New TSA Restrictions: Don’t Travel With These Banned Items

BUTTE, MT - If you're flying out of Montana soon, don't pack this in your checked luggage.

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Whether you're heading our of the country, the Pacific coast, or just hopping a quick flight out of Bozeman, you’ll want to double-check what’s in your suitcase, because TSA just reminded us of a big no-no that could get your bag flagged or even confiscated.

Montana's Airports: A Breeze Compared to the Rest

Let’s count our blessings: here in Montana, especially if you’re flying out of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) or Bert Mooney Airport (BTM), you're treated to one of the most beloved airports in the region.

Locals and tourists alike often praise it for its cozy lodge-style atmosphere, friendly staff, stunning views, and surprisingly short TSA lines—even during peak travel seasons.

Unlike the chaos at other popular airports in the U.S., Bozeman’s airport feels more like a warm welcome home than a cattle herd checkpoint.

Still, no matter how comfortable your terminal is, there are certain rules that apply nationwide, and one of them just might ruin your trip if you’re not careful.

TSA’s Strict Warning: Don’t Check This Item

Lithium-ion rechargeable power banks—the kind you use to charge your phone on the go—are strictly prohibited from checked luggage.

The TSA is not playing around with this one.

According to the TSA's website, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, or even explode when improperly stored, especially in the pressurized cargo holds of airplanes.

This process is known as “thermal runaway,” and it can happen if the battery is:

• Damaged

• Overcharged

• Exposed to water or extreme heat

• Packed incorrectly

If you leave a power bank in your checked bag, airport security will flag and remove your bag from screening, which could lead to delays—or worse, missed flights.

What You Can Do

Carry your power banks in your carry-on bag. Flight crews are trained to handle battery-related emergencies in the cabin.

Do NOT check them. Even if it seems like a small risk, TSA won’t take chances.

Check out these other popular banned items from TSA:

Final Boarding Call: Double-Check Your Bags

Whether you’re flying out of Missoula, Billings, Great Falls, or our gem at Bozeman Yellowstone, keep your power bank—and other lithium devices—in your carry-on. Montana may offer a smoother travel experience than most states, but federal rules are still in full force.

So pack smart, breeze through security, and enjoy your flight. Just maybe don’t use that extra battery power to stream videos too loudly in the gate area—we’re still Montanans, after all.