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

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Chris Hassan
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Chris Hassan

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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 ...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
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Keri Stooksbury

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Key Takeaways

  • TSA allows solid food items, small tools under 7 inches, and liquids under 3.4 ounces in a quart-sized bag in carry-ons but restricts items like large liquid containers, firearms, and sharp objects.
  • Medications, baby formula, and breast milk are exceptions to the liquid rule but must be declared at security.
  • Certain items like flammable substances and bear spray are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage.

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.

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

TSA-PreCheck-Enrollment
Image Credit: TSA

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.

SCROLL FOR MORE

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!

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?

Yes, toothpaste is 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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