What You Can and Can’t Bring Through EWR Security: The 2025 Traveler’s Guide

airport security

If you’re flying out of Newark Liberty International Airport, chances are you’ve asked yourself the same question every traveler does while packing: Wait, can I bring this?

TSA rules can be oddly specific. Some everyday items are allowed, others banned, and some fall into the “it depends” category. And yes—some items that sound sketchy are totally fine to bring.

Let’s clear things up before you reach the checkpoint. Here’s your 2025 guide to what’s allowed, what’s not, and what to expect when you’re navigating EWR security.

2025 Updates: What’s Changed at TSA This Year?

TSA rules evolve to match new threats and travel trends. This year, powdered substances and certain electronics got a little more scrutiny.

A recent TSA bulletin clarified that powdered spices and nutritional supplements over 12 ounces must be declared and screened separately. Disposable vapes? Still tricky—they’re allowed in carry-ons but absolutely not in checked bags.

And a heads up: some lighters are now restricted depending on fuel type. Torch lighters or anything that looks like a weapon (even novelty ones) are a no-go.

Top Items Confiscated at EWR

You’d be surprised by the number of everyday items that travelers lose to the TSA bins. Here are a few repeat offenders at Newark:

  • Full-size sunscreen and lotion bottles (limit is 3.4 oz per container in carry-ons)
  • Souvenir snow globes (yes, seriously—they count as liquids)
  • Protein powder tubs (over 12 oz? They need extra screening)
  • Tools longer than 7 inches (like hammers or wrenches)

If you’re not sure, assume TSA will ask questions—or just pack it in your checked bag.

Can I Bring This? Your Rapid-Fire TSA Checklist

  • Peanut butter? No, not in your carry-on. It counts as a gel.
  • Scissors? Only if the blade is under 4 inches.
  • Nail clippers? Yes.
  • Frozen foods? Yes, if solid when screened.
  • Lithium batteries? Only in carry-on luggage.
  • Alcohol? Up to 5 liters under 70% ABV in checked bags.
  • Snow globes? Nope (unless they’re tiny and meet the liquid rule).

Surprising Items You Can Bring

Some of these feel like they should be banned, but TSA says they’re good to go:

  • Ice skates
  • Fishing poles
  • Live fish in a clear water-filled container
  • Corkscrews (without blades)
  • Wrenches or pliers under 7 inches

What to Expect at EWR Security

Newark is one of the more advanced TSA hubs. You’ll see CT scanners at most checkpoints, which means laptops and liquids can often stay in your bag—unless flagged for further screening.

If you’re enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you’ll skip the shoes-off, laptop-out shuffle. Even better: CLEAR lanes are available at Terminals A and C, letting you bypass ID checks entirely with a fingerprint or retina scan.

Want to check the line before you go? Download the MyTSA App for real-time security wait times at EWR.

Final Tip: When In Doubt, Look It Up

Save yourself the hassle and check TSA’s What Can I Bring? tool before packing. It’s fast, mobile-friendly, and updated regularly with oddball items you wouldn’t expect to be flagged.

Leave the Driving to Us

EWR security is one thing. Parking and traffic? That’s another. With Central Jersey Transportation, you can skip the stress of drop-offs, garages, and shuttle buses. We’ll pick you up on time, help with your luggage, and get you to your terminal with time to spare.

Book your EWR airport ride today and travel with confidence.