Heading on a trip from Canada? Don't get caught off guard at airport security.
When you’re flying from Canada, there are quite a few rules around what you can and can’t bring on board. While certain carry-on restrictions are obvious, others might surprise you. Here are 10 unexpected items restricted in carry-on baggage when packing for your next getaway.
Understanding restricted carry-on items
Most travellers know about the restrictions on liquids, but there are plenty of other carry-on luggage items you’re not allowed to bring. Some are obvious. Others are less so.
Curious if you can bring your new fishing gear or post-workout protein powder on board? The answers might surprise you. Here, we look at items like tent stakes, fishing hooks, lighters, and soup and detail whether you can bring them in your carry-on luggage.
10 surprising items not allowed on planes
Avoid packing these items on your next flight
The next time you fly, make sure you know what you can and can’t bring with our list of 10 surprising cabin baggage items that you’re not allowed to bring along on your next trip.
1. Tent stakes
Heading to a music festival?
Tent stakes need to be packed in your checked luggage because they're considered potential weapons. So, even if you’re travelling light, you may need to check a bag if you’re bringing camping gear.
2. More than one lighter
That’s right, you can have a lighter, but no more than one
While one small lighter is okay to keep on your person, packing extras in your carry-on is a no-no. Before you head through security, double-check that you didn’t bring any extras in your baggage.
3. Soup
Or any liquid over 100ml
Remember the 100ml rule for liquids, gels, and pastes? That same rule applies to soup. So if you’re planning to bring snacks for the flight, stick to solid foods that meet carry-on restrictions. Worried about getting thirsty on the plane? Take an empty reusable water bottle through security so you can fill it up on the other side.
4. A giant bag of protein powder
Smaller portions are not an issue
While not outright banned, containers of protein powder over 350ml or 350g might raise eyebrows. So if you’re trying to hit your macros while on vacation, pack smaller portions or place large containers in your checked luggage.
5. That "harmless" toy gun
Even if you know it’s fake
Anything resembling a weapon falls under the umbrella of restricted carry-on items. Toy guns, replica firearms, and other realistic-looking weapons should always be packed in checked luggage to avoid any issues.
6. Your lucky fishing hook (if it's long)
Although fishing rods are okay
While fishing rods are generally okay to bring along, hooks longer than 6cm need to be packed in your checked bags. You might also run into issues with certain tackle or fishing tools that security could see as potential weapons.
7. That "antique" sword letter opener
It’s not a weapon, but security will treat it like one
Sounds cool, but sharp objects like letter openers are a definite no in your carry-on. Keep any letter openers, knives, and other sharp objects in your checked baggage instead.
8. Your DIY tie-dye kit
And other chemicals
Chemicals like bleach, solvents, and certain dyes are restricted in the cabin. If you’re looking to get creative, save the tie-dye party for after your trip.
9. A "gag gift" stun gun
Even if it's not real
Self-defence items like stun guns are prohibited in carry-on luggage, including realistic replicas. Keeping any weapon replicas in your checked baggage can help you avoid issues at security.
10. That super realistic water bottle grenade
Be wary of novelty gifts designed to look like offensive items
Novelty items resembling weapons aren’t permitted in carry-on luggage. Even if they’re harmless, they can cause a serious hold-up at security if they look like explosives or weapons.
If the restrictions around certain items still seem a little unclear, you can check out the official guidelines from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority and Transport Canada.
Disclaimer: Information is correct as of July 2026, obtained from www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca and www.tc.gc.ca. Always check the latest guidance from official sources before booking your trip.
Get packing for your next getaway
Now that you know what to avoid in your carry-on, start exploring Skyscanner to plan your next adventure. With the best deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals in Canada and beyond, you can plan your entire trip in one place and get ready for takeoff.
Frequently asked questions: Carry-on luggage restrictions
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