What the TSA allows in your luggage
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) sets the rules for what you can bring on a plane in both checked and carry-on bags. Most everyday items are allowed — clothes, toiletries, books, electronics, and food. The restrictions exist mainly around liquids, gels, sharp objects, and anything that could be used as a weapon or poses a fire risk. Your checked bag has fewer restrictions than your carry-on because it stays in the cargo hold, away from the cabin.
The TSA website and the TSA mobile app both have a searchable tool called "What Can I Bring?" where you can type in any specific item and get an when ready answer. This tool is the fastest way to check before you pack, especially for unusual items. If you are traveling internationally, your destination country may have stricter rules than the TSA, so check with your airline or the country's customs website as well.
Key Takeaways
- Carry-on bags must follow the 3.4-ounce liquid rule: each container of liquid, gel, or cream must be 3.4 ounces or smaller, and all containers must fit in a single quart-sized clear bag.
- Checked bags allow full-size toiletries, tools, and most items that are banned from carry-on, as long as they are not explosives, flammables, or pressurized containers.
- Sharp objects like knives, razors, and scissors are prohibited in carry-on but permitted in checked luggage if they are properly sheathed or wrapped.
- Electronics including laptops, phones, and tablets are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags, though TSA may ask you to remove them at security.
- Food, medications, and personal care items are generally allowed, but some countries restrict what you can bring across their borders.
The 3.4-ounce liquid rule for carry-on bags
Any liquid, gel, cream, paste, or aerosol in your carry-on bag must be in a container of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller. This includes shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, peanut butter, yogurt, and jam. All containers together must fit inside a single quart-sized clear plastic bag — the kind you can buy at any drugstore or that airlines sometimes provide at security.
You are allowed one quart-sized bag per person. Containers larger than 3.4 ounces are not permitted in carry-on, even if they are only half full. If you need full-size bottles, pack them in your checked bag instead. Frozen items are allowed in carry-on only if they are completely solid when you go through security; if they have any liquid or gel, they count toward the liquid limit.
What goes in checked luggage without restriction
Your checked bag allows items that carry-on does not. You can pack full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, perfume, and other toiletries. Tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches are permitted. Knives, box cutters, and razors are allowed if they are sheathed or wrapped so the blade is not exposed. Scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches are also allowed in checked bags.
Checked bags can hold most items that are not explosives, flammables, or pressurized. This means you can pack aerosol cans (like spray paint or bug spray) in checked luggage, though airlines limit the quantity and may require special handling. Lithium batteries are restricted in checked bags — they must go in carry-on instead. Always wrap sharp items securely so they do not puncture the bag or injure baggage handlers.
Electronics and batteries in both bag types
Laptops, tablets, phones, cameras, and portable chargers are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. TSA may ask you to remove electronics larger than a phone from your bag at security screening. Keep electronics in your carry-on if possible, because checked bags are handled roughly and temperatures in the cargo hold can damage sensitive equipment.
Spare lithium batteries (the kind used in phones and cameras) must go in carry-on only, not checked. The TSA limits you to two spare batteries per device type. Alkaline batteries (regular AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt) are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Power banks and portable chargers count as lithium batteries, so they belong in carry-on.
Food, medications, and personal items
Solid food is allowed in both carry-on and checked bags with no restrictions. This includes sandwiches, fruit, cookies, chocolate, and cheese. Liquids and gels made from food — like peanut butter, honey, jam, yogurt, and sauces — must follow the 3.4-ounce rule in carry-on. You can pack full-size containers in checked luggage.
Prescription medications in their original labeled bottles are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. You do not need a copy of your prescription, but bringing one can help if you are questioned. Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, cold medicine, and allergy pills are also permitted. Inhalers and EpiPens are allowed in carry-on. If you are traveling internationally, check the destination country's rules on medications — some countries restrict or ban certain drugs.
Items that are always prohibited
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives are never allowed in either bag. This includes realistic toy guns, flare guns, and gun lighters. Flammable liquids like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinner are prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags. Matches and lighters are restricted — you can bring one lighter in your pocket or carry-on bag, but not in checked luggage.
Sporting equipment like baseball bats, hockey sticks, and pool cues are prohibited in carry-on but allowed in checked bags. Martial arts weapons, including nunchucks and throwing stars, are never permitted. Corkscrews and multi-tools with blades longer than 2.36 inches are prohibited in carry-on but allowed in checked bags. If you are unsure about a specific item, use the TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool before you pack.
International travel and country-specific rules
TSA rules explore to flights within the United States and to U.S. departures. If you are flying to another country, that country's customs and border agency may have stricter rules. For example, some countries prohibit certain medications, foods, or plant material. Check the official customs website of your destination country at least a week before you travel.
Your airline may also have rules stricter than the TSA. Budget airlines sometimes charge extra for checked bags or have smaller carry-on size limits. Call your airline or check their website to confirm their specific policies. If you are connecting through another country, that country's rules explore to your luggage during the layover, even if you are not leaving the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a lighter or matches on a plane?
You can bring one lighter in your pocket or carry-on bag, but not in checked luggage. Matches are prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags. Lighters with fuel are not allowed at all.
Are deodorant and sunscreen subject to the liquid rule?
Spray deodorant and spray sunscreen are aerosols and count as liquids — they must be 3.4 ounces or smaller in carry-on. Solid deodorant and stick sunscreen are not liquids and have no size restriction. Lotion sunscreen is a liquid and must follow the 3.4-ounce rule in carry-on.
Can I pack my laptop in checked luggage?
Yes, but it is not recommended. Checked bags are handled roughly, and cargo hold temperatures can damage electronics. Keep your laptop in your carry-on bag instead. If you must check it, wrap it in soft clothing for padding.
What if I have a medication that is a liquid or gel?
Liquid medications like insulin, eye drops, and cough syrup are allowed in carry-on in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces if you declare them to TSA. You do not need to put them in your quart-sized bag. Tell the TSA officer at security that you have liquid medication, and they will screen it separately.
Are frozen foods allowed in carry-on?
Frozen solid foods are allowed in carry-on. If the food has any liquid or gel component when you reach security, it counts toward the liquid limit. Frozen gel packs are allowed only if they are completely solid; if they have any thawed liquid, they are prohibited.