486 Items You Can & Cannot Bring Through TSA Security [2024]

Updated: April 3, 2024, 11:14am CDT

Edited by:

486 Items You Can & Cannot Bring Through TSA Security [2024]

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Airport security can be one of the more confusing and stressful parts of getting on a plane for many travelers.

Whether you are unsure what is allowed in your carry-on (or even checked bag), if you have to take your shoes off, or pull your laptop out of your bag, the rules feel like they are different for everyone — and they are … well, not everybody.

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

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

TSA Basics

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the government agency responsible for the traveling public in the U.S. This part of Homeland Security was created in response to the September 11 attacks with a focus on ensuring that nothing dangerous is brought onto an airplane.

As part of this, all travelers must go through a thorough screening at the airport before entering the airside terminals. The process includes an identity check, a scan of luggage, and a full-body scan or a pass through a metal detector. If any part of the process gets flagged, you can be asked 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: If you are 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.

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

While the process of getting TSA PreCheck may not be worth it for the occasional traveler, anyone that travels more than a few times per year will certainly see the value. We put together 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

Without further ado, here is 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 if something isn’t allowed in a checked bag either, it will be noted.

We have listed everything from maximum liquids in checked baggage to electronics in your carry-on. If it is a TSA-banned item, it is on the chart below.

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Item	Allowed	Notes
Aerosol insecticide	No	Only in checked bags long as they are not labeled as a hazardous material (HAZMAT).
Air mattress with built-in pump	Yes	Must not exceed airline size and weight limits.
Airbrush make-up machine	Yes	–
Alcoholic beverages	Yes	Must be in 3.4-ounce (100 ml) 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	No	Not allowed in checked bags either.
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, non-infectious, 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.
Black jacks (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 ml).
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 ml).
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 ml).
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 ml).
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 ml).
Coffee Thermos (empty)	Yes	–
Coffee/espresso maker	Yes	–
Cologne	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
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 ml).
Conditioner	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
Contact lens solution	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) but exceptions are allowed.
Contact lenses	Yes	–
Cooked meat, seafood, and vegetable (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 ml).
Creamy dips and spreads	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
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 that contain lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries or are gas or butane fueled are only allowed in carry-on bags.
Curling iron (with cord)	Yes	–
Cutting boards	No	Only allowed in checked bags.
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 ml) for carry-ons, 18 ounces for checked bags; max combined 70 ounces.
Deodorant (liquid)	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
Deodorant (solid)	Yes	–
Desktop computers	Yes	–
Detergent (liquid)	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
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.
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 ml).
Eye liners (liquid)	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
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 percent	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
Foundation	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
Freezer packs	Yes	Must be frozen during screening or be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) to be allowed in your 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	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	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 be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) to be allowed in your 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 ml).
Golf balls	Yes	–
Golf clubs	Yes	Only allowed in checked bags.
Golf tees	Yes	–
Grater	Yes
Gravy	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
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 ml).
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 ml).
Hairspray	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) 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	Containers up to 12 ounces are allowed due to COVID-19 precautions.
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 ml).
Hookahs	Yes	–
Hot plate	Yes	–
Hoverboards	Yes	Subject to specific airline rules.
Hummus	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
Ice	Yes	Must be frozen during screening or be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) to be allowed in your carry-on bag.
Ice axes/ice picks	No	Only allowed in checked bags.
Ice cream	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
Inhalers	Yes	–
Instant hot/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 ml).
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 ml).
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 ml) 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 ml).
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 ml).
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 ml).
Makeup wipes	Yes	–
Mallets	No	Only allowed in checked bags.
Maple syrup	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
Martial arts weapons	No	Only allowed in checked bags.
Mascara	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
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 one small Medical-Clinical Thermometer (Mercury) per passenger for personal use in checked bag 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	–
Multi-tool without blades	Yes	–
Multi-tools	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 ml).
Nail polish remover	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
Navigation GPS	Yes	–
Nebulizers, CPAPs, BiPAPs, and APAPs	Yes	–
Night sticks	No	Only allowed in checked bags.
Night vision goggles	Yes	–
Nitroglycerine pills	Yes	–
Non-spillable 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 ml).
Paintings	Yes	–
Parachutes	Yes	–
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 ml).
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 ml).
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 ml).
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 ml).
Salsa and sauces	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
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 ml).
Shaving cream (aerosol)	Yes	Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
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 ml).
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 ml).
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 ml).
Sparklers	Yes	–
Speakers	Yes	–
Spear guns	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 sprays	Yes	–
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 ml).
Tea (dry tea bags 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.
Thermometer	Yes	–
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	–
Torch lighters	No	Not allowed in checked bags either.
Tortilla press	Yes	–
Toy guns and weapons	Yes	Technically some are allowed, but it is recommended to 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	–
Utensils	Yes	Plastic or round-bladed butter knives are allowed, other knives must be placed in a checked bag.
Vacuum robots	Yes	–
Vacuum-sealed bags	Yes	–
Vehicle airbags	No	Not allowed in checked bags either.
Violins	Yes	Subject to specific airline rules.
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 ml) 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 ml).

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 — 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, most readers probably already have a card that will reimburse you for the cost of applying for Global Entry and 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, we put together 80 FAQs for you!

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 with some planning, the security process can be very quick and easy.

As long as you don’t have a TSA-banned item in your carry-on, and you listen to the instructions of the officers, you should breeze through security on your next trip. For those that 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 3oz bottles on a plane?

Yes, each passenger can bring as many 3-ounce bottles that 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 ml).

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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