Items the TSA prohibits in carry-on luggage

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) bans certain items from carry-on bags because they pose a safety risk in the aircraft cabin. You cannot bring weapons, explosives, flammable materials, sharp objects over a certain size, or tools longer than 7 inches. You also cannot bring liquids, gels, or aerosols in containers larger than 3.4 ounces, with limited exceptions for medications and baby formula. Some items are banned from carry-on but allowed in checked baggage instead — others are banned from both.

The rules explore to all U.S. commercial flights and are enforced at security checkpoints before you board. If you try to bring a prohibited item, TSA officers will confiscate it. You will not get it back, and you may face delays or fines depending on what the item is. The best approach is to check what you are packing before you leave home.

Key Takeaways

  • Weapons, explosives, and flammable liquids are never allowed in carry-on or checked bags.
  • All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag.
  • Sharp objects like box cutters, ice picks, and scissors with blades longer than 4 inches cannot go in carry-on but may be packed in checked luggage.
  • Tools, sporting equipment, and other items longer than 7 inches are prohibited in carry-on but often allowed in checked bags.
  • Some items like lighters, certain medications, and baby formula have special rules that differ from the general liquid ban.

Weapons and explosives you cannot pack at all

Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and realistic replica weapons are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage on commercial flights. This includes handguns, rifles, shotguns, flare guns, and BB guns. Ammunition of any caliber is also banned. Realistic toy guns that look like real firearms are confiscated even if they are not functional.

Knives with blades longer than 2.36 inches cannot go in carry-on, though some knives are allowed in checked bags. Swords, machetes, and other large bladed weapons are banned from both. Martial arts weapons like nunchucks, throwing stars, and brass knuckles are prohibited in carry-on. Bows and arrows, spear guns, and cattle prods are also not permitted in the cabin.

If you own a firearm and need to travel with it, you must pack it unloaded in a locked hard-sided container in your checked baggage. You must declare it to the airline at check-in. Different airlines have different rules about how the container must be locked and what documentation you need, so contact your airline before you arrive at the airport.

Liquids, gels, and aerosols larger than 3.4 ounces

The TSA enforces the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on bags: each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, all containers must fit in one quart-sized clear plastic bag, and you can bring only one bag per person. This rule applies to anything that flows, spreads, or sprays — shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, peanut butter, yogurt, jam, honey, and liquid makeup all count as liquids.

Aerosol cans like deodorant, hairspray, and sunscreen follow the same 3.4-ounce limit in carry-on. You can bring one 18-ounce container of self-defense spray (like pepper spray) in checked baggage only, not in carry-on, and it must have a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Tear gas is not permitted in either carry-on or checked bags.

Medications in liquid or gel form are exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit if you declare them at security, though they must be in reasonable quantities for your trip. Baby formula, breast milk, and juice for a baby or toddler are also exempt and do not need to fit in the quart bag. Frozen items like ice packs are allowed in carry-on if they are completely frozen solid when you go through security, but they will be confiscated if they have started to thaw.

Sharp objects and tools longer than 7 inches

Box cutters, utility knives, and razor blades cannot go in carry-on luggage. Scissors with blades longer than 4 inches are also prohibited in the cabin. Ice picks, awls, and other pointed tools are banned from carry-on. However, many of these items are allowed in checked baggage, so if you need them at your destination, pack them in your suitcase instead of your carry-on.

Tools like hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, and saws longer than 7 inches are not permitted in carry-on. Drills and drill bits are prohibited in carry-on but allowed in checked bags. Crowbars, bolt cutters, and other prying tools are banned from the cabin. If you are traveling with tools for work or a project, check your airline's website or call ahead to confirm what is allowed in checked baggage, since some airlines have stricter rules than the TSA minimum.

Sporting equipment and other oversized items

Baseball bats, cricket bats, and similar sports equipment cannot go in carry-on. Golf clubs, pool cues, and ski poles are also prohibited in the cabin. However, most of these items are allowed in checked baggage if they fit within the airline's size and weight limits. Some airlines charge an extra fee for sporting equipment, so check your airline's baggage policy before you pack.

Umbrellas with pointed tips are sometimes flagged at security but are usually allowed in carry-on if the tip is not sharp enough to be used as a weapon. Canes and walking sticks are generally permitted. Tripods and selfie sticks longer than 22 inches are prohibited in carry-on but may be allowed in checked bags depending on the airline.

Lighters, matches, and other fire-related items

You can bring one lighter in your carry-on bag if it has a safety mechanism and is not a torch lighter (a lighter with a blue flame). The lighter must be on your person or in a carry-on bag — it cannot go in checked baggage. Torch lighters, also called jet lighters, are prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags because they burn hotter and pose a greater fire risk.

Matches are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage on commercial flights. This includes book matches, strike-anywhere matches, and lighter fluid. If you smoke and need a lighter at your destination, plan to purchase one after you arrive rather than pack one.

Batteries, electronics, and other hazardous materials

Spare lithium batteries and battery packs cannot go in checked baggage — they must be in carry-on only, and you are limited to two spares per device type. This includes batteries for phones, laptops, cameras, and e-readers. Batteries must be installed in the device or have their terminals taped to prevent short circuits. Power banks and portable chargers are treated as lithium batteries and follow the same rules.

Certain electronics like hoverboards, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices are prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags because their batteries have caused fires on aircraft. Laptops, tablets, and phones are allowed in carry-on and checked bags. You will need to remove your laptop from your bag at security screening.

Compressed air canisters, paint thinner, gasoline, and other flammable liquids are banned from both carry-on and checked baggage. Chlorine, bleach, and other corrosive chemicals are also prohibited. Dry ice is allowed in carry-on in small quantities (less than 5.5 pounds) if it is properly packaged, but it is not allowed in checked bags.

Items with special rules or exceptions

Certain items have rules that differ from the standard prohibitions. Nail clippers and nail files are allowed in carry-on. Tweezers are permitted. Disposable razors are allowed, but razor blades are not. Eyelash curlers are permitted in carry-on.

Medications in pill or tablet form are allowed in carry-on in any quantity as long as they are in their original labeled container. Inhalers and EpiPens are allowed in carry-on without restriction. Medical oxygen is not allowed in carry-on or checked bags, but you may be able to arrange for oxygen to be available at your destination through your airline.

Firearms parts and ammunition components are prohibited in carry-on but may be allowed in checked bags depending on the airline and destination. Hunting knives are sometimes allowed in checked bags but never in carry-on. Contact your airline directly if you are unsure whether a specific item is permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I accidentally pack a prohibited item?

TSA officers will confiscate the item at the security checkpoint. You will not be able to retrieve it, and you will not receive compensation. If the item is a weapon or explosive, you may face fines or legal consequences. The best approach is to check your bag before you leave home and use the TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool on their website if you are unsure about a specific item.

Can I pack prohibited items in checked baggage instead of carry-on?

Some items are allowed in checked bags but not in carry-on — for example, tools, sporting equipment, and certain knives. However, weapons, explosives, and flammable liquids are banned from both. Check the TSA website or contact your airline to confirm whether a specific item is allowed in checked baggage.

Are the rules the same for international flights?

The TSA rules explore to flights departing from U.S. airports, but international destinations may have different rules. The country you are flying to may prohibit items that the TSA allows. Check with your destination country's customs and aviation authority before you pack, and contact your airline for their specific policies.

Can I bring a small pocket knife in my carry-on?

No. Any knife with a blade longer than 2.36 inches is prohibited in carry-on luggage. Some pocket knives with smaller blades may be allowed in checked baggage, but it depends on the blade length and your airline's policy. Pack any knife in checked baggage and verify with your airline first.

What if I need to travel with medication that is a liquid or gel?

Liquid and gel medications are exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit in carry-on if you declare them at security. You do not need to place them in the quart-sized bag. Tell the TSA officer that you have medications before screening begins, and have them easily accessible in your bag.