TSA Alerts Travelers: Grooming Tools May Hide Dangerous Blades in Carry-Ons
If you've flown recently, you presumably took some time to strategically pack your luggage according to what can and can not be brought on the plane in a carry-on or personal item.
Every so often, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issues reminders to the public about objects that cause problems during the security process. In their latest message, announced Thursday, TSA warned fliers about a common item with a hidden problem.
Watch out for blades--even within innocent grooming tools
It is common sense that you can't bring knives or blades onto a plane. But, according to TSA, some people attempt to bring them on, perhaps unknowingly, by including grooming devices in their carry-on that contain hidden blades.
"This is a pointed reminder: knives and blades, even those hidden in a hairbrush or comb, belong in a checked bag," TSA's tweet read. "We have too many people continuing to brush aside this information!"
This is a pointed reminder: knives and blades, even those hidden in a hairbrush or comb, belong in a checked bag. We have too many people continuing to brush aside this information! pic.twitter.com/Duiz1RExzL
— TSA (@TSA) April 30, 2026
Corny puns aside, at least this isn't as absurd as the person who attempted to include a live cracked 30 mm round in their luggage earlier this year.
Even if you try to get that through in a checked bag, it's illegal.
Other TSA flying rules to consider
Last summer, TSA implemented several changes in regards to travel items, including the banning of lithium and lithium-ion batteries in checked baggage.
Now, passengers must keep any lithium and lithium-ion batteries onboard with them, because of a process called "thermal runway."
"Thermal runaway can occur without warning as a result of various factors, including if the battery is damaged, overheated, exposed to water, overcharged, or improperly packed. Thermal runaway can also occur on its own due to manufacturing defects," the FAA said in its announcement banning lithium batteries in checked luggage.
Some other recent changes include allowing fliers to keep their shoes on while going through security and the requirement of REAL ID-compliant identification.
For a full rundown of what you can and can't bring on a plane, check out the official TSA website.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 12:54 PM.