quickly spotted the prohibited item, and all was well. Here’s what happened.

The TSA reminded travelers to never bring this item

The item in question was a portable camp stove with an attached propane tank. A dangerous piece of gear, for sure. But the TSA had a playful take on the incident, saying: “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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“This one was hard to miss, but great job by our team at Pensacola International Airport (PNS) for discovering this during standard checkpoint screening on Monday, and educating the passenger on the regulations we have around prohibited items.”

“The passenger said he was unaware that stoves and propane tanks couldn’t be carried on a plane, so let this be a learning moment for everyone… propane tanks cannot and do not belong in either your carry-on or checked bags.”

“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.”

While this passenger pushed the limits, it can be confusing to know what is and isn’t allowed on a plane. If you’re unsure, you can check the TSA website, which has a list on its website entitled “What Can I Bring?”

Mark Reif is a storyteller focused on the intersection of outdoor culture, travel, and design. From the peaks of Banff to the… Read Full Bio

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