TSA has just issued a new warning, and even though it appeals to common sense, many travelers have admitted to being surprised by this news. From now on, no camping stove with a propane tank will be allowed through security, neither in carry-on luggage nor in checked baggage. (See? It really is common sense.)
In fact, at Pensacola airport, Florida, there was an accident involving one of these items, which led the TSA to issue the warning again that they are considered prohibited items.
Why is the TSA now banning camping stoves with propane?
Well… It’s not very logical to bring one of these on a plane, right?
But since in this country you never know, we’re telling you anyway. The alert arose on June 11, when security agents at Pensacola International (PNS) detected a stove with a gas cartridge in a carry-on. According to the TSA itself, the passenger claimed to be unaware of the prohibition, so the TSA decided to turn the incident into a public lesson.
But of course, the problem is not the stove itself: the dangerous part is the propane, a fuel that can release flammable vapours even at low pressure and whose air transport is strictly regulated!!
The TSA’s message was very clear (and also funny, we don’t want to take credit away): “We love cooking shows as much as you do, but any chef should know they can’t carry a stove with a connected propane tank in their carry-on”.
From regulation to warning
Until now, the rules already prevented gas cylinders from being boarded, but many travellers trusted they could declare the item or send it in the hold… With this campaign, the TSA emphasizes that there is no possible exception: the cartridge must be empty, clean and with no fuel residue to be accepted, and only if the airline allows it.
By publishing it on its official “What Can I Bring” 2025 page, the agency aims to close informational loopholes and prevent arguments at the checkpoint.
Risks at 35,000 feet
Many people keep asking why they can’t bring one of these in the cabin. Well, changes in temperature and pressure can cause leaks. In the hold, a poorly sealed tank can become a hidden ignition source among suitcases, just like lithium batteries.
That’s why air safety prioritizes the total elimination of these containers. The recommendation is simple: buy the gas at your destination and carry the stove completely clean of any residue.
And during high season…
Summer means getaways and camping. Millions of Americans go through airports, and of course, the TSA’s decision comes during the peak of travel. The message is clear: check before you fly or accept the loss of your gear and the possible penalties you may face.
How to pack your gear without breaking the rules
Traveling light and legally is possible. The first step is to check the updated 2025 list of prohibited items. The stove can travel, but as we said before, it must be free of fuel and perfectly ventilated. Propane, however, should never reach the airport. If you need to cook in the wild, plan to buy the cartridge at your destination.
Ask first: the AskTSA service
The TSA provides a quick consultation channel via text: message them through the social network X and you’ll avoid dangerous assumptions and make sure your luggage meets security requirements.
Key tips
Check your airline’s specific rules, pack your stove in a clear bag to ease inspection, and arrive with extra time if you’re traveling with camping gear just in case.
And if I skip it?
Then you’ll have to face the consequences. The most common outcome is immediate confiscation of the item. The traveller is subject to financial penalties and the possibility of missing their flight. You can’t put the entire plane at risk, so it will be entirely your responsibility if you decide to ignore these rules.
Warning before penalty, but…
In the Pensacola case, the passenger received an explanation and was allowed to continue, but that won’t always be the case!! Repeat offenses or the presence of other risk factors can result in fines that exceed the value of the confiscated gear.
The new TSA campaign reinforces a rule that every traveller should keep in mind before flying: “If in doubt, ask”. Camping stoves will continue to be essential allies for adventurers, but propane tanks must stay on the ground!
