Airports are already weird enough—turns out, there are some TSA rules that make them even weirder.
MCO Airport
If you think you know what’s allowed in your carry-on, you might want to think again. While we’re all out here double-checking if our full-size toothpaste is under 3.4 ounces, TSA’s quietly green-lit some pretty unexpected stuff. So next time you’re heading to the airport (maybe even for that magical Disney trip), you might just want to pack a little differently…because these TSA rules are wild.
Lock Picks Are (Weirdly) OK
Yep, we’re starting here because…what?! While your shampoo is apparently a national security threat, TSA says that lock-picking tools are fair game in carry-ons—as long as no single piece is longer than 7 inches. Now, before anyone gets ideas about turning into a real-life heist movie character, let’s be clear: this doesn’t mean you’re allowed to use them mid-flight (and definitely not at your hotel room door if you forgot your key).
©Amazon
This rule is actually more for the hobbyists — yes, that’s a thing. Lock-picking is a legitimate skill, often practiced by engineers and hobbyists for fun (and yes, legally). Just remember: while TSA may give you a green light, local laws in the state you’re flying to might not. So do a quick check of those before you casually toss your toolkit in your carry-on.
You Can Bring Antlers (Seriously)
We’re not making this up. Deer and elk antlers — real ones — are allowed in both checked and carry-on luggage. We’ll just pause for a second while you picture someone wrestling a full set of antlers into an overhead bin. Because yep, that’s the catch: They have to fit either up there or under the seat in front of you. If they don’t, they’ll be going underneath the plane.
©Amazon
This rule feels oddly specific, but if you’re a hunter, taxidermy collector, or maybe bringing back a souvenir from a rustic gift shop in Montana, this one’s for you. Just make sure they’re clean and packed in a way that won’t poke the person sitting next to you.
Live Lobsters and Fish? Yep, You Can Fly With Them
This might be our favorite “wait…what?” of the list: TSA allows live lobsters in your carry-on. Not frozen. Not cooked. Alive. You just have to pack them in a clear, spill-proof plastic container and expect a visual inspection at the checkpoint. (Let’s be real — imagine being behind that person in line.)
©Amazon
Also included under this rule? Live fish and live coral. And yes, they can even be transported in water. TSA just needs to see them clearly and verify that your container isn’t going to leak all over the X-ray machine.
©Amazon
This might sound like a wild detail to even care about, but it actually comes up more than you’d think — especially if you’re flying out of places like New England where bringing home a live lobster is a whole thing, or if you’re coming home from a tropical vacation with a new aquarium buddy.
Why Should Disney Travelers Care About This?
Honestly, even if you’re not flying with lock picks, antlers, or aquatic pets, knowing these TSA quirks helps you rethink what else might be allowed. If TSA’s cool with literal crustaceans and deer antlers, then maybe you don’t need to panic as much about that awkward souvenir or unusual gift you’re packing. That personalized lightsaber? Good to go (just don’t try to duel with it on the plane). Your Droid? Yep — though he will need to go through screening just like you.
Droid in Galaxy’s Edge
We’ve seen people toss out perfectly fine items at airport security just because they didn’t know the rules. Don’t be that person. Check the TSA site or use their “What Can I Bring?” tool before you leave, especially if you’re packing anything even remotely out of the ordinary. So yeah — TSA rules can be surprising, confusing, and sometimes hilarious. But if they’re letting lobsters through, maybe we all just need to relax a little about our extra pair of shoes or oversized Mickey ears.
Be sure to check back in with us soon at DFB for even more travel news, changes, and more.
NEWS: A HUGE TSA Shoe Policy Change Is Coming
Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks
Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World
Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport
Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe
Have you ever packed something weird and had TSA let it through (or toss it out)? Let us know in the comments below!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
The whole “lobsters and live fish” thing puzzles me. If I can’t bring an unopened 12 oz bottle of water through security, how can it possibly be okay to throw some fish in a tub with a couple GALLONS of water?
And, just in case you want to break into the locked cockpit, just bring your lockpicking set. Wait – WHAT?
The whole thing just seems so arbitrary…
I’ve always put my “support antler” in the seat next to me without any problem.
I flew home from Anchorage one February and the person on the aisle seat put an entire moose antler in the overhead. Of course that meant MY luggage in the overhead had to be gate checked… so yes, antlers are good to go…