The Department of Homeland Security has not declared a ban on carry-on items, but the idea is not off the table.

The possibility first arose in an NPR report, in which a British news source exposed a plot to smuggle bombs onto five planes, possibly a threat by al-Qaida that would affect all of Europe, RT.com and CNN reported.

U.S. officials confirmed to NPR that they had received intelligence that suggested al-Qaida would carry out attacks using carry-on luggage around the holidays, according to New York Magazine.

Another point of discussion, which stemmed from the idea of banning carry-ons, was to ban all electronic items in the airplane cabin.

Officials have discussed the idea of banning cell phones, tablets and computers, instead placing them in cargo with the checked baggage, in order to be able to detect a bomb if there is one.

But Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson told CNN that the public should not worry.

"I think people should continue to [travel] and have a happy and safe holiday but we continue to be vigilant and continue to evaluate whether more is necessary, based on the latest threat streams," Johnson said.

Other mainstream media outlets have not yet reported on the discussions, but localized news organizations have talked to passengers to see how this would affect them.

Some told RT.com that while they understand the need for added security under a perceived threat, using checked baggage for day-long trips would be a hassle.

Others said they don't care either way.

AZFamily.com reported Phoenix has a busy airport, which sees about 100,000 travelers each day.

The comments ranged from understanding the need to agreeing that it would keep the travelers safer.

One individual told AZFamily that it doesn't guarantee a safer travel experience, since there are already so many parameters in place to safeguard against a potential threat.