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Airport security can be one of the more confusing and stressful parts of air travel.
Whether you’re unsure about what’s allowed in your carry-on or checked bag, whether you have to take your shoes off, or if you have to pull your laptop out of your bag, passing through the checkpoint can be confusing and frustrating. The rules seem to vary for everyone.
Simple things like having the coveted TSA PreCheck logo on your boarding pass mean that you can breeze through without kicking off your shoes or removing liquids from your bag, but if you aren’t so lucky, you can still expedite the security process by knowing the rules.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive list of what is and isn’t allowed according to the TSA. By planning ahead and packing accordingly, you can save yourself trouble at the airport and start your vacation off with ease.
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.
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.
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.
See everything you need to know about TSA PreCheck so that you can weigh the options yourself.
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.
Only in checked bags as long as they are not labeled as a hazardous material
Air mattress with built-in pump
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Must be in 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) or smaller bottles and fit in a single 1-quart-sized bag
Not allowed in checked bags either
Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Arc lighters, plasma lighters, electronic lighters, e-lighters
See special instructions. Not allowed in checked bags.
Only allowed in checked bags
Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately
Not allowed in checked bags either
Only allowed in checked bags
Basketballs, baseballs, footballs, soccer balls
Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility devices
Spillable batteries are allowed in wheelchairs. More guidelines are available.
Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Only allowed in checked bags
Biological specimens, noninfectious, in preservative solutions
No more than 30 milliliters of free liquid solution in each inner packaging and no more than 1 liter in the entire outer package
Only allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags either
Blenders are only allowed in carry-on bags if the blade has been removed.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Only allowed in checked bags
Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Not allowed in checked bags either
Only allowed in carry-on bags (not checked) and must have a safety cover over the heating element. Refill cartridges are not allowed.
Must be empty of all fuel.
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be in the original packaging, free of fuel, and not exceed airline size and weight limits
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Chlorine for pools and spas
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Not allowed in checked bags either. Special exceptions for personal medical oxygen cylinders.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags without a compressed air cylinder attached.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), but exceptions allowed
Cooked meat, seafood, and vegetables (no liquid)
Not allowed in checked bags either
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Subject to specific airline rules. Tips for traveling with remains.
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
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.
Generally, plastic and small wood cutting boards are allowed in checked and carry-on bags. However, checkpoint officers make the final decision.
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits.
Only allowed in checked bags.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) for carry-ons, 18 ounces for checked bags; max combined 70 ounces
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Disassembled computer, computer parts, external hard drives
Only lighters without fuel are allowed in checked bags.
Only allowed in checked bags
Drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)
Subject to specific airline rules
Drum sticks (instrument drum set)
Dry batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D)
Subject to specific approval. The FAA has a limit of 5.5 pounds of properly packed dry ice.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml)
Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices
The FAA prohibits vaping devices in checked bags; only allowed in carry-ons.
Subject to specific airline rules
Engine-powered equipment completely purged of fuel
Subject to specific airline rules for checked bags
Engine-powered equipment with residual fuel
Not allowed in checked bags either.
Engines and engine-powered equipment completely purged of fuel
Subject to specific airline rules for checked bags
Engines and engine-powered equipment with residual fuel
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Not allowed in checked bags either
Fire extinguishers and other compressed gas cylinders
Not allowed in checked bags either
Read the special instructions for firearms in checked bags.
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be frozen during screening or less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) to be allowed in a carry-on bag
Most fruits and vegetables are not allowed on flights to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
See special instructions for traveling with meat, seafood, and other non-liquid foods.
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)
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)
Up to 2 spare fuel cell cartridges may be carried in carry-on and checked bags.
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
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.
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Subject to specific airline rules
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Hair straightener (flat iron), cordless
Cordless hair straighteners that contain lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries or are gas or butane-fueled are only allowed in carry-on bags.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) for carry-ons, 18 ounces for checked bags; max combined 70 ounces.
Only allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
There are special FAA regulations for batteries.
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Subject to specific airline rules
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be frozen during screening or less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) to be allowed in a carry-on bag.
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Instant hot or cold packs
Insulin pumps and glucose monitors
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), but medical exceptions apply.
Liquid nitrogen in a dry shipper
The FAA requires that liquid nitrogen be packaged in a dry shipper when transported in checked baggage.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Lithium batteries with 100-watt hours or less in a device
Not allowed in checked bags
Lithium batteries with more than 100 watt-hours
Subject to specific airline rules, but not allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags
Subject to specific airline rules
Must be less than 7 inches or be in a checked bag
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags
Must contain less than 0.3% THC. See specific cannabis rules.
The FAA allows 1 small medical-clinical thermometer (mercury) per passenger for personal use in checked bags only.
Subject to specific airline rules, but not allowed in checked bags.
Large amounts must be declared.
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Knives are prohibited on carry-on bags; scissor blades must be less than 4 inches.
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Nebulizers, CPAPs, BiPAPs, and APAPs
Only allowed in checked bags
Maximum of 2 spare batteries that don’t exceed 12 volts and 100 watt-hours
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Parts of guns and firearms
Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.
Only 1 4-fluid-ounce container of mace or pepper spray is allowed in checked luggage.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Permeation devices for calibrating air quality
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.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
See the list of approved portable oxygen concentrators.
Cast iron skillets must go in a checked bag.
Not allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags either
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags either
Only allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Read the special instructions for firearms in checked bags.
Not allowed in checked bags either.
Only allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags
Safety razor with blades (allowed without blade)
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Not allowed in checked bags either
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 4 inches from the pivot point
Only allowed in checked bags
Subject to specific airline rules
Only 1 4-fluid-ounce container of mace or pepper spray is allowed in checked luggage.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Empty shell casings are allowed in specific circumstances.
Only allowed in checked bags
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags.
Not allowed in checked bags either. Special exceptions for personal medical oxygen cylinders.
Subject to specific airline rules
Subject to specific airline rules
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags either, except those in wheelchairs
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Read special instructions for firearms in checked bags.
Not allowed in checked bags either
Only allowed in checked bags.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Support braces (knee, ankle, wrist, back)
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Tea (dry teabags or loose tea leaves)
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Even if an item is generally allowed, officers make the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 7 inches or be in a checked bag
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Not allowed in checked bags either
Technically, some are allowed, but it’s recommended that you place them in a checked bag.
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Must be declared to a security officer
Plastic or round-bladed butter knives are allowed, other knives must be placed in a checked bag.
Not allowed in checked bags either
Allowed but not encouraged. If they set off the alarm, the TSA officer may need to open them for inspection.
Not allowed in checked bags either
Subject to specific airline rules
Only allowed in checked bags
Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately
Weather barometer or thermometer (mercury)
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.
Subject to specific airline rules
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.
Must be less than 7 inches or be in a checked bag
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!
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.
If you still have questions about TSA, see our 80 TSA FAQs!
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!
Yes, each passenger can bring as many 3-ounce bottles as they can 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 milliliters).
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.
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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