489 Items You Can and Cannot Bring Through TSA Security [2024]

Updated: May 9, 2024, 2:18pm CDT

Edited by:

489 Items You Can and Cannot Bring Through TSA Security [2024]

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Airport security can be one of the more confusing and stressful parts of air travel.

Whether you’re unsure about what’s allowed in your carry-on or checked bag, whether you have to take your shoes off, or if you have to pull your laptop out of your bag, passing through the checkpoint can be confusing and frustrating. The rules seem to vary for everyone.

Simple things like having the coveted TSA PreCheck logo on your boarding pass mean that you can breeze through without kicking off your shoes or removing liquids from your bag, but if you aren’t so lucky, you can still expedite the security process by knowing the rules.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive list of what is and isn’t allowed according to the TSA. By planning ahead and packing accordingly, you can save yourself trouble at the airport and start your vacation off with ease.

TSA Basics

The Transportation Security Administration is the government agency responsible for the traveling public in the U.S. This part of the Department of Homeland Security was created in response to the September 11 attacks, with a primary focus on preventing dangerous items from being carried onto airplanes.

All air travelers must undergo a thorough airport screening before entering airside terminals. The process includes an identity check, a luggage scan, and a full-body scan or a pass through a metal detector. If any part of the process gets flagged, agents may asked you to step aside for further inspection.

In general, the process moves quickly, assuming security is properly staffed and travelers have an idea of how the process works. If you haven’t flown lately, we recommend reading our guide on how to easily get through TSA airport security.

Hot Tip:

Traveling with kids? Don’t miss our guide that helps families speed through TSA airport security like a pro.

TSA PreCheck

Most frequent travelers are familiar with, or even have, TSA PreCheck.

The TSA PreCheck program allows low-risk travelers in the U.S. to bypass certain steps during the security check to expedite the process. To qualify for TSA PreCheck, you must apply and complete an in-person interview at one of the over 500 enrollment centers across the country.

While the process of getting TSA PreCheck may not be worth it for the occasional traveler, anyone who travels more than a few times per year will certainly see the value. TSA PreCheck travelers don’t need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets.

Hot Tip:

See everything you need to know about TSA PreCheck so that you can weigh the options yourself.

The Ultimate TSA Prohibited and Allowed Items List

TSA agent looking at screen — Image Credit: TSA

Here’s the ultimate list of what you can and cannot bring in your luggage through TSA security in the U.S.

This list is focused on carry-on bags, but we’ve noted if an item isn’t allowed in a checked bag either.

We’ve listed everything from maximum amounts of liquids in checked baggage to electronics in your carry-on. If it’s a TSA-banned item, it’s on the chart below.

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Carry-On Item	Allowed?	Notes
Aerosol insecticide	No	Only in checked bags as long as they are not labeled as a hazardous material
Air mattress with built-in pump	Yes	Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Airbrush makeup machine	Yes	–
Alcoholic beverages	Yes	Must be in 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) or smaller bottles and fit in a single 1-quart-sized bag
Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Ammunition	No	Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.
Antlers	Yes	Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Arc lighters, plasma lighters, electronic lighters, e-lighters	Yes	See special instructions. Not allowed in checked bags.
Artificial skeleton bones	Yes	–
Axes and hatchets	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Baby carrier	Yes	–
Baby food	Yes	–
Baby formula	Yes	Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately
Baby powder	Yes	–
Baby wipes	Yes	–
Balloons (not inflated)	Yes	–
Bang snaps	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Baseball bats	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Basketballs, baseballs, footballs, soccer balls	Yes	–
Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility devices	No	Spillable batteries are allowed in wheelchairs. More guidelines are available.
BB guns	No	Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.
Bear bangers	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Bear spray	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Belts, clothes, and shoes	Yes	–
Bicycle chains	Yes	–
Bicycle pumps	Yes	–
Bicycles	Yes	Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Billy clubs	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Binoculars	Yes	–
Biological specimens, noninfectious, in preservative solutions	Yes	No more than 30 milliliters of free liquid solution in each inner packaging and no more than 1 liter in the entire outer package
Blackjacks (self-defense weapons)	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Blankets	Yes	–
Blasting caps	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Blender	Yes	Blenders are only allowed in carry-on bags if the blade has been removed.
Blood sugar test kit	Yes	–
Bobby pins	Yes	–
Bocce balls	Yes	–
Body armor	Yes	–
Books	Yes	–
Bottle opener	Yes	–
Bottled water	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Bowling balls	Yes	–
Bowling pins	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Bows and arrows	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Box cutters	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Boxing gloves	Yes	–
Brass instruments	Yes	Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Brass knuckles	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Bread	Yes	–
Bread machine	Yes	–
Breast milk	Yes	Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately
Breast pump	Yes	–
Bug repellent	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Butane	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Butane curling irons (cordless)	Yes	Only allowed in carry-on bags (not checked) and must have a safety cover over the heating element. Refill cartridges are not allowed.
Camera monopod	Yes	–
Camp stoves	Yes	Must be empty of all fuel.
Candy	Yes	–
Canes	Yes	–
Canned foods	Yes	May require additional screening
Canoe/kayak paddles	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Cap guns	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Car parts	Yes	Must be in the original packaging, free of fuel, and not exceed airline size and weight limits
Cast iron cookware	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Casts	Yes	–
Cattle prods	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Cell phones	Yes	–
Cereal	Yes	–
Chapsticks	Yes	–
Cheese (creamy)	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Cheese (solid)	Yes	–
Child car seat	Yes	–
Chlorine for pools and spas	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Chocolate (liquid)	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Chocolate (solid)	Yes	–
Christmas lights	Yes	–
Cigar cutters	Yes	May require additional screening
Cigarettes	Yes	–
Cigars	Yes	–
Clock	Yes	–
CO₂ cartridge	No	Not allowed in checked bags either. Special exceptions for personal medical oxygen cylinders.
CO₂ cartridge for life vest	Yes	Life vests with up to 2 CO₂ cartridges are often allowed. Additional special lifejacket rules are available.
Coat hangers	Yes	–
Coffee (beans or ground)	Yes	–
Coffee (liquid)	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Coffee Thermos (empty)	Yes	–
Coffee/espresso maker	Yes	–
Cologne	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Comic books	Yes	–
Compressed air guns	No	Only allowed in checked bags without a compressed air cylinder attached.
Concealer	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Conditioner	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Contact lens solution	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), but exceptions allowed
Contact lenses	Yes	–
Cooked meat, seafood, and vegetables (no liquid)	Yes	–
Cookies	Yes	–
Cooking spray	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Cooler (empty)	Yes	–
Corkscrews (with blade)	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Corkscrews (with no blade)	Yes	–
Cowboy spurs	Yes	–
Crackers	Yes	–
Crampons	Yes	–
Cream	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Creamy dips and spreads	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Cremated remains	Yes	Subject to specific airline rules. Tips for traveling with remains.
Cricket bats	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Crochet hooks	Yes	–
Crowbars	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Crutches	Yes	–
Curling iron (cordless)	Yes	Cordless curling irons containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries or those that are gas- or butane-fueled are only allowed in carry-on bags.
Curling iron (with cord)	Yes	–
Cutting boards	Yes	Generally, plastic and small wood cutting boards are allowed in checked and carry-on bags. However, checkpoint officers make the final decision.
Cymbals	Yes	Must not exceed airline size and weight limits.
Darts	No	Only allowed in checked bags.
Deodorant (aerosol)	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) for carry-ons, 18 ounces for checked bags; max combined 70 ounces
Deodorant (liquid)	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Deodorant (solid)	Yes	–
Desktop computers	Yes	–
Detergent (liquid)	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Detergent (powder or pellet)	Yes	–
Digital cameras	Yes	–
Disassembled computer, computer parts, external hard drives	Yes	–
Disinfecting wipes	Yes	–
Disposable and Zippo lighters	Yes	Only lighters without fuel are allowed in checked bags.
Disposable razor	Yes	–
Divot tools	Yes	–
Dried fruits	Yes	–
Drills and drill bits	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)	Yes	Subject to specific airline rules
Drum sticks (instrument drum set)	Yes	–
Drumsticks	Yes	–
Dry batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D)	Yes	–
Dry ice	Yes	Subject to specific approval. The FAA has a limit of 5.5 pounds of properly packed dry ice.
Dry shampoo	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
Duct tape	Yes	–
DVD players	Yes	–
Dynamite	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
E-liquids	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml)
E-Z Pass transponders	Yes	–
Electric blankets	Yes	–
Electric fans	Yes	–
Electric razors	Yes	–
Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices	Yes	The FAA prohibits vaping devices in checked bags; only allowed in carry-ons.
Electronic toothbrush	Yes	–
Emergency position-indicating radiobeacons (EPIRB)	Yes	Subject to specific airline rules
Empty beverage container	Yes	–
Empty water bottle	Yes	–
Engine-powered equipment completely purged of fuel	No	Subject to specific airline rules for checked bags
Engine-powered equipment with residual fuel	No	Not allowed in checked bags either.
Engines and engine-powered equipment completely purged of fuel	No	Subject to specific airline rules for checked bags
Engines and engine-powered equipment with residual fuel	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
English Christmas crackers	No	No
EpiPens	Yes	–
Extension cord	Yes	–
External medical devices	Yes	See special security instructions
Eye drops	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Eyeliners (liquid)	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Fertilizer	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Fidget spinners	Yes	–
Film	Yes	–
Fire extinguishers and other compressed gas cylinders	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Firearms	No	Read the special instructions for firearms in checked bags.
Firecracker	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Fireworks	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Fishing pole	Yes	–
Flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Flammable paints	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Flare guns	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Flares	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Flashlights	Yes	–
Flowers	Yes	Must be without water
Foam toy sword	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Foam yoga blocks	Yes	–
Football helmets	Yes	–
Fork	Yes	–
Formaldehyde solution, less than 10%	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Foundation	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Freezer packs	Yes	Must be frozen during screening or less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) to be allowed in a carry-on bag
Fresh eggs	Yes	–
Fresh fruits and vegetables	Yes	Most fruits and vegetables are not allowed on flights to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Fresh meat and seafood	Yes	See special instructions for traveling with meat, seafood, and other non-liquid foods.
Frozen food	Yes	See special instructions for traveling with frozen foods.
Fuel cells used to power portable electronic devices and spare fuel cell cartridges (flammable gases or water-reactive material)	Yes	Up to 2 spare fuel cell cartridges may be carried in carry-on baggage only. Each fuel cell must be marked by the manufacturer as “approved for carriage in aircraft cabin only.”
Fuel cells used to power portable electronic devices and spare fuel cell cartridges (flammable liquid/corrosive material)	Yes	Up to 2 spare fuel cell cartridges may be carried in carry-on and checked bags.
Fuels	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Full-sized video game consoles	Yes	–
Gas torches	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Gasoline	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Geiger counters	Yes	–
Gel ice packs	Yes	Must be frozen during screening or less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) to be allowed in a carry-on bag. There are special exceptions for medical uses.
Gel-type candles	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Glass	Yes	–
Glass picture frame	Yes	–
Glass vase (empty)	Yes	–
Glow sticks	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Golf balls	Yes	–
Golf clubs	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Golf tees	Yes	–
Grater	Yes
Gravy	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Guitar	Yes	Subject to specific airline rules
Gum	Yes	–
Gun lighters	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Gun powder	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Hair clippers	Yes	–
Hairdryers	Yes	–
Hair gel	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Hair straightener (flat iron), cordless	Yes	Cordless hair straighteners that contain lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries or are gas or butane-fueled are only allowed in carry-on bags.
Hair straightener (flat iron)	Yes	–
Hair texturizer (aerosol)	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Hairspray	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) for carry-ons, 18 ounces for checked bags; max combined 70 ounces.
Hammers	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Hand grenades	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Hand sanitizers	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Hand warmers	Yes	–
Handcuffs	Yes	–
Harry Potter wand	Yes	–
Headphones	Yes	–
Heated jackets, sweaters	Yes	There are special FAA regulations for batteries.
Heating pad (gel)	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Heating pads (electric)	Yes	–
Helmets	Yes	–
Hiking poles	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Hockey sticks	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Holiday lights	Yes	–
Holsters	Yes	–
Honey	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Hookahs	Yes	–
Hot plate	Yes	–
Hoverboards	Yes	Subject to specific airline rules
Hummus	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Ice	Yes	Must be frozen during screening or less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) to be allowed in a carry-on bag.
Ice axes, ice picks	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Ice cream	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Inhalers	Yes	–
Instant hot or cold packs	Yes	–
Insulin	Yes	–
Insulin pumps and glucose monitors	Yes	–
Insulin supplies	Yes	–
iPod	Yes	–
Jam and jelly	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Jewelry	Yes	–
Juice for babies	Yes	Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately
Juices	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Kirpans	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Knitting needles	Yes	–
Knives	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Kubatons	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Lacrosse sticks	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Laptops	Yes	–
Laser hair remover	Yes	–
Laser pointers	Yes	–
LED lights	Yes	–
License plate	Yes	–
Life vest	Yes	–
Light bulbs	Yes	–
Light saber	Yes	–
Lighter fluid	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Lipsticks	Yes	–
Liquid bleach	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Liquid medications	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), but medical exceptions apply.
Liquid nitrogen in a dry shipper	Yes	The FAA requires that liquid nitrogen be packaged in a dry shipper when transported in checked baggage.
Liquid vitamins	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Lithium batteries with 100-watt hours or less in a device	Yes	Not allowed in checked bags
Lithium batteries with more than 100 watt-hours	Yes	Subject to specific airline rules, but not allowed in checked bags
Lithium battery-powered lighters	Yes	Not allowed in checked bags
Live coral	Yes	Not allowed in checked bags
Live fish	Yes	Not allowed in checked bags
Live lobster	Yes	Subject to specific airline rules
Lock picks	Yes	Must be less than 7 inches or be in a checked bag
Longboards	Yes	Yes
Lotion	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Luggage protection covers	Yes	Yes
Magic 8 Ball	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Magnets	Yes	–
Makeup remover	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Makeup wipes	Yes	–
Mallets	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Maple syrup	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Martial arts weapons	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Mascara	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Massagers	Yes	–
Meat cleavers	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Medical devices	Yes	Not allowed in checked bags
Medical marijuana	Yes	Must contain less than 0.3% THC. See specific cannabis rules.
Medical masks	Yes	–
Medical-clinical thermometer (mercury)	No	The FAA allows 1 small medical-clinical thermometer (mercury) per passenger for personal use in checked bags only.
Medically necessary personal oxygen	Yes	Subject to specific airline rules, but not allowed in checked bags.
Medications (liquid)	Yes	Large amounts must be declared.
Medications (pills)	Yes	–
Metal detector	Yes	Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Microwave	Yes	Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Mirrors	Yes	–
Mixer	Yes	Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
MREs (meal, ready-to-eat)	Yes	–
Multitool without blades	Yes	–
Multitools	Yes	Knives are prohibited on carry-on bags; scissor blades must be less than 4 inches.
Nail clippers	Yes	–
Nail file (metal)	Yes	–
Nail guns	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Nail polish	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Nail polish remover	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Navigation GPS	Yes	–
Nebulizers, CPAPs, BiPAPs, and APAPs	Yes	See special instructions.
Night sticks	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Nightvision goggles	Yes	–
Nitroglycerine pills	Yes	–
Unspillable wet batteries	Yes	Maximum of 2 spare batteries that don’t exceed 12 volts and 100 watt-hours
Nunchucks	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Nuts	Yes	–
Oils and vinegars	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Paintings	Yes	–
Parachutes	Yes	See special instructions
Parts of guns and firearms	No	Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.
Party poppers	No	–
Peanut butter	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Pellet guns	No	Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.
Pen	Yes	–
Pencil sharpeners	Yes	–
Pepper spray	No	Only 1 4-fluid-ounce container of mace or pepper spray is allowed in checked luggage.
Perfume	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Permeation devices for calibrating air quality	No	The FAA limits the total quantity of hazardous materials in the device to 2 milliliters (0.07 ounces). The device and its packaging cannot weigh more than 30 kilograms (66 pounds) and must be in a checked bag.
Pet food (solid)	Yes	–
Pet food (wet)	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Phone chargers	Yes	–
Pies and cakes	Yes	–
Pill cutter	Yes	–
Pillows	Yes	–
Pizza	Yes	–
Planting seeds	Yes	–
Plants	Yes	–
Play-Doh	Yes	–
Pocket knife	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Pool cues	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Portable oxygen concentrators	Yes	See the list of approved portable oxygen concentrators.
Pots and pans	Yes	Cast iron skillets must go in a checked bag.
Powder makeup	Yes	–
Power banks	Yes	Not allowed in checked bags
Power charger	Yes	Not allowed in checked bags
Power inverters	Yes	–
Printer	Yes	–
Printer ink	Yes	–
Projectors	Yes	–
Propane	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Prosthetics	Yes	–
Protein or energy powders	Yes	–
Putty balls	Yes	–
Radio	Yes	–
Rainbow flame crystals	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Razor-type blades	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Realistic replicas of explosives	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Realistic replicas of firearms	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Realistic replicas of incendiaries	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Recreational oxygen	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Remote-controlled cars	Yes	–
Rifle scope (scope only)	Yes	–
Rifles	No	Read the special instructions for firearms in checked bags.
Rocket launcher	No	Not allowed in checked bags either.
Rocks	Yes	–
Rope	Yes	–
Sabers	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Safety matches	Yes	Not allowed in checked bags
Safety pin	Yes	–
Safety razor with blades (allowed without blade)	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Salad dressing	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Salsa and sauces	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Salt	Yes	–
Samsung Galaxy Note 7	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Sand	Yes	–
Sandwiches	Yes	–
Saws	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Scissors	Yes	Must be less than 4 inches from the pivot point
Screwdriver (longer than 7 inches)	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Screwdrivers (shorter than 7 inches)	Yes	–
Sea shells	Yes	–
Segways	Yes	Subject to specific airline rules
Self-defense sprays	No	Only 1 4-fluid-ounce container of mace or pepper spray is allowed in checked luggage.
Selfie stick	Yes	–
Sewing machine	Yes	–
Sewing needles	Yes	–
Shampoo	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Shaving cream (aerosol)	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Shell casings	Yes	Empty shell casings are allowed in specific circumstances.
Shock collars	Yes	–
Shoe horn	Yes	–
Shoe inserts	Yes	–
Shoe tree	Yes	–
Shoe/snow spikes	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Skateboards	Yes	Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Skates	Yes	–
Ski poles	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Sleeping bag	Yes	–
Slingshots	No	Only allowed in checked bags.
Small compressed gas cartridges	No	Not allowed in checked bags either. Special exceptions for personal medical oxygen cylinders.
Small fishing lures	Yes	–
Small pets	Yes	Subject to specific airline rules
Small toy cars	Yes	–
Smart luggage	Yes	Subject to specific airline rules
Snack bar	Yes	–
Snacks	Yes	–
Snow cleats	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Snow globes	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Snowboards	Yes	Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Snowshoes	Yes	–
Soap (bar)	Yes	–
Soap (liquid)	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Soda	Yes	–
Solar panels	Yes	Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Solid candles	Yes	–
Solid foods	Yes	–
Solid makeup	Yes	–
Soups	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Sparklers	Yes	–
Speakers	Yes	–
Spearguns	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Spices (dry)	Yes	–
Spillable batteries	No	Not allowed in checked bags either, except those in wheelchairs
Sports cleats	Yes	–
Spray paint	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Spray starch	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Staplers	Yes	–
Starter pistols	No	Read special instructions for firearms in checked bags.
Steel toe boots	Yes	–
Stick pins	Yes	–
Strike-anywhere matches	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Stuffed animals	Yes	–
Stun guns/shocking devices	No	Only allowed in checked bags.
Sunscreen	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Supplements	Yes	–
Support braces (knee, ankle, wrist, back)	Yes	–
Surge protector	Yes	–
Swiss Army knife	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Swords	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Tablets	Yes	–
Tactical pen	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Tampons	Yes	–
Tape measures	Yes	–
Tattoo guns	Yes	–
Tattoo inks	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Tea (dry teabags or loose tea leaves)	Yes	–
Tea kettle	Yes	–
Tear gas	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Television	Yes	–
Tennis rackets	Yes	–
TENS unit	Yes	–
Tent	Yes	Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Tent poles	Yes	Even if an item is generally allowed, officers make the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
Tent spikes	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Throwing stars	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Tobacco	Yes	–
Tobacco pipes	Yes	–
Tools	Yes	Must be less than 7 inches or be in a checked bag
Toothbrush	Yes	–
Toothpaste	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Torch lighters	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Tortilla press	Yes	–
Toy guns and weapons	Yes	Technically, some are allowed, but it’s recommended that you place them in a checked bag.
Toy robots	Yes	–
Toys (adult)	Yes	–
Tripods	Yes	–
Trophy	Yes	–
Turpentine and paint thinner	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Tweezers	Yes	–
Umbrellas	Yes	Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Unused syringes	Yes	Must be declared to a security officer
Used syringes	Yes	See special instructions.
Utensils	Yes	Plastic or round-bladed butter knives are allowed, other knives must be placed in a checked bag.
Utility knives	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Vacuum robots	Yes	–
Vacuum-sealed bags	Yes	Allowed but not encouraged. If they set off the alarm, the TSA officer may need to open them for inspection.
Vehicle airbags	No	Not allowed in checked bags either
Violins	Yes	Subject to specific airline rules
Virtual reality unit	Yes	–
Vitamins	Yes	–
Waffle iron	Yes	–
Walkers	Yes	–
Walking sticks	No	Only allowed in checked bags
Wallet chains	Yes	–
Water for babies	Yes	Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately
Weather barometer or thermometer (mercury)	Yes	These devices contain more mercury than consumer devices and may only be carried by a representative of a government weather bureau or similar agency in carry-on baggage.
Wedding dress	Yes	Subject to specific airline rules
Wet wipes	Yes	–
Wheelchairs	Yes	–
Wine bottle	Yes	Must be in 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller bottles and fit in a single 1-quart-sized bag to carry on. Checked bags may not have more than 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger in unopened original packaging.
Wrenches/pliers	Yes	Must be less than 7 inches or be in a checked bag
Xbox	Yes	–
Yoga mat	Yes	–
Yogurt	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

As you can see, there are a lot of things that are not allowed in your carry-on bag, according to the TSA. A lot of it is pretty understandable, though: safety first!

TSA Bonus Tips

TSA Bag Search, Security — This scene doesn’t need to give you anxiety. Image Credit: Carolina K. Smith MD via Shutterstock

Simple things like wearing easy-to-remove shoes, packing your laptop on top so you can scan it separately, and having your boarding pass and ID ready can save you valuable time when going through security.

But one of the best tips we can give to travelers is to sign up for TSA PreCheck. The benefits can save you valuable time at the airport, which means more time in the lounges! To top it off, you may already have a card that will reimburse you for the cost of applying for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

And, as always, regardless of whether you have TSA PreCheck or not, having a TSA-approved luggage lock can save you time and hassle during the security process.

Hot Tip:

If you still have questions about TSA, see our 80 TSA FAQs!

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the TSA rules above were made to make flying safer for everyone. It may seem extreme to some, but the security process can be quick and easy with planning,

As long as you don’t have a TSA-banned item in your carry-on and listen to the officers’ instructions, you should breeze through security on your next trip. For those who have taken advantage of TSA PreCheck, the process will be even easier.

As always, if you have any questions, leave them in the comments or join our official Facebook Group to chat with fellow travelers!

Featured Image Credit: Monkey Business Images via Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bring multiple 3 oz bottles on a plane?

Yes, each passenger can bring as many 3-ounce bottles as they can fit in a 1-quart-sized bag.

Does toothpaste count as a liquid for TSA security?

No, toothpaste is not considered a liquid, so it is not subject to the 3-1-1 rule.

Is mascara considered a liquid by TSA?

Yes, mascara is considered a liquid, therefore containers must be smaller than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What items are allowed and not allowed on airplanes?

There are hundreds of items that the TSA specifically lists that are either allowed or prohibited from flying. We have compiled a complete list of exactly what you can or can’t bring on your next flight.

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About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

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