What Not To Pack in Your Carry-On Luggage per the TSA [Ultimate List]

Key Takeaways

• To comply with TSA regulations, liquids over 3.4 ounces, sharp objects, and flammable materials are prohibited in carry-on luggage.
• Certain items, such as medications and baby formula, are exempt from the liquid rule but must be declared at security checkpoints.
• Sporting equipment such as baseball bats and ski poles must be checked, while items like tents and skateboards often require special instructions.

For travelers, it can often be confusing which items to pack in your carry-on luggage. For example, are you allowed to bring that jar of jam you just purchased on your travels? Not likely. Unfortunately, unless that jam is less than 3.4 ounces, you’ll have to put it in your checked luggage. What about your sports equipment to stay active on your vacation? It depends.

Confused by the carry-on luggage rules and regulations? Well, you’re not alone. To make it easier, we’ve made sense of the TSA’s extensive list and compiled a list of all the items you shouldn’t be packing in your carry-on luggage.

Getting Through TSA Security Checkpoints

TSA has rules in place to make sure that your flight is safe and secure. For liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on luggage, you’ll need to adhere to the 3-1-1 rule. This means that each item must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and all items must fit in a 1-quart-sized bag. You are also not allowed to bring on items that are otherwise deemed hazardous.

Hot Tip: Want even more details? Check out how to easily get through TSA airport security for some other great tips. We also have tons of answers to your TSA airport security frequently asked questions.

What About Checked Luggage?

As we noted above, some items are allowed in your checked luggage, but not your carry-on, or not allowed in either your carry-on or checked luggage.

We’ll specifically call out those items in the list below, so you’ll know how to pack for your flight.

Carry-On Luggage Restrictions

Our list includes things that are strictly prohibited due to TSA rules and regulations, but keep in mind that there are other items that you’ll want to consider avoiding in order to be a good traveler. These include smellier items (think tuna fish sandwiches) and things that could cause an allergic reaction in other passengers, such as peanut butter or peanut-based products.

Also remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, creams, etc. — this means that many travel-sized versions of these items are perfectly acceptable to bring!

Lastly, if you are traveling with powders larger than 12 ounces (350 milliliters), the TSA encourages you to pack them in your checked luggage. This isn’t a requirement but could save you a bit of hassle going through security.

Hot Tip: Items purchased past security are not impacted by this list and can be brought on board in any quantity. However, if you have a layover and have to go through security again, you will be subjected to the list below.

All of the items below should not be included in your carry-on luggage, though additional clarifications as marked as follows:

*Less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) allowed 

 ⁺Not allowed in carry-on nor checked luggage

^Special instructions/Check with the airline

Food and Drink

You’ll notice that certain things don’t appear on this list. That is because they are allowed. For example, breast milk, formula, and baby food are permitted on board and do not need to comply with the 3-1-1 restrictions.

In addition, items like frozen meat, seafood, ice cream, and other food are allowed, however, if the food is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or another container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening.

All the remaining items should be placed in your checked luggage (unless you can comply with the 3-1-1 rules or the item is frozen solid).

*Less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) allowed  |  ⁺Not allowed in carry-on nor checked luggage 

Hot Tip: For more details check out our guide all about the TSA rules for traveling with food.

Toiletries

Most toiletries are liquid, gel, or cream and will therefore need to comply with the 3-1-1 requirements. Solid shampoo, perfumes, and soaps can be brought in any amount.

*Less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) allowed

Hot Tip: Hand sanitizer is allowed in greater quantities now — up to 12 ounces — due to COVID-19.

Sharp Objects

While this category seems self-explanatory, there are still a few common allowable exceptions. For example, tweezers, disposable razors, scissors (less than 4 inches from the pivot point), and knitting needles are allowed. Leave the rest of these items with your checked luggage (or at home).

^Special instructions (check with the airline)

Flammables

Under airline rules, passengers are allowed to take a lighter or a pack of safety matches with them onboard. Battery-powered e-cigarettes and vape pens are OK to bring on board.

Regarding batteries, they are actually only allowed in your carry-on luggage (not your checked luggage)! This includes the common dry-cell batteries (like AAA, AA, C, D, etc.) as well as lithium batteries. Power banks used to charge your electronic devices are also OK to bring in your carry-on luggage.

⁺Not allowed in carry-on nor checked luggage  |  ^Special instructions (check with the airline)

Household Items and Tools

Many household tools can also be used as weapons. Other items are considered flammable or hazardous. Many of these items will be allowed through only at the discretion of the TSA agent that you interact with. To be safe, include these items with your checked luggage.

*Less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) allowed  |  ⁺Not allowed in carry-on nor checked luggage  |  ^Special instructions (check with the airline)

Sporting and Camping

Not only is most sporting and camping equipment big and bulky (making it hard to carry on), some can also be used as a weapon. This means checking in these items is your only option.

⁺Not allowed in carry-on nor checked luggage  |  ^Special instructions (check with the airline)

Hot Tip: Check out the ski and snowboard airline luggage policies for 70+ airlines!

Firearms

Unloaded firearms can be transported in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Make sure that you declare any firearms and/or ammunition to your airline when checking in your luggage. The only part of a firearm that is allowed to be brought on with your carry-on luggage is a rifle scope.

⁺Not allowed in carry-on nor checked luggage  |  ^Special instructions (check with the airline)

Medical

“Reasonable” amounts of medically-necessary items are allowed through TSA security. In all instances, we recommend presenting items to the security officer when you reach the checkpoint so that they can be screened separately. Keeping items in their original containers isn’t necessary, but may help speed up the screening process.

*Less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) allowed  |  ⁺Not allowed in carry-on nor checked luggage  

Miscellaneous

Here are a few other items you might consider placing in your carry-on luggage. If you are checking a bag, include these items there versus keeping them with you in your carry-on luggage.

*Less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) allowed  |  ⁺Not allowed in carry-on nor checked luggage  |  ^Special instructions (check with the airline)

Bottom Line: If you’re considering packing something and it’s not on this list, check out the TSA’s website to check if it’s allowed or you can even tweet the TSA @AskTSA.

What About International Travel Rules and Regulations?

When traveling internationally, most countries (and even a few domestic destinations such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) prohibit you from bringing in meats, fruit, vegetables, plants, and other agricultural products. While the TSA will allow you to bring a fresh snack, such as an apple or carrot sticks, through security and onto your flight, make sure you eat it on the plane. Otherwise, you could run into issues upon arrival.

Duty-free alcohol, perfume, and other liquids that you buy from the airport are allowed on your airplane in your carry-on luggage. However, remember to leave the receipt inside the security bag. In addition, if you have a connecting flight at another airport, you may have to end up putting it in your checked luggage for the next leg of your journey.

Other destinations may have rules regarding the types of items that you are allowed to bring into the country as well, including currency, medication, weapons, etc. This is always good to research before leaving for your trip.

Final Thoughts

Using this list can help you be realistic about what you need to take on your vacation and also let you know which items you might need to purchase once you arrive.

Knowing what items to pack and what items to avoid packing in your carry-on luggage can help make your trip through TSA security quick and painless. Following this list is especially important if you’re only traveling with your carry-on luggage!