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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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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!
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!
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!
Yes, each passenger can bring as many 3-ounce bottles that fit in a 1-quart-sized bag.
No, toothpaste is not considered a liquid so it is not subject to the 3-1-1 rule.
Yes, mascara is considered a liquid, therefore containers must be smaller than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
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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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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