The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) posts the official list of permitted and prohibited items online (www.tsa.gov), but it is left up to individual security screeners to determine if, say, your eyelash curler is a potential weapon.

Baseball bats, golf clubs, pool cues, ski poles, and other sports gear may be checked but not carried on.

Fuel-filled lighters are generally prohibited, while up to four books of safety matches may be carried on but not checked.

Corkscrews, nail clippers and files, safety razors, tweezers, and walking canes are all permitted in the cabin.

Knitting needles are permitted in carry-ons, but plastic or bamboo needles tend to get passed through more frequently than metal ones.