Weapons are a no, but TSA says you can bring lobsters, 8 more strange items on a plane

• TSA anticipates screening over 18.5 million passengers during the Fourth of July holiday week.
• Many unusual items are permitted through TSA security checkpoints, including live lobsters and waffle irons.
• TSA provides a comprehensive list of permitted and prohibited items on its website.

Weapons and four letters on your boarding pass could get you held up at TSA. As TSA expects to screen more than 18.5 million passengers next week for the Fourth of July holiday, it helps to know what you can and can't bring on a plane.

You can't present your Costco card in place of a REAL ID, and portable chargers are banned in checked luggage, but TSA will wave you through security even if you have several bizarre items in your bag. Here are a few unexpected and unusual items allowed in both your carry-on and checked baggage items that you can bring on your next flight.

9 bizarre items you can bring through TSA

These bizarre and unexpected items are TSA-approved:

1. Live lobsters: Live lobsters are allowed through security, but TSA says your lobster friend must be transported in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container. A TSA officer will visually inspect your lobster at the checkpoint. 
2. Christmas lights: If you're feeling a bit of holiday cheer, TSA allows Christmas lights in either carry-on or checked bags.
3. Cowboy spurs: Cowboy spurs are allowed, but they have to be off your boots and placed in carry-on and checked bags.
4. Antlers: Antlers are allowed on board as a carry-on or can go inside your checked bags, but there's a snag — you need to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane if you're bringing it as a carry-on.
5. Harry Potter wands, light sabers: Both your Harry Potter wands and Star Wars light sabers are safe to fly. "Sadly, the technology doesn't currently exist to create a real lightsaber. However, you can pack a toy lightsaber in your carry-on or checked bag. May the force be with you," TSA adds.
6. Coffee and espresso makers: Need an extra jolt of energy? TSA says that coffee and espresso makers are allowed, but you should carefully pack it and make sure all cords are wrapped. TSA recommends packing them in your carry-on.
7. Magic 8 ball: While your fortune-telling ball can't go in carry-on bags, it's good to fly in checked bags. According to TSA, "For carry-on bags: We asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us … Outlook not so good! For checked bags: We asked the Magic 8 Ball and it told us … It is certain!"
8. Sewing machines: Sewing machines are allowed to fly in your checked luggage or carry-on, but TSA says you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the plane's overhead bin or underneath the seat.
9. Waffle irons: Waffle irons will go through TSA checkpoints as a carry-on or in checked baggage, but make sure that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Other items like parachutes, adult toys, and fresh eggs are also allowed through TSA, though they may be subject to additional inspection.

Not sure what's allowed or prohibited to bring on board? See the complete list on TSA's website.