The Most Common Beach Essentials That TSA Will Throw Away

You've booked your plane tickets, bought a new bathing suit, and started researching the best swimming spots. You're almost ready to escape to the seaside — you just need to pack. Our ultimate packing guide for beach vacations is a good jumping-off point, but it's important to know that not all beach essentials are allowed through airport security.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules regarding carry-on belongings. If your beach items don't meet their standards, a security agent may throw them away before letting you through the airport. One common example is sunscreen, a must-have during a beach getaway. No matter how essential sunscreen is, TSA will only allow travel-sized bottles containing 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less in carry-on luggage. Larger quantities must be kept in your checked bag or purchased once you reach your destination.

The same rule applies to aloe vera gel, which is considered a liquid by TSA. Stick to a small bottle of the sunburn soother, or, if you wish, bring an actual aloe vera plant, which is (surprisingly) allowed through security. Additionally, if you plan to pack bug spray to avoid getting bit at the beach, keep in mind that it must also amount to no more than 3.4 ounces of liquid per bottle. All carry-on liquids should be stored together in one quart-sized plastic bag. It might be frustrating, but rules are rules.

Whether you're heading to one of the best U.S. beaches or a faraway coastal destination, balmy weather will likely be in the forecast. Ice packs are an easy way to stay cool on hot days, but you must be careful when storing these items in your carry-on bag, as the fluid inside gel ice packs and conventional freezer packs is considered a liquid by TSA. That means it must follow the same guidelines as sunscreen, aloe vera, and bug sprays: Each pack should contain no more than 3.4 ounces of liquid and must be kept in a quart-sized bag with other liquids.

An easier option may be to keep your ice packs completely frozen when going through airport security. As long as the contents are solid during the TSA screening, they don't have to follow the liquids rules. Consider wrapping the ice packs in an insulated material, such as a cooler bag, to prevent melting.

Be mindful of other cooling accessories that use water when packing for your beach vacation. Misting fans, for example, hold liquid in a small chamber, which helps you stay cool in the heat. To avoid getting flagged by TSA, remove any water before entering the security line.

If you're traveling with energetic kids in tow, you might have squirt guns on your beach vacation packing list. However, it's a good idea to rethink toy guns — including water guns — when organizing your carry-on luggage. TSA recommends placing these items in checked bags, as they could be mistaken for real firearms. If you attempt to bring them in your carry-on, be aware that they could be confiscated by a security officer.

Even beach essentials that don't resemble weapons could be considered dangerous by TSA agents. Tent stakes, for instance, are strictly prohibited in plane cabins due to their sharp points. Choose a beach tent that contains no stakes or spikes, or be prepared to pack them in checked luggage. Most beach umbrellas, on the other hand, are allowed through security as long as no part of the umbrella is sharp or pointed enough to cause injury. With that said, it's best to confirm that your airline allows beach umbrellas on board the aircraft before your trip.