The TSA rules for carry-on bags are stricter than checked luggage, but most everyday items are allowed

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows you to bring most personal items, electronics, and clothing in your carry-on bag. The main restrictions focus on liquids, gels, sharp objects, and anything that could be used as a weapon. You can bring a full suitcase, backpack, or personal item (like a purse or laptop bag) as long as it fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

The rules are the same whether you fly domestic or international from a U.S. airport. However, some airlines have their own size limits for carry-on bags, so check your airline's website before you pack. If your bag is too large, you will be asked to check it at the gate, which means you lose access to it during the flight.

Key Takeaways

  • Liquids, gels, and creams must follow the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container, all in one quart-sized clear bag, one bag per person.
  • Electronics like laptops, phones, tablets, and cameras are allowed, but you will remove larger electronics from your bag during security screening.
  • Sharp objects including knives, razors, and scissors are prohibited in carry-on bags but allowed in checked luggage.
  • Solid food items like fruit, sandwiches, and snacks are allowed, but liquids and gels (peanut butter, yogurt, honey) must follow the 3-1-1 rule.
  • Your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat; if it does not, the airline will check it at the gate.

The 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels, and creams

Any liquid, gel, cream, or paste thicker than peanut butter must follow the 3-1-1 rule. This means each container holds 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, all containers fit inside one clear quart-sized plastic bag, and you bring only one bag per person. Common items that count as liquids include shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, mascara, lip gloss, sunscreen, and peanut butter.

Pack your liquids bag where you can reach it easily during security screening—you will remove it from your carry-on and place it in a bin on the conveyor belt. If a container is larger than 3.4 ounces, you cannot bring it in your carry-on, even if it is half empty. If you need more than 3.4 ounces of a liquid item, pack the full-size container in your checked bag instead.

Medications and baby formula are exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule. You can bring larger quantities of prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines in liquid or gel form. Baby formula, breast milk, and juice for infants also do not count toward your liquid limit, but you should declare them at security.

Electronics and chargers you can bring

Laptops, tablets, e-readers, phones, cameras, and portable chargers are all allowed in your carry-on bag. You will need to remove your laptop and any device larger than a tablet from your bag and place it in a bin during security screening. Smaller electronics like phones and earbuds can stay in your bag.

Power cords, USB cables, and wall chargers are allowed. Portable battery packs (power banks) are also permitted, but they must be in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage—lithium batteries can pose a fire risk in the cargo hold. Most airlines allow one or two portable chargers per person, but check your airline's policy if you are bringing multiple devices.

What you cannot bring in your carry-on

Sharp objects are the most common prohibited items. You cannot bring knives (including butter knives and plastic knives with serrated edges), razors, box cutters, scissors, or ice picks in your carry-on. These items are allowed in checked luggage. Lighters and lighter fluid are also prohibited in carry-on bags, though one lighter without fuel may be allowed in checked luggage depending on the airline.

Sporting equipment and tools are restricted based on how they could be used. Baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, and pool cues are not allowed in carry-on bags. Tools like hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, and saws must be checked. Firearms, ammunition, and explosives are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags on commercial flights.

Certain self-defense items are also banned from carry-on bags, including pepper spray, brass knuckles, and stun guns. Some items like snow globes, gel-filled bras, and certain types of food are flagged during screening because they contain liquids or gels that are hard to identify, so be prepared to open them or remove them if asked.

Food and snacks you can pack

Solid food items are allowed in your carry-on bag with no restrictions. You can bring sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, cheese, crackers, cookies, granola bars, nuts, and candy. Pack them in containers or bags that fit in your carry-on. If you are flying internationally, some countries have restrictions on fresh produce and animal products, so check the rules for your destination before you pack.

Foods that are liquid, gel, or paste—like peanut butter, yogurt, honey, jam, hummus, and pudding—must follow the 3-1-1 rule. A small container of peanut butter (3.4 ounces or less) can go in your liquids bag. Larger containers must be checked. Frozen items like ice cream and frozen yogurt are not allowed in carry-on bags because they are considered liquids once they thaw.

Clothing, toiletries, and personal items

Pack as much clothing as your carry-on bag can hold. There are no restrictions on the amount or type of clothing you bring. Shoes, belts, hats, and accessories are all allowed. Underwear, socks, and sleepwear have no limits either.

Solid toiletries like deodorant sticks, bar soap, and solid perfume are allowed in unlimited amounts. Liquid and gel versions (liquid deodorant, body wash, liquid perfume) must follow the 3-1-1 rule. Nail clippers, tweezers, and safety razors are allowed, but straight razors and razor blades are not. Toothbrushes are fine, but electric toothbrushes with lithium batteries should be in your carry-on, not checked luggage.

Bag size and airline-specific rules

The TSA does not set a specific size limit for carry-on bags, but airlines do. Most airlines allow one carry-on bag (typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item (like a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack). Some airlines are stricter and charge fees if your bag is oversized. Budget airlines often have smaller limits and charge for any carry-on bag beyond a personal item.

Check your airline's website before you pack to confirm their carry-on dimensions and weight limits. If your bag is too large, you will be asked to check it at the gate, and you will not have access to it during the flight. If you are unsure whether your bag will fit, measure it before you go to the airport or ask the airline directly.

What to do if TSA stops you at security

If an item in your carry-on is flagged during screening, a TSA officer will ask you about it. Be honest and cooperative. If the item is prohibited, you have a few options: you can leave it at the airport, throw it away, or ask if someone can take it back to your car. Some airports have mail services where you can ship a prohibited item to yourself, but this is not available everywhere.

If you are unsure whether something is allowed, ask a TSA officer before you get in the security line. You can also check the TSA website or call your airline ahead of time. Arriving early gives you time to deal with any issues without missing your flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a full-size bottle of shampoo if I only use a little bit?

No. The 3-1-1 rule is based on container size, not how full it is. A full-size bottle is prohibited even if it is mostly empty. You must either pack it in your checked bag or transfer it to a 3.4-ounce container.

Are vapes and e-cigarettes allowed in carry-on bags?

Vaping devices are allowed in your carry-on bag, but not in checked luggage because the lithium battery poses a fire risk. You cannot use them during the flight. Some airlines have additional restrictions, so check before you travel.

Can I bring a lighter in my carry-on?

No. Lighters are prohibited in carry-on bags. A single lighter without fuel may be allowed in checked luggage, but policies vary by airline. It is safer to leave lighters at home or buy them at your destination.

What counts as a personal item versus a carry-on bag?

A personal item is smaller and goes under the seat in front of you—typically a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. A carry-on bag is larger and goes in the overhead bin. Most airlines allow both, but check your airline's definitions because they vary.

Can I bring my medication in my carry-on?

Yes. Prescription and over-the-counter medications in pill, tablet, or capsule form have no restrictions. Liquid medications do not have to follow the 3-1-1 rule, but bring your prescription bottle or a letter from your doctor to avoid questions at security.