Liquids, gels, and aerosols have strict limits in carry-on bags

If you are flying, the 3-1-1 rule controls what liquids you can bring in your carry-on: 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per container, 1 quart-sized clear plastic bag, 1 bag per passenger. This applies to anything that flows, spreads, or sprays — shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, peanut butter, yogurt, honey, and jam all count. You can pack these items in checked luggage without the size limit, but they must be sealed so they do not leak onto your clothes.

Aerosol cans (spray deodorant, hairspray, sunscreen in spray form) are banned from carry-on luggage entirely on most airlines. You may pack them in checked bags, but they must have a safety cap and cannot exceed 2 percent by mass of the container. Perfume and cologne in spray bottles follow the 3.4-ounce carry-on rule but can go in checked bags without restriction.

Solid or powder forms of the same products usually have no limit. A stick of deodorant, a bar of soap, or a container of powder can go in either carry-on or checked luggage. If you are unsure whether something counts as a liquid or gel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website has a searchable database of specific items.

Key Takeaways

  • Carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in one quart-sized clear bag; checked bags have no liquid size limit but containers must be sealed.
  • Solid versions of toiletries (deodorant sticks, soap bars, powder) have no restrictions in either carry-on or checked luggage.
  • Sharp objects like razors, scissors, and knives are prohibited in carry-on bags but permitted in checked luggage if properly sheathed.
  • Electronics larger than a laptop (like a full-size printer or power tools) may be prohibited or require advance notice depending on your airline.
  • Clothing, shoes, books, and personal documents have no packing restrictions as long as your bag does not exceed the airline's weight or size limit.

Sharp objects and tools belong in checked luggage only

Razors, scissors, box cutters, and knives cannot go in your carry-on bag. Checked luggage is the only option, and the blade or sharp edge must be sheathed or wrapped so it cannot cut through the bag or injure baggage handlers. A safety razor (the kind with a replaceable blade cartridge) is prohibited in carry-on but allowed in checked bags if the blade is removed and sheathed separately.

Straight razors and safety razors with the blade still attached are banned from carry-on. If you need to shave during your trip, pack a disposable razor in your checked bag or buy one at your destination. Nail clippers and nail files are permitted in carry-on luggage, but scissors with blades longer than 4 inches are not.

Tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, and saws are prohibited in carry-on bags. If you need them at your destination, pack them in checked luggage. Power tools like drills are usually allowed in checked bags but not in carry-on, though some airlines require you to notify them in advance.

Electronics and batteries have specific packing rules

Laptops, tablets, phones, and cameras can go in either carry-on or checked luggage. Most airlines ask that you remove laptops from your bag during security screening, so packing them where you can reach them easily saves time. Larger electronics like full-size printers, desktop monitors, or gaming consoles are often prohibited or require advance approval from your airline — check your airline's website before packing.

Batteries are the most restricted electronics item. Spare lithium batteries (the kind in phones and laptops) are prohibited in checked luggage and limited to carry-on only, with a maximum of two per passenger on most airlines. Batteries must be in their original packaging or have tape over the terminals to prevent short circuits. Batteries installed in devices (like a laptop or phone you are traveling with) are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.

Power banks and portable chargers follow the same rules as spare lithium batteries — carry-on only, maximum two per passenger, terminals taped. If your power bank is larger than 100 watt-hours, it may be prohibited entirely. Check the watt-hour rating on your device before packing.

Clothing, shoes, and personal items have no restrictions

Everyday clothing, shoes, belts, hats, and accessories have no packing limits. You can fill your entire bag with clothes without violating any TSA or airline rules. The only constraint is your airline's baggage weight and size limit — typically 50 pounds for checked bags and 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches for carry-on, though these vary by airline.

Jewelry, watches, and eyeglasses can be packed in either carry-on or checked luggage. Valuable jewelry is safer in carry-on so you can keep it with you, but there is no rule against packing it in checked bags. Underwear, socks, and sleepwear have no restrictions.

Documents, money, and valuables should stay in carry-on

Your passport, driver's license, travel documents, and boarding pass should travel in your carry-on bag or on your person. If your checked bag is lost or delayed, you will still have the documents you need. Cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks have no packing restrictions, but carrying large amounts of cash (over $10,000 in U.S. currency) requires you to declare it to customs.

Medications in their original labeled containers are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. If you are traveling internationally, bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor, as some countries restrict certain medications. Syringes and needles for medical use (insulin, epinephrine) are allowed if they are accompanied by a vial or cartridge of medication.

Expensive electronics, jewelry, and irreplaceable items should go in your carry-on. Airlines are not liable for damage to checked baggage, and lost checked bags are not always recovered. Keeping valuables with you eliminates that risk.

Food and perishables have different rules for carry-on and checked bags

Solid foods like sandwiches, fruit, cheese, and cookies are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. Liquids and gels made from food — peanut butter, honey, jam, yogurt, pesto, and hummus — follow the 3.4-ounce carry-on limit but can go in checked bags without restriction. Frozen foods are allowed in checked bags if they are completely solid when you pack them, but they must be sealed so they do not leak.

Alcohol in sealed, unopened bottles is allowed in checked luggage only (not carry-on). The bottle must be in your checked bag, not in your carry-on. Some airlines limit the amount of alcohol per passenger — typically one liter per person.

Perishable foods like raw meat, seafood, and dairy products are risky in checked bags because the temperature is not controlled and they may spoil or leak. If you must pack them, use an insulated container with ice packs and keep them in your checked bag. For flights longer than a few hours, it is safer to buy perishables at your destination.

Prohibited items you cannot pack at all

Firearms, ammunition, and explosives are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage on commercial flights. This includes realistic replicas of firearms. Flammable liquids (gasoline, lighter fluid, paint thinner), compressed gases, and oxidizers are also banned. Lighters are prohibited in carry-on but one lighter is allowed in checked luggage if it is in a protective case.

Sporting equipment like baseball bats, golf clubs, and ski poles are prohibited in carry-on but allowed in checked bags. Some airlines charge an extra fee for sports equipment. Martial arts weapons (nunchucks, brass knuckles, throwing stars) are banned from both carry-on and checked luggage.

Self-defense items like pepper spray and tasers are prohibited in carry-on and checked luggage on most airlines, with rare exceptions for certain types of self-defense sprays in checked bags only — check your airline's policy. Corkscrews and multi-tools with blades longer than 4 inches are prohibited in carry-on but allowed in checked bags.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack a full-size bottle of shampoo in my checked bag?

Yes. Checked luggage has no size limit for liquids as long as the container is sealed and will not leak. A full-size bottle of shampoo, conditioner, or body wash can go in your checked bag without restriction. Make sure the cap is tight and consider wrapping it in a plastic bag as extra protection against leaks.

Are hair straighteners and curling irons allowed in luggage?

Yes, in both carry-on and checked bags. Hair styling tools with cords are not restricted by the TSA. If your straightener or curling iron has a lithium battery (cordless models), it is allowed in carry-on only. Let the tool cool completely before packing it to avoid damaging other items in your bag.

Can I pack my laptop charger in my carry-on?

Yes. Laptop chargers and power cords are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. They are not considered batteries or electronics that require special handling. Wrap the cord neatly to save space and prevent tangling.

What happens if I accidentally pack a prohibited item?

If security finds a prohibited item in your carry-on, it will be confiscated. You will not be charged a fine, but you will lose the item. If a prohibited item is found in checked luggage after you have checked in, your bag may be delayed or you may be contacted by the airline. Always check your airline's website before packing to avoid losing items at security.

Can I pack a power drill in my checked bag?

Most airlines allow power drills in checked luggage, but some require advance notice. Contact your airline before your trip to confirm. The drill must be packed so the trigger cannot be accidentally engaged, and any batteries must follow lithium battery rules (carry-on only, maximum two per passenger).