The TSA's Basic Rules for Carry-On Items

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows most everyday items in your carry-on bag, but liquids, gels, and aerosols follow a strict rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, and all containers must fit inside a single quart-sized clear plastic bag. Electronics larger than a laptop—like a full-sized camera or gaming console—must be removed and scanned separately at security, but they are allowed. Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives and box cutters, are prohibited in carry-on luggage.

Your carry-on bag itself must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Airlines set their own size limits, but most accept bags up to 22 by 14 by 9 inches. If your bag is too large, you will be asked to check it at the gate, and you may face a fee. Check your airline's website before packing to confirm their specific dimensions.

Key Takeaways

  • Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be 3.4 ounces or smaller per container, and all containers must fit in one quart-sized clear plastic bag.
  • Electronics like laptops, phones, and tablets are allowed but must be removed at security screening.
  • Weapons, sharp objects, and tools longer than 7 inches are banned from carry-on bags.
  • Your carry-on bag must fit your airline's size limits, which vary by carrier—check before you pack.
  • Medications in solid form (pills, inhalers) are allowed without restriction, but liquid medications should be declared.

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

The TSA calls this the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounces per container, 1 quart-sized bag, and 1 bag per passenger. This applies to toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, deodorant, mascara, liquid foundation, and any product with a gel or cream consistency. A travel-size deodorant stick is fine because it is solid, but a gel deodorant must follow the 3.4-ounce limit.

Pack your liquids and gels in a clear plastic bag so TSA officers can see them without opening your luggage. You can buy a quart-sized bag at any drugstore, or use a freezer bag you have at home—it must be clear and seal shut. Remove this bag from your carry-on before you reach the security checkpoint and place it in your bin with your shoes and electronics. After you pass through security, you can put it back in your bag.

Frozen items like ice packs or frozen gel packs are allowed in carry-on bags as long as they are completely frozen solid when you pass through security. Once they begin to thaw and become liquid, they must follow the 3.4-ounce rule.

Electronics and Chargers You Can Bring

Laptops, tablets, e-readers, phones, and portable chargers are all allowed in carry-on bags. Remove your laptop and place it in a separate bin at security so it can be scanned on its own. Tablets and phones can stay in your bag. Headphones, charging cables, and power adapters are fine to pack.

Larger electronics like full-sized cameras, video cameras, or gaming consoles must also be removed and scanned separately at security, but they are permitted. Drones are allowed in carry-on bags but not in checked luggage. If you are traveling with expensive electronics, keeping them in your carry-on protects them from damage and theft.

Batteries have restrictions: spare lithium batteries (the kind used in phones and laptops) are only allowed in carry-on bags, not checked bags. You can bring up to two spare batteries per device. Batteries must be in their original packaging or have tape over the terminals to prevent short circuits.

Food, Medications, and Personal Care Items

Solid foods like sandwiches, fruit, cookies, and nuts are allowed in carry-on bags with no restrictions. Peanut butter, jam, honey, and other spreads are considered gels and must follow the 3.4-ounce rule. Yogurt, pudding, and other creamy foods are also gels. Frozen foods are allowed if completely frozen at security, but once they thaw they become subject to liquid rules.

Medications in pill or tablet form have no restrictions and do not need to be in their original bottles, though having them labeled makes security faster. Inhalers and EpiPens are allowed. Liquid medications like cough syrup or insulin should be declared to TSA officers at security—they are usually allowed, but declaring them prevents delays. Pack medications in your carry-on, not checked luggage, so you have access to them during the flight.

Deodorant sticks, solid perfume, and bar soap are fine. Liquid or gel deodorant, liquid perfume, and liquid soap must follow the 3.4-ounce limit. Razors with removable blades are prohibited, but razors with fixed blades (like disposable razors) are allowed. Electric shavers are permitted.

Items Prohibited in Carry-On Luggage

Knives of any size, box cutters, and multi-tools with blades are banned from carry-on bags. Tools longer than 7 inches—including screwdrivers, wrenches, and hammers—are prohibited. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, hockey sticks, and ski poles cannot go in carry-on bags, though some airlines allow them in checked luggage.

Firearms, ammunition, and realistic toy guns are not allowed in carry-on bags. Lighters and lighter fluid are prohibited. Flammable items like paint, nail polish remover, and certain cleaning products cannot be brought on the plane at all, in either carry-on or checked luggage.

Self-defense items like pepper spray and stun guns are banned from carry-on bags. Certain martial arts weapons, including nunchucks and throwing stars, are also prohibited. If you are unsure whether a specific item is allowed, check the TSA website or contact your airline before you travel.

Packing Tips to Speed Up Security

Wear slip-on shoes and minimal jewelry so you move through security faster. Pack your quart-sized bag of liquids at the top of your carry-on where you can reach it quickly. Place your laptop and tablet in an straightforward-to-access pocket. Remove your phone and keys before you reach the security line and place them directly in your bin.

If you are traveling with a child, pack any baby food, formula, or breast milk in a separate bag—these are exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule and do not need to fit in your quart-sized bag. Declare them to TSA officers at security. Pack diapers, wipes, and other baby supplies normally; they have no restrictions.

Arrive at the airport with enough time to pack and repack if needed. If TSA finds a prohibited item, you will have time to leave it with a friend, throw it away, or check your bag instead of missing your flight.

What Happens If You Pack Something Prohibited

If TSA finds a prohibited item during screening, you have three choices: leave it with someone outside security, throw it away, or check your bag instead of carrying it on. You will not be fined for a first offense with a prohibited item, but you may miss your flight if the process takes too long. TSA officers are trained to handle these situations calmly, but the outcome depends on the item and how busy the checkpoint is.

If you accidentally pack a prohibited item and realize it before security, remove it and dispose of it or leave it with someone. If you discover it after you have passed through security, inform a TSA officer or airline staff member when ready. Do not attempt to bring it onto the plane.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a full-size bottle of water through security?

No. 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 full bottle will be confiscated because liquids over 3.4 ounces are prohibited.

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

Vaping devices and e-cigarettes are allowed in carry-on bags but not in checked luggage because the batteries pose a fire risk. You cannot use them on the plane. Vape liquid must follow the 3.4-ounce liquid rule.

Can I bring my hair straightener or curling iron?

Yes. Hair straighteners and curling irons are allowed in carry-on bags. They must be cool before you pack them. Some hotels provide these items in the room, so you may not need to bring your own.

What if my medication is a liquid and exceeds 3.4 ounces?

Liquid medications in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces are allowed in carry-on bags if you declare them to TSA at security. Keep the medication in its original labeled container and inform the officer before screening begins.

Are snow globes and jars of jam allowed in carry-on bags?

Snow globes and jars of jam are considered liquids or gels and must follow the 3.4-ounce rule. A standard snow globe or jam jar exceeds this limit and will be confiscated. Pack these items in checked luggage instead.