Why Some Toy Weapons Make It Through TSA (And Others Don't)

The main job of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is to keep passengers safe from the entrance to the exit of airports across the U.S. Navigating airport security is confusing enough, but if you have a toy weapon in your or your child's bag, you might be setting yourself up for a less-than-smooth experience. The TSA has specific rules that determine which items are allowed in carry-on luggage and which must be checked. Even though you may think that toy is obviously harmless, the potential for certain items to be perceived as threats is an important factor to TSA officers and their decision-making. 

TSA agents are trained to consider many things regarding toy weapons. If a toy closely resembles a real weapon, especially at a glance or on an X-ray machine, it's more likely to be prohibited from carry-on luggage. Even items made of soft materials, like foam swords, can be used to strike or threaten individuals, prompting restrictions on their presence in the airplane. Items that could be mistaken by other passengers as real weapons can cause unnecessary alarm, leading to disruptions and potential safety hazards.

The TSA rules prevent passengers from carrying toy guns and replicas in their carry-on luggage. This includes items like squirt guns, Nerf guns, and other toys that resemble realistic firearms. According to the TSA website, "TSA officers have the discretion to prohibit any item through the screening checkpoint if they believe it poses a security threat," so even if your specific toy isn't listed, the agent can still confiscate it or tell you to get rid of it. Weapons that are too realistic-looking can cause confusion or alarm among passengers and other security officers. Travelers are advised to pack these items in their checked luggage. Additionally, replicas of explosives, such as toy hand grenades, are not allowed in either your carry-on or checked baggage.

Items that mimic weapons, even if made from non-threatening materials like foam, are subject to extra inspection as well. For instance, foam toy swords are not allowed in carry-on bags but can be transported in checked bags. The concern is that such items, despite their harmless appearance, could potentially be used to cause harm or could be mistaken for real weapons –– leading to unnecessary panic or security incidents.

While many toy weapons are not allowed, there are some exceptions. For example, toy lightsabers, popularized by the "Star Wars" franchise, are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags because TSA acknowledges these items as toys and allows them through security. This exception is probably due to the distinctive and recognizable design of lightsabers, which are unlikely to be mistaken for real weapons. Additionally, when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opened at Disneyland and Walt Disney World a few years ago, the drink containers available for purchase in the land caused quite a stir in various airports because of their distinctive similarity to grenades (via Business Insider). As such, the TSA made a statement on their website in August 2019 that said, "Because these bottles contain liquids larger than 3.4 ounces, they should be put in checked baggage or emptied to be brought on as carry-on item. The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint."

Bottom line: If you want to avoid getting flagged by the TSA, packing things in your checked bags is usually a safer bet if you have a questionable toy with you. This will avoid extra delay during your security screening and keep your travels running smoothly.