What the TSA allows in carry-on and checked bags

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) sets federal rules for what you can bring through airport security. Most everyday items are allowed — clothes, toiletries, electronics, books, food. The restrictions focus on things that could be used as weapons or pose a fire risk: sharp objects, flammables, certain tools, and liquids over 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags.

Checked bags have fewer restrictions than carry-on bags because they are not accessible during flight. You can pack most liquids, gels, and aerosols in checked luggage without the 3.4-ounce limit, though some items — like paint thinner or certain batteries — are banned from checked bags entirely. Carry-on bags must follow the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container, all containers in one quart-sized clear bag, one bag per person.

Your airline may have stricter rules than the TSA. Some airlines limit carry-on bag size or weight, charge for checked bags, or restrict certain items the TSA allows. Check your airline's website before packing — the rules differ between carriers and sometimes between ticket types on the same airline.

Key Takeaways

  • Liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in one clear quart-sized bag.
  • Checked bags allow larger quantities of liquids and gels, but some items like certain batteries and flammables are banned from checked luggage entirely.
  • Sharp objects like knives, box cutters, and certain tools are prohibited in carry-on bags but may be allowed in checked bags if properly packed.
  • Your airline's rules may be stricter than TSA rules, so verify size limits, weight limits, and item restrictions with your carrier before you travel.
  • Electronics like laptops and phones are allowed, but large batteries and certain lithium battery devices have specific packing rules for checked bags.

Liquids, gels, and aerosols: the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on

If you are bringing liquids, gels, creams, or aerosols in your carry-on bag, each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller. This includes shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, toothpaste, deodorant, hairspray, and perfume. All containers must fit inside a single clear quart-sized plastic bag — the kind you can buy at any drugstore or get free at airport security if you forget.

You are allowed one quart-sized bag per person. If you have a travel-sized shampoo, a travel-sized lotion, and a travel-sized toothpaste, all three fit in one bag. If you want to bring full-sized bottles, they must go in your checked bag instead. The TSA checks this rule at security, and items that do not fit the rule will be confiscated.

Checked bags do not have the 3.4-ounce limit. You can pack full-sized bottles of shampoo, lotion, and other liquids in checked luggage. However, some liquids are banned from checked bags: paint thinner, gasoline, certain pesticides, and some cleaning products. If you are unsure whether a liquid is allowed, check the TSA website or ask your airline before you pack.

Sharp objects and tools: what goes where

Knives, box cutters, razors, and scissors are not allowed in carry-on bags. This includes pocket knives, utility knives, and any blade longer than 2.36 inches. Scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches are allowed in carry-on, but most people find it easier to pack all sharp objects in checked luggage to avoid delays at security.

Many tools are prohibited in carry-on bags: hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, saws, and drills. Some tools are allowed in checked bags if they are properly secured and will not damage the bag or injure baggage handlers. Corkscrews and multi-tools with blades are typically banned from carry-on but may be allowed in checked bags — verify with your airline first.

If you are traveling for work and need tools, pack them in your checked bag and confirm with your airline that they allow the specific items. If you are flying with a toolbox or large equipment, contact your airline before you book to understand their rules and any additional fees.

Electronics and batteries: laptops, phones, and power banks

Laptops, tablets, phones, and cameras are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. You will need to remove laptops and large electronics from your bag at security screening, so pack them where you can reach them easily. Power banks and portable chargers are allowed in carry-on bags, but lithium batteries have specific rules.

Lithium batteries — the kind in phones, laptops, and power banks — are restricted in checked bags. You can bring one spare lithium battery in your carry-on bag only, and it must be under 100 watt-hours. Most phone and laptop batteries fall within this limit. Batteries over 100 watt-hours are banned from passenger flights entirely. If you have a high-capacity power bank or a battery for professional equipment, check the watt-hour rating before you pack.

Certain battery types are banned from both carry-on and checked bags: wet cell batteries (like car batteries), batteries with acid or alkaline electrolyte, and recalled batteries. Alkaline batteries (like AA or AAA) are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. If you are unsure about a specific battery, the TSA website has a battery guide, or you can contact your airline.

Food, medications, and personal care items

Solid foods are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags: sandwiches, fruit, cookies, nuts, and snacks. Peanut butter, jam, honey, and other spreads are allowed in carry-on bags as long as they are 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in your quart-sized liquid bag. Larger containers go in checked luggage.

Medications in pill or tablet form are allowed in carry-on and checked bags without restriction. Liquid or gel medications — like inhalers, insulin, or cough syrup — follow the 3.4-ounce rule for carry-on bags but are allowed in larger quantities in checked bags. Bring medications in their original labeled containers. If you have a large quantity of medication, carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor.

Personal care items like deodorant, shaving cream, and sunscreen follow the liquid and aerosol rules. Solid deodorant is allowed in any quantity. Gel or spray deodorant must follow the 3.4-ounce carry-on rule. Razors and razor blades go in checked bags only. Hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.

Items banned from all flights

Some items are prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags. These include explosives, fireworks, flares, and ammunition. Lighters and lighter fluid are banned from checked bags but one disposable lighter is allowed in carry-on bags only — it must be on your person, not in your bag. Matches are allowed in carry-on bags only, not checked bags.

Sporting equipment rules vary by item. Baseball bats, cricket bats, and golf clubs are allowed in checked bags but not carry-on. Skis and snowboards are allowed in checked bags. Firearms and realistic replicas are prohibited. Martial arts weapons like nunchucks and throwing stars are banned. If you are traveling with sports equipment, check your airline's website because some carriers charge extra fees or have size restrictions.

Certain self-defense items are restricted: pepper spray is allowed in checked bags only (one 2% by mass tear gas cartridge), and stun guns are banned entirely. Knitting needles and crochet hooks are allowed in carry-on bags, though some airlines restrict them. If you have a specialized item you are unsure about, search the TSA website or contact your airline before you pack.

Airline-specific rules and baggage fees

The TSA sets the federal baseline, but your airline can impose stricter rules. Some airlines limit carry-on bag dimensions to 22 by 14 by 9 inches; others allow larger bags. Some charge for checked bags, while others include one or two free. Some restrict the total weight of carry-on luggage; others do not. These policies change by airline and sometimes by ticket type.

Budget airlines often have the strictest rules. They may charge for carry-on bags, limit carry-on size severely, or charge per checked bag. Full-service airlines typically allow one free carry-on and one free checked bag for most passengers. International flights sometimes have different rules than domestic flights on the same airline.

Before you pack, visit your airline's website and search for "baggage policy" or "what can I bring." If you cannot find the answer, call the airline's customer service line. Knowing the rules ahead of time prevents surprises at the airport and avoids repacking or paying unexpected fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, one disposable lighter is allowed in carry-on bags only, and it must be on your person, not in your bag. Lighter fluid and refills are banned from all luggage. Matches are allowed in carry-on bags only, not checked bags.

Are hair dryers and straighteners allowed in luggage?

Yes, hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. They do not require any special packing. If you are concerned about damage, wrap the cord around the device or use a heat-resistant pouch.

Can I bring a full-sized bottle of shampoo in my carry-on?

No, shampoo in carry-on bags must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in your quart-sized liquid bag. Full-sized bottles must go in checked luggage. Travel-sized bottles are widely available and cost less than airport prices.

What happens if I accidentally pack a prohibited item?

If security finds a prohibited item in your carry-on bag, it will be confiscated. You will not be charged, but you will lose the item. If you realize you have packed something prohibited before you reach security, you can leave it at the airport, mail it to yourself, or ask a friend to take it home.

Are power banks allowed on planes?

Yes, power banks are allowed in carry-on bags only. They must contain lithium batteries under 100 watt-hours, which covers most phone and laptop chargers. Power banks are banned from checked bags because lithium batteries pose a fire risk in cargo holds.