10 Surprising Things You Can Pack in Your Carry-On This Fourth of July
Read today's edition of Gate Access • July 1st, 2025
Happy Monday. Cheers to the upcoming 4th of July weekend. Here’s what we’re getting into today.
On The Radar - Recent news that caught my eye.
Wild TSA Bag Checks
CLEAR Tip - I recently stumbled upon this.
GA Instagram - Are we tipping flight attendants now?
Main Topic - 10 surprising things you can pack in your carry-on
GA Extended Edition - Unlock the tip of the week.
🚨 On The Radar
🟢 Hertz customers are voicing frustration over unexpected charges for minor vehicle damage detected by new AI-powered scanners from UVeye, with some fees exceeding $400 for small scuffs. The system, now in use at Hertz’s Atlanta airport location and expanding nationwide, provides near-instant billing with limited options for disputing charges. Critics argue that the lack of human oversight and vague fee explanations create a system that prioritizes revenue over fairness. [READ MORE]
🟢 Spirit Airlines has rebranded its fare bundles to simplify the booking process, introducing three new tiers: Value, Premium Economy, and Spirit First. The move eliminates the Go Savvy option and aligns Spirit’s offerings more closely with standard airline fare classes, while still honoring existing bookings. The update aims to make the features and pricing more transparent as the airline seeks profitability following recent financial struggles and its exit from bankruptcy. [READ MORE]
🟢 The FBI has issued a warning about potential cyberattacks on airlines by Scattered Spider, a hacking group known for previous breaches at MGM Resorts and Caesars. The alert follows a recent cybersecurity incident at Hawaiian Airlines, though flight operations were reportedly unaffected. The group typically gains access by impersonating insiders and targets large corporations and their IT providers, raising concerns across the aviation sector. [READ MORE]
😳 Wild TSA Bag Checks
As the Fourth of July quickly approaches, please note that fireworks are not permitted in either carry-on or checked baggage. Here’s a look at a single day of TSA finds.
🚨 CLEAR Will Not Accept PDF Boarding Passes
Over the weekend, I spent some time in NYC. On my way home, I flew out of LaGuardia (LGA) and used the CLEAR lane at security. While passing through, I overheard a heated exchange between a traveler and a CLEAR employee. The issue? The traveler had her boarding pass saved as a PDF on her phone, a format CLEAR is no longer accepting.
She was told she needed to return to the airline counter and get a physical boarding pass instead.
From what I gathered, this policy just changed, and the CLEAR staff had recently been briefed on the update. For clarity: mobile boarding passes issued directly by the airline's app are still accepted; it’s the PDF versions that are now invalid.
📱Gate Access Instagram
Are we tipping flight attendants now? In a recent video, a traveler shared that she watched someone hand a tip to a flight attendant, and it left her wondering: Is this a new norm? Are we supposed to be doing this, too?
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👀 10 Surprising Things You Can Pack in Your Carry-On This Fourth of July
As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, TSA is gearing up for its busiest Fourth of July holiday ever. Over 18.5 million travelers are expected to pass through airport checkpoints between July 1st and July 7th, with a record 2.9 million projected on Sunday, July 6th.
Here’s a list of items I receive questions about whether they can fly or not.
1. Grill
Dreaming of a tailgate at your destination? You can bring a small, portable grill in your carry-on, provided it’s clean and free of any flammable fuel or residue.
2. Blender (Blade Removed)
You can pack a blender, but the blade must go in checked luggage or be removed completely. The base and pitcher are good to fly.
3. Pies and Cakes
TSA allows cakes and pies through security, though they might be subject to additional screening.
4. Vape Pens, Lighters, and Matches
You can bring one lighter or a book of safety matches in your carry-on, but not both (although some officers still allow both). Vape devices are allowed, too—just be sure they’re packed properly and not used in-flight.
5. Corkscrew (With No Blade)
A corkscrew is permitted as long as it doesn't have a blade.
6. Drinking Alcohol (Mini Bottles Only)
TSA allows alcohol under 70% ABV in bottles of 3.4 ounces or less, stored in a quart-size zip bag. However, remember that FAA rules stipulate that only flight attendants can serve alcohol, so leave the bartending to them.
7. Adult Toys
TSA doesn’t prohibit adult toys in carry-ons, and yes, they’ve seen it all. Just pack discreetly and expect some blush-worthy X-ray banter if you're selected for a bag check.
8. Dry Ice (Up to 5.5 Pounds)
If you’re bringing something that needs to stay frozen, TSA allows up to 5.5 pounds of dry ice in a vented, properly labeled container. It must be declared to airline staff, though.
9. Ice Skates
TSA allows ice skates in carry-ons—no need to check them.
10. Strollers, Car Seats & Baby Gear
Family traveling this weekend? TSA allows you to bring strollers, baby carriers, and car or booster seats through security. They’ll need to be screened, but you won’t be separated from your children.
🔓 In Today’s Extended Version
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Tip of the Week: Here’s how I always get early boarding on my flights, no matter my boarding group.
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