Can I carry my antlers on the plane?

Recently, I was perusing the TSA website and its list of what one can and cannot carry onboard a flight, as well as what one can or cannot pack in a checked bag.

Some of these may be items you own and some may be more unusual. I thought I'd give a little roundup of some notable inclusions and exclusions from the TSA's handy (and searchable) list.

Antlers

"You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane." I'm thinking you're going to have to find a careful way to pack (and check) the bag with your 15-point trophy rack.

Artificial Skeleton Bones

That's a "yes." So if you're taking the Halloween decorations to your aunt's house next week, no problem.

Bowling Ball

"Sports equipment that can be used as a bludgeon (such as bats and clubs) is prohibited in the cabin of the plane and must be transported in your checked bags." Since your bowling ball does not fit that description, it appears that you can carry it on the plane or check it, as you wish. Just don't throw it at anyone.

Coffee/espresso maker

"Please carefully pack your electronics items and make sure all cords are wrapped. While you can pack expensive, fragile electronics items in checked or carry-on bags, we recommend packing them in your carry-on." Can you plug it into your seat power port to make yourself some decent coffee? For that, you'll have to ask the flight attendant. You can also bring your bread machine.

Dynamite

"No" and "no." Sorry, Wile E. Coyote. Same for any form of gunpowder--no how, nowhere, no can do.

Harry Potter Wand

"Yes."  So you may hang on to your wand when you fly. But please do not cast any spells or aspersions on your fellow passengers. And it probably won't get you a magic upgrade, either.

Lightsaber

The TSA advises that "sadly, the technology doesn't currently exist to create a real lightsaber. However, you can pack a toy lightsaber in your carry-on or checked bag. May the force be with you." I'm pretty sure if we ever mastered the technology to create a real lightsaber, you'd need to check with your airline and the TSA for restrictions. 

Live Fish and Live Coral

"Live corals or fish in water and a clear transparent container are allowed after inspection by the TSA officer." But can a goldfish survive a long-haul flight?

Magic 8 Ball

The official guidelines are as follows:

"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!"

(Remember, there's liquid inside.)

Pots and Pans

"Pots and pans are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. However, cast iron skillets are prohibited in carry-on bags and must be placed in checked baggage." This feels like a reference to the "no bludgeon" rule. If you're old enough to remember the cartoon characters Tom and Jerry, you know that a cast iron skillet makes a convenient weapon in countless situations.

Shock Collar

"Yes." Hey, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Vacuum Robot

"Yes." But like the espresso machine, you might need to ask the flight attendant if you can helpfully send it out to clean the aisle in mid-air.

BUT always remember:

The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

ANNOUNCING: THE PERFECT PAIRING! 

I'm finalizing details for a fantabulous trip to the South of France in late August-early September 2025 and will highlight it in my next newsletter. You may choose a luxuriously indulgent Riverside Luxury Cruise on the Rhône (with spectacularly favorable launch pricing) and/or an enchanting weeklong City Break in Nice and the Côte d'Azur. Click here for advance info on the itinerary and ship, and here for my 2023 newsletter featuring the gorgeous city of Nice. Stay tuned for more info in the next few weeks, or let me know if you want the sneak peek! Riverside has only been sailing for two seasons but was recently named by Forbes as the best river cruise line for Europe.

Updates on other Small Group Trips--Limited Availability:

Gems of Southeast Europe: TEN CABINS LEFT ON THE SHIP! This luxurious late June 2025 river cruise aboard the AmaMagna (the ship I call the Queen of the Danube) will be a change of pace. We'll visit countries that spent many decades behind the Iron Curtain. This cruise will surely be both enlightening and educational, in addition to being relaxing and indulgent. Read more here.

One week in Hungarian wine country and Budapest: If you'd like to add a fabulous Hungarian wine tour (and Budapest) after the late June cruise, reservations for this specially curated land extension are very limited. We're staying at a castle. On a vineyard. Seriously. See the brochure here.

You are also welcome to participate in this tour even without the cruise.

Wonders of Colombia: GOING, GOING.....ALMOST GONE. Looking for a new destination? How about Colombia's Magdalena River? Join us for this colorful new itinerary aboard the brand new AmaMelodia in late January 2026. Take a look at this cruise here. This trip is still 15 months away but there are ONLY SIX CABINS LEFT ON THE SHIP! Do not wait any longer to book this one or you will soon be too late.