Eagles, ammo, live lobster and other things TSA allows through Asheville Regional Airport

ASHEVILLE - As the Asheville Regional Airport continues to grow, breaking all-time passenger records along the way, so do the number of items passing through AVL’s Transportation Security Administration checkpoint.

Seasoned fliers may have a good sense of what is allowed through these security checkpoints, but ever wonder what crazy things TSA agents spot people attempting to board a plane with and what they’re authorized to let pass?

TSA’s website contains a whole A to Z library of just about any item someone could think to bring on a plane. From artificial skeletons, to ammunition, live lobsters and microwaves, TSA has a statement on even the most unusual items.

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“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) takes its job seriously and inspecting potentially dangerous items is no laughing matter,” TSA spokesperson Gervais Joubert III told the Citizen Times Sept. 19. “However, there are times when we detect peculiar items that are actually allowed through the checkpoint.”

To highlight his point, Joubert mentioned how an American bald eagle was taken through the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) recently.

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But just to be sure, he recommends checking with the specific airline ahead of time if travelers are planning on packing outlandish items. While TSA may allow an item through the checkpoint, the airline may not allow it on board.

• Ammunition: One would think this is an automatic no, but it's actually not that simple. Depending on the airline, small arms ammunitions are allowed in checked bags as long as they are securely packed in fiber, wood, metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.

• Antlers: TSA has good news for shooting enthusiasts traveling back from a successful hunting trip in the mountains — antlers are allowed in both carry-ons and checked bags. They just recommend checking to ensure the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

• Airbrush makeup machine: If you prefer to spray on your makeup, TSA won’t stop you from taking your airbrush makeup machine to the skies in a carry-on or checked bag. The only stipulation is if the device contains lithium metal or lithium ion batteries, then it should be carried in carry-on baggage.

• Bear bangers and bear spray: Heading to or from a camp trip in the bear country of the Blue Ridge Mountains? You’ll have to pick up bear protection before the out-bound hike, and don’t forget to throw it out before your flight home. Any bear defense items are prohibited by TSA, both in carry-ons and checked-in bags.

• Bowling balls: Despite their heftiness, TSA does not consider a bowling ball to fit the description of “sports equipment that could be used as a bludgeon” and therefore bowling enthusiasts can bring their balls in a carry on or checked bag. However, don’t try to bring the bowling pins through security, too – those are only allowed in checked bags.

• Camp stoves: Looking to cook while camping in the mountains of Western North Carolina? Unlike your bear protection, a whole camp stove is allowed in carry-ons and checked bags, under certain conditions. The stove must be empty and cleaned of all fuel and fuel vapors or residue. Any cords must be wrapped, and items arranged so TSA officers can get a clear view. However, don’t try bringing cooking spray to use because that’s outright banned.

• E-cigarettes or vaping supplies: allowed only in carry-on baggage.

• Firecracker or fireworks: Nope, not allowed.

• Hiking poles: No to carry-on, but you can bring it along in a checked bag.

• Live lobster: TSA says to check with the airline, but as far as they’re concerned, live lobsters are allowed through security if transported in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container.

• Magic 8 Ball: For the superstitious fliers out there, TSA has a message for you: “For Carry-on bags: we asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us … outlook not so good! For checked bags: we asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us … it is certain!”

• Microwave: TSA will let fliers bring an entire microwave in their checked bag or carry-on, but you’ll have to check with the airline to see if they’ll allow it on the plane.

• Pepper spray: Unlike bear spray, a 4-fluid-ounce bottle of self-defense spray is permitted in checked bags, as long as it has a safety mechanism to prevent discharge and doesn’t contain more than 2% by mass of tear gas.

• Samsung Galaxy Note 7: Since 2016, this phone has been banned from all air transportation in the United States by the U.S. Department of Transportation due to fire hazards.

• Screwdrivers: If the tool is longer than 7 inches, tuck into you checked bag and you’re good to fly. If it’s shorter, you can bring it in a carry-on.

• Tattoo guns: Amateur or professional tattoo artist can bring their tattoo guns in their carry-ons or checked bags, as long as it doesn’t have lithium metal or lithium ion batteries.

If there are any doubts about whether an item is allowed, travelers can visit the What Can I Bring page on TSA.gov or message TSA at @AskTSA on X, formerly known as Twitter, or www.fb.com/AskTSA.

Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. News tips? Email Ryley at rober@gannett.com. Please support local, daily journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: What items TSA allows through Asheville Regional Airport