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 banned outright: weapons, explosives, flammables, and sharp objects you could use as weapons. Beyond those, the main restriction is the 3-1-1 liquids rule: containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller, all fitting in one quart-sized clear plastic bag, one bag per passenger.

What matters most is that TSA screeners at your airport make the final call. An item legal in theory can still be confiscated if an officer decides it poses a risk. If you are unsure about something specific, pack it in checked luggage instead — the rules are looser there, and you will not lose it at security.

The rules are the same whether you fly domestic or international from a U.S. airport. International flights departing the U.S. follow TSA rules. When you land abroad and connect to another flight, that country's rules explore to what you can bring on board — those rules vary widely, so check with your airline before you travel.

Key Takeaways

  • Liquids, gels, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or smaller per container, and all containers must fit in one quart-sized clear plastic bag.
  • Sharp objects like knives, razors, and scissors are banned from carry-on but allowed in checked bags.
  • Electronics larger than a laptop (like a full-size tripod or power drill) may be questioned; if in doubt, check them instead.
  • Medications in pill or powder form are allowed in carry-on without the 3.4-ounce limit, but bring a copy of the prescription or a doctor's letter for controlled substances.
  • TSA officers have final say on borderline items, so packing questionable things in checked luggage protects you from losing them at security.

Liquids, gels, and pastes: the 3-1-1 rule explained

The 3-1-1 rule means three things: each container holds 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, all containers fit inside one clear quart-sized plastic bag, and you bring one bag per person. TSA provides the bags free at airport security, or you can bring your own.

This rule covers shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, toothpaste, deodorant, mascara, liquid eyeliner, foundation, and lip gloss. It also covers peanut butter, honey, jam, yogurt, and any other spreadable or pourable substance. Solid deodorant is fine; gel or stick deodorant counts as a liquid. Solid perfume is allowed; liquid perfume is not.

Medications in liquid form (like cough syrup or liquid insulin) count toward the 3-1-1 limit unless you declare them separately at security. If you have more than 3.4 ounces of a liquid medication, tell the officer before screening — they may allow it, but you must ask first. Bring a prescription label or a letter from your doctor.

Electronics and power banks

Laptops, tablets, phones, cameras, and e-readers are allowed in carry-on. You will remove your laptop at security and place it in a bin. Smaller electronics like phones and earbuds stay in your bag.

Power banks (portable chargers) are allowed in carry-on only, never in checked bags. TSA limits you to two power banks per person, and each must have a capacity of 100 watt-hours or less. Most standard phone chargers fall well under this limit. If your power bank is larger or you are unsure, check the label or contact the manufacturer before you travel.

Larger electronics like a full-size tripod, power drill, or hair dryer can raise questions. They are not banned, but TSA may want to inspect them. If you want to avoid delay, pack them in checked luggage instead.

Medications and medical devices

Prescription and over-the-counter medications in pill, capsule, or powder form are allowed in carry-on without quantity limits. You do not need to remove them from your bag at security. Bring them in their original labeled containers if possible — if they are in unmarked bottles, carry a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor.

Controlled substances (like certain painkillers or ADHD medications) require extra documentation. Bring a copy of the prescription with your name on it, or ask your doctor for a letter stating that you need the medication for a medical condition. Some countries ban certain controlled substances entirely, so if you are traveling internationally, research the destination's rules before you pack.

Medical devices like inhalers, EpiPens, and insulin pens are allowed. Syringes are allowed if they are accompanied by injectable medication with a label. Liquid medications like insulin can exceed the 3-1-1 limit if you declare them at security.

Sharp objects and tools

Knives of any size, razors, box cutters, and scissors with blades longer than 4 inches are banned from carry-on. Nail clippers and nail files are allowed. Small scissors with blades 4 inches or shorter are allowed, though some TSA officers may confiscate them — if you need scissors, pack them in checked luggage to be safe.

Tools like screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, and saws are banned from carry-on but allowed in checked bags. If you are traveling with tools for work, pack them below the plane.

Razors and razor blades are banned from carry-on. If you need to shave during your trip, buy disposable razors at your destination or pack an electric razor (which is allowed).

Food and drinks

Solid foods like sandwiches, fruit, cheese, and cookies are allowed in carry-on. Peanut butter, jam, honey, and other spreads are allowed but count as liquids under the 3-1-1 rule, so they must be 3.4 ounces or smaller. Yogurt, pudding, and peanut butter also count as liquids.

Empty water bottles are allowed through security, and you can fill them at a water fountain or refill station after you pass the checkpoint. Bringing a water bottle through security with liquid in it will result in confiscation.

Alcohol is not allowed in carry-on, even if it is sealed. You can pack alcohol in checked luggage, but there are limits: most airlines allow up to five liters of alcohol between 24 and 70 percent ABV per passenger, and it must be in your checked bag, not carry-on.

Items that may be questioned

Some items are technically allowed but may be inspected or confiscated depending on the officer's judgment. These include sporting equipment (baseball bats, ski poles, golf clubs), musical instruments, and items that look suspicious on an X-ray machine.

Sporting goods like tennis rackets and fishing rods are usually allowed, but large items like surfboards or skis must often be checked. Call your airline ahead of time if you are traveling with sports equipment — policies vary by carrier.

Musical instruments can travel in carry-on if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat. A full-size cello or upright bass may not fit; some airlines require these to be checked or to have their own seat. Contact your airline before you book.

Lighters are banned from both carry-on and checked bags, with one exception: a single lighter in your pocket or on your person (not in a bag) is allowed. Lighter fluid and refills are banned entirely.

International travel and airline-specific rules

TSA rules explore to flights leaving the U.S., but when you land in another country and connect to a flight, that country's security rules take over. Rules vary significantly — some countries ban items that TSA allows. Before you travel internationally, check the security rules for your destination country and any connecting airports.

Individual airlines also set their own rules on top of TSA rules. Some airlines have stricter limits on carry-on size or weight, or ban certain items that TSA allows. Check your airline's website or call them before you pack. Budget airlines in particular often have tighter restrictions.

If you are unsure whether something will be allowed, pack it in checked luggage. You will not lose it at security, and checked baggage rules are generally more lenient than carry-on rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A single lighter is allowed only if you carry it on your person (in your pocket), not in a bag. Lighter fluid, lighter refills, and matches are banned entirely from both carry-on and checked bags.

Are vaping devices and e-cigarettes allowed in carry-on?

Vaping devices and e-cigarettes are allowed in carry-on bags only, never in checked bags, because the batteries pose a fire risk in the cargo hold. You cannot use them during the flight. Some airlines ban them entirely, so check your airline's policy before you travel.

Can I bring my laptop charger and power bank on the plane?

Yes. Laptop chargers are allowed in carry-on. Power banks are allowed in carry-on only (not checked bags), and you can bring up to two per person as long as each is 100 watt-hours or less — most standard phone chargers meet this limit.

What if TSA confiscates something at security?

If an item is confiscated, you cannot get it back that day. Some airports have a lost and found, but retrieval is difficult. If the item has value, file a claim with TSA through their website. The best protection is to pack anything questionable in your checked bag instead.

Do I need to remove my phone and headphones at security?

No. Only laptops and large electronics need to be removed and placed in a bin. Phones, earbuds, and small devices can stay in your bag.