The TSA's Prohibited Items List for Carry-On Luggage

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits certain items in carry-on bags to protect all passengers and crew. The rules are the same whether you fly domestic or international. Some items are banned entirely from aircraft; others can go in checked luggage but not in the cabin with you. The TSA website lists the full inventory, but the items that catch most travelers are sharp objects, flammables, tools, and liquids over 3.4 ounces.

If you are unsure about a specific item, the TSA has a "What Can I Bring?" tool on their website where you can search by object name. Airport security officers have final say at the checkpoint, so even items the TSA lists as sometimes permitted can be confiscated if an officer judges them a risk. The best approach is to pack questionable items in checked luggage instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Sharp objects including knives, box cutters, razors, and scissors with blades longer than 4 inches are prohibited in carry-on bags.
  • Liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) cannot go in your carry-on, even if the container is mostly empty.
  • Flammable items such as lighter fluid, paint thinner, and most aerosol sprays are banned from both carry-on and checked luggage on passenger aircraft.
  • Tools including hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, and power drills are not permitted in carry-on but may be packed in checked bags.
  • Firearms, ammunition, and realistic replica guns are prohibited in carry-on luggage; firearms in checked bags require advance notice and proper declaration.

Sharp Objects and Cutting Tools

Knives of any size are prohibited in carry-on luggage. This includes kitchen knives, pocket knives, and utility knives. Box cutters, razors, and razor blades are also banned. Scissors are allowed only if the blades are 4 inches or shorter, measured from the pivot point.

Ice axes, ice picks, and ski poles are prohibited in carry-on but may be checked. Swords, sabers, and similar weapons cannot travel in either carry-on or checked luggage on commercial flights. If you need to transport knives or tools, pack them in your checked bag instead, where they do not pose a risk to cabin crew or passengers.

Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols Over 3.4 Ounces

The 3-1-1 rule governs liquids in carry-on bags: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, all containers must fit in one clear quart-sized plastic bag, and you may bring one bag per passenger. This rule applies to shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, peanut butter, yogurt, jam, honey, and any other substance that flows or spreads.

Larger containers of these items must go in checked luggage. An unopened, full-size bottle of shampoo cannot go in carry-on even though you could theoretically use only a small amount during the flight. The TSA measures the container size, not how much product is inside. Solid items like deodorant sticks, bar soap, and solid perfume are not subject to the liquid rule and can be any size in carry-on.

Flammable Liquids and Gases

Lighter fluid, paint thinner, acetone, and similar solvents are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage. Aerosol sprays including spray paint, insecticide, and most personal care sprays cannot be brought on aircraft at all. Lighters are restricted: a single lighter without fuel is sometimes permitted in carry-on (but not checked), while lighter fluid is never permitted.

Matches are prohibited in carry-on but one small box of safety matches may be placed in checked luggage only. Fireworks, flares, and any pyrotechnic device are banned from aircraft entirely. If you need these items at your destination, purchase them there rather than attempting to transport them.

Hand Tools and Power Tools

Hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and adjustable wrenches cannot go in carry-on bags. Power drills, saws, sanders, and nail guns are also prohibited in the cabin. Hand saws and chainsaws are banned from carry-on. These items may be packed in checked luggage without restriction.

Toolboxes and tool kits are allowed in checked bags as long as the individual tools inside meet checked-bag rules. If you are traveling for work and need tools at your destination, confirm with your airline that checked luggage will arrive before you need them, since checked bags sometimes take longer to be delivered.

Firearms, Ammunition, and Realistic Replicas

Firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns, are absolutely prohibited in carry-on luggage. Ammunition is also banned from the cabin. Firearms may be transported in checked luggage only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in before you approach the security checkpoint.

Realistic replica guns, airsoft guns, and toy guns that resemble real firearms are prohibited in carry-on. Some airlines prohibit them in checked luggage as well, so contact your airline before packing. Paintball guns and compressed air cartridges have similar restrictions. BB guns are typically prohibited in carry-on but may be checked; confirm with your specific airline.

Sporting Equipment and Other Restricted Items

Baseball bats, cricket bats, and similar sports equipment are prohibited in carry-on but allowed in checked bags. Ski poles, ski boots, and skis may be checked. Golf clubs are prohibited in carry-on but permitted in checked luggage. Lacrosse sticks and hockey sticks are banned from carry-on.

Spear guns, bows and arrows, and crossbows cannot be brought in carry-on or checked luggage. Cattle prods and self-defense sprays (including pepper spray and mace) are prohibited in carry-on; some airlines allow one 2% by mass tear gas cartridge in checked luggage if it is equipped with a safety mechanism. Explosives, including dynamite, gunpowder, and blasting caps, are banned from both carry-on and checked luggage entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Any knife, regardless of size, is prohibited in carry-on luggage. You may pack it in your checked bag instead. If you forget and arrive at security with a knife, you will have to surrender it or return it to your car.

What if my deodorant or toothpaste is larger than 3.4 ounces?

Solid deodorant sticks and bar soap are not subject to the liquid rule and can be any size. Gel or spray deodorant and liquid toothpaste must be 3.4 ounces or smaller in carry-on. Larger containers go in checked luggage.

Can I bring a lighter on the plane if it has no fuel?

An empty lighter without fuel may be permitted in carry-on by some TSA officers, but it is not may provide. Lighter fluid is never permitted. To avoid problems, pack lighters in checked luggage or leave them at home.

Are golf clubs allowed in carry-on?

No, golf clubs are prohibited in carry-on luggage. They may be packed in your checked bag. Most airlines allow one golf bag per passenger in checked luggage at no extra charge, though some charge a sports equipment fee.

What happens if I try to bring a prohibited item through security?

TSA officers will confiscate the item. You cannot retrieve it later. If the item is valuable, you may be able to return it to your car or a nearby location, but this depends on the airport layout and your time before departure. The safest approach is to review the prohibited list before packing.