Can I Bring Vapes, Lighters, Knives, Scissors, Sunscreen, Tweezers, and Razors on a Plane?
When preparing for a flight, knowing which items are allowed in your carry-on and checked luggage can save you from unnecessary stress and delays at security checkpoints. Here’s a detailed guide on whether you can bring vapes, lighters, knives, scissors, sunscreen, tweezers, and razors on a plane according to TSA (Transportation Security Administration) guidelines.

1. Vapes (Electronic Cigarettes)
- Carry-On: ✅ Allowed, but must be kept in your carry-on bag. Vapes and their batteries are not allowed in checked baggage due to fire risk.
- Checked Luggage: ❌ Not allowed.
- Additional Tips: You must remove your vape or e-cigarette before checking your bag. Also, ensure that the vape is turned off and stored safely to avoid accidental activation.
2. Lighters
- Carry-On: ✅ Allowed, but only disposable lighters (e.g., BIC) or Zippo lighters without fuel are permitted. Torch lighters, gun lighters, and other novelty lighters may not be allowed.
- Checked Luggage: ✅ Allowed, but must be empty of fuel. Lighters with fuel are only allowed in a DOT-approved case.
- Additional Tips: You can carry up to one lighter on your person. Refillable lighters such as Zippos are allowed, but extra lighter fluid is not permitted.
3. Knives
- Carry-On: ❌ Not allowed. Any kind of knife, including pocket knives, is prohibited in carry-on luggage.
- Checked Luggage: ✅ Allowed, but must be securely wrapped or sheathed to prevent injury to baggage handlers.
- Additional Tips: Avoid bringing valuable or sentimental knives in checked baggage, as there is always a small risk of loss or theft.
4. Scissors
- Carry-On: ✅ Allowed, but only if the blades are shorter than 4 inches (about 10 cm) from the pivot point.
- Checked Luggage: ✅ Allowed without size restrictions.
- Additional Tips: Safety scissors or those with blunt tips are generally preferred for carry-on bags.
5. Sunscreen
- Carry-On: ✅ Allowed, but must follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids. This means the sunscreen must be in a container of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller and fit in a clear, quart-sized bag.
- Checked Luggage: ✅ Allowed without size restrictions.
- Additional Tips: Consider travel-sized sunscreen to avoid issues at security.
6. Tweezers
- Carry-On: ✅ Allowed.
- Checked Luggage: ✅ Allowed.
- Additional Tips: Tweezers are considered safe, and there are no restrictions on the size or type.
7. Razors
- Carry-On: ✅ Allowed, but only disposable razors or cartridge razors. Straight razors and razor blades are not permitted in carry-on bags.
- Checked Luggage: ✅ Allowed, including all types of razors.
- Additional Tips: If you must travel with straight razors, ensure they are securely packed in checked luggage.
Quick Reference Table
Item | Carry-On | Checked Luggage | Additional Tips |
---|---|---|---|
Vapes | ✅ | ❌ | Turn off and store safely |
Lighters | ✅ | ✅ | Only disposable or empty refillable types |
Knives | ❌ | ✅ | Must be securely wrapped or sheathed |
Scissors | ✅ (if <4 inches) | ✅ | Short blades only in carry-on |
Sunscreen | ✅ (3.4 oz max) | ✅ | Follows the 3-1-1 liquid rule |
Tweezers | ✅ | ✅ | No size or type restrictions |
Razors | ✅ (disposable/cartridge) | ✅ | Straight razors only in checked luggage |
Conclusion
When packing for your next flight, always double-check the latest TSA or airline-specific guidelines, as regulations may change. By following these rules, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free airport experience. Safe travels!