The TSA Rules for Carry-On Items

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows most everyday items in your carry-on bag, but a few categories are restricted or banned entirely. The main rule is straightforward: nothing that could be used as a weapon or pose a safety risk on the plane. Liquids, gels, and aerosols follow a separate rule called the 3-1-1 rule, which limits how much you can bring.

You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (like a purse, backpack, or laptop bag) on most flights. The exact size limits depend on your airline, so check before you pack — most airlines allow carry-on bags up to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches deep, but some are stricter. If your bag is too large, you will have to check it at the gate, and you may be charged a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Liquids, gels, and aerosols must follow the 3-1-1 rule: containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller, all fitting in one quart-sized clear plastic bag, one bag per person.
  • Sharp objects like knives, box cutters, and razors are banned from carry-on bags but allowed in checked luggage.
  • Electronics like laptops, phones, and tablets are allowed in carry-on bags and must be removed for screening at security.
  • Common items like books, clothing, shoes, toiletries in solid form, and food are allowed in your carry-on bag.
  • Check your airline's website for exact bag size limits before packing, because dimensions vary by carrier.

Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols: The 3-1-1 Rule

The TSA restricts liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols to containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller. All containers must fit inside one clear, quart-sized plastic bag — the kind you can seal. You are allowed one bag per person. This rule applies to shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, makeup, peanut butter, yogurt, honey, and anything else with a liquid or gel consistency.

Pack your liquids bag separately so you can remove it quickly at security. If a container is larger than 3.4 ounces, you cannot bring it in your carry-on, even if it is only half full. You can pack full-sized bottles in your checked luggage instead. Solid items like deodorant sticks, solid perfume, and bar soap do not count as liquids and can be packed normally in your carry-on.

Items You Cannot Bring in Carry-On Luggage

Sharp objects are the most common carry-on restriction. Knives of any size, box cutters, razor blades, and ice picks are banned from carry-on bags. Scissors with blades longer than 4 inches are also prohibited. All of these items are allowed in checked luggage, so pack them there instead.

Tools and sporting equipment have limits. Hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and most hand tools are banned from carry-on but allowed in checked bags. Baseball bats, cricket bats, and golf clubs must be checked. Firearms, ammunition, and realistic replica guns are banned from carry-on and require special handling in checked luggage — contact your airline before you travel if you need to transport a firearm.

Flammable items are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage. This includes lighter fluid, paint thinner, and aerosol cans of bug spray or air freshener. Matches and lighters have specific rules: you can bring one lighter in your pocket or personal item, but not in your carry-on bag itself, and you cannot bring matches at all.

Electronics and Chargers You Can Pack

Laptops, tablets, phones, cameras, and portable chargers are all allowed in your carry-on bag. You will need to remove your laptop and large electronics from your bag at the security checkpoint so they can be scanned separately. Keep them easily accessible so you do not have to dig through your bag.

Portable battery packs (power banks) are allowed, but there are limits. Batteries with more than 100 watt-hours are banned, and batteries between 100 and 160 watt-hours require airline approval. Most standard phone chargers and portable chargers fall well under these limits. Check the watt-hour rating on your device before you pack it — it is usually printed on the back or bottom.

Clothing, Shoes, and Personal Items

Pack as much clothing and footwear as your bag can hold. There are no restrictions on the amount of clothes, shoes, belts, or accessories you bring in your carry-on. Underwear, socks, jackets, and hats all travel freely. The only limit is the size of your bag and the airline's weight restrictions, which vary by carrier.

Personal care items in solid or semi-solid form are allowed without the 3-1-1 restriction. Solid deodorant, bar soap, shampoo bars, and solid perfume can be packed normally. Nail clippers, tweezers, and safety razors are allowed in carry-on bags. Straight razors and disposable razors are banned from carry-on but allowed in checked luggage.

Food and Beverages for Your Flight

Solid foods are allowed in your carry-on bag with no restrictions. Sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, nuts, crackers, cookies, and candy all travel fine. You can bring a full meal if you want. Peanut butter, jam, honey, and other spreads follow the liquid rule — they must be 3.4 ounces or smaller to go in your carry-on.

Empty water bottles are allowed, but you cannot bring a full water bottle through security. You can fill an empty bottle at a water fountain or refill station after you pass through the checkpoint. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in carry-on bags, even if they are sealed. You can pack alcohol in your checked luggage instead, but airline policies vary on how many bottles are allowed.

Items That Require Special Attention

Medications in pill or tablet form are allowed in carry-on bags in any quantity. Liquid or gel medications (like inhalers, eye drops, or insulin) count as liquids and must follow the 3-1-1 rule, but you can bring more than 3.4 ounces if you have a prescription or medical documentation. Keep medications in their original labeled containers so security can identify them.

Musical instruments are allowed in carry-on bags if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Small guitars, violins, and keyboards usually fit. Larger instruments like full-sized cellos or drums may need to be checked or may require a seat purchase — contact your airline ahead of time. Pack instruments in a protective case to prevent damage.

Sporting equipment rules vary by item. Tennis rackets, badminton rackets, and fishing rods are allowed in carry-on if they fit. Skis, snowboards, and surfboards must be checked. Bicycles must be checked and usually require a bike bag or box. Always confirm with your airline before you pack sports gear, because policies differ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a lighter or matches in my carry-on bag?

You can bring one lighter in your pocket or personal item, but not inside your carry-on bag itself. Matches are not allowed in carry-on or checked luggage. If you need a lighter at your destination, buy one after you arrive.

What if my carry-on bag is too big for the overhead bin?

If your bag is larger than your airline's size limits, you will have to check it at the gate. Some airlines charge a fee for gate-checked bags, and you may not get your bag back until after you land. Measure your bag before you pack and compare it to your airline's limits on their website.

Can I bring my laptop through security without removing it?

Most airports require you to remove laptops and large electronics from your bag at the security checkpoint. Some newer security lanes with advanced screening equipment may allow you to leave laptops in your bag, but assume you will need to remove it. Keep it easily accessible in your carry-on.

Are hair straighteners and curling irons allowed in carry-on bags?

Yes, hair styling tools with cords are allowed in carry-on bags. Cordless tools powered by lithium batteries have restrictions — check with your airline before you pack them, as some ban them entirely and others allow them with limits.

Can I bring a full-sized bottle of perfume or cologne in my carry-on?

No, perfume and cologne are liquids and must follow the 3-1-1 rule. Only containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller are allowed in your carry-on. Pack full-sized bottles in your checked luggage instead.