489 Items You Can and Can't Bring Through TSA Security in 2024

Chris Hassan

Social Media & Brand Manager

244 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 27U.S. States Visited: 26

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

49 Published Articles 3414 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50U.S. States Visited: 28

Jessica Merritt

Senior Editor & Content Contributor

114 Published Articles 569 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 4U.S. States Visited: 23

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Airport security can be one of the more confusing and stressful parts of air travel. Whether you’re unsure about what’s allowed in your carry-on or checked bag, whether you have to take your shoes off, or if you have to pull your laptop out of your bag, passing through the checkpoint can be confusing and frustrating. The rules seem to vary for everyone.

Simple things like having the coveted TSA PreCheck logo on your boarding pass mean that you can breeze through without kicking off your shoes or removing liquids from your bag, but if you aren’t so lucky, you can still expedite the security process by knowing the rules.

The Transportation Security Administration is the government agency responsible for the traveling public in the U.S. This part of the Department of Homeland Security was created in response to the September 11 attacks, with a primary focus on preventing dangerous items from being carried onto airplanes.

All air travelers must undergo a thorough airport screening before entering airside terminals. The process includes an identity check, a luggage scan, and a full-body scan or a pass through a metal detector. If any part of the process gets flagged, agents may asked you to step aside for further inspection.

In general, the process moves quickly, assuming security is properly staffed and travelers have an idea of how the process works. If you haven’t flown lately, we recommend reading our guide on how to easily get through TSA airport security.

Traveling with kids? Don’t miss our guide that helps families speed through TSA airport security like a pro.

Most frequent travelers are familiar with, or even have, TSA PreCheck.

The TSA PreCheck program allows low-risk travelers in the U.S. to bypass certain steps during the security check to expedite the process. To qualify for TSA PreCheck, you must apply and complete an in-person interview at one of the over 500 enrollment centers across the country.

While the process of getting TSA PreCheck may not be worth it for the occasional traveler, anyone who travels more than a few times per year will certainly see the value. TSA PreCheck travelers don’t need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets.

See everything you need to know about TSA PreCheck so that you can weigh the options yourself.

Here’s the ultimate list of what you can and cannot bring in your luggage through TSA security in the U.S.

This list is focused on carry-on bags, but we’ve noted if an item isn’t allowed in a checked bag either.

We’ve listed everything from maximum amounts of liquids in checked baggage to electronics in your carry-on. If it’s a TSA-banned item, it’s on the chart below.

Carry-On Item

Allowed?

Notes

Aerosol insecticide

No

Only in checked bags as long as they are not labeled as a hazardous material

Air mattress with built-in pump

Yes

Must not exceed airline size and weight limits

Airbrush makeup machine

Yes

–

Alcoholic beverages

Yes

Must be in 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) or smaller bottles and fit in a single 1-quart-sized bag

Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Ammunition

No

Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.

Antlers

Yes

Must not exceed airline size and weight limits

Arc lighters, plasma lighters, electronic lighters, e-lighters

Yes

See special instructions. Not allowed in checked bags.

Artificial skeleton bones

Yes

–

Axes and hatchets

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Baby carrier

Yes

–

Baby food

Yes

–

Baby formula

Yes

Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately

Baby powder

Yes

–

Baby wipes

Yes

–

Balloons (not inflated)

Yes

–

Bang snaps

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Baseball bats

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Basketballs, baseballs, footballs, soccer balls

Yes

–

Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility devices

No

Spillable batteries are allowed in wheelchairs. More guidelines are available.

BB guns

No

Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.

Bear bangers

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Bear spray

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Belts, clothes, and shoes

Yes

–

Bicycle chains

Yes

–

Bicycle pumps

Yes

–

Bicycles

Yes

Must not exceed airline size and weight limits

Billy clubs

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Binoculars

Yes

–

Biological specimens, noninfectious, in preservative solutions

Yes

No more than 30 milliliters of free liquid solution in each inner packaging and no more than 1 liter in the entire outer package

Blackjacks (self-defense weapons)

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Blankets

Yes

–

Blasting caps

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Blender

Yes

Blenders are only allowed in carry-on bags if the blade has been removed.

Blood sugar test kit

Yes

–

Bobby pins

Yes

–

Bocce balls

Yes

–

Body armor

Yes

–

Books

Yes

–

Bottle opener

Yes

–

Bottled water

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Bowling balls

Yes

–

Bowling pins

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Bows and arrows

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Box cutters

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Boxing gloves

Yes

–

Brass instruments

Yes

Must not exceed airline size and weight limits

Brass knuckles

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Bread

Yes

–

Bread machine

Yes

–

Breast milk

Yes

Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately

Breast pump

Yes

–

Bug repellent

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Butane

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Butane curling irons (cordless)

Yes

Only allowed in carry-on bags (not checked) and must have a safety cover over the heating element. Refill cartridges are not allowed.

Camera monopod

Yes

–

Camp stoves

Yes

Must be empty of all fuel.

Candy

Yes

–

Canes

Yes

–

Canned foods

Yes

May require additional screening

Canoe/kayak paddles

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Cap guns

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Car parts

Yes

Must be in the original packaging, free of fuel, and not exceed airline size and weight limits

Cast iron cookware

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Casts

Yes

–

Cattle prods

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Cell phones

Yes

–

Cereal

Yes

–

Chapsticks

Yes

–

Cheese (creamy)

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Cheese (solid)

Yes

–

Child car seat

Yes

–

Chlorine for pools and spas

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Chocolate (liquid)

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Chocolate (solid)

Yes

–

Christmas lights

Yes

–

Cigar cutters

Yes

May require additional screening

Cigarettes

Yes

–

Cigars

Yes

–

Clock

Yes

–

No

Not allowed in checked bags either. Special exceptions for personal medical oxygen cylinders.

Yes

Coat hangers

Yes

–

Coffee (beans or ground)

Yes

–

Coffee (liquid)

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Coffee Thermos (empty)

Yes

–

Coffee/espresso maker

Yes

–

Cologne

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Comic books

Yes

–

Compressed air guns

No

Only allowed in checked bags without a compressed air cylinder attached.

Concealer

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Conditioner

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Contact lens solution

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), but exceptions allowed

Contact lenses

Yes

–

Cooked meat, seafood, and vegetables (no liquid)

Yes

–

Cookies

Yes

–

Cooking spray

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Cooler (empty)

Yes

–

Corkscrews (with blade)

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Corkscrews (with no blade)

Yes

–

Cowboy spurs

Yes

–

Crackers

Yes

–

Crampons

Yes

–

Cream

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Creamy dips and spreads

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Cremated remains

Yes

Subject to specific airline rules. Tips for traveling with remains.

Cricket bats

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Crochet hooks

Yes

–

Crowbars

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Crutches

Yes

–

Curling iron (cordless)

Yes

Cordless curling irons containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries or those that are gas- or butane-fueled are only allowed in carry-on bags.

Curling iron (with cord)

Yes

–

Cutting boards

Yes

Generally, plastic and small wood cutting boards are allowed in checked and carry-on bags. However, checkpoint officers make the final decision.

Cymbals

Yes

Must not exceed airline size and weight limits.

Darts

No

Only allowed in checked bags.

Deodorant (aerosol)

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) for carry-ons, 18 ounces for checked bags; max combined 70 ounces

Deodorant (liquid)

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Deodorant (solid)

Yes

–

Desktop computers

Yes

–

Detergent (liquid)

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Detergent (powder or pellet)

Yes

–

Digital cameras

Yes

–

Disassembled computer, computer parts, external hard drives

Yes

–

Disinfecting wipes

Yes

–

Disposable and Zippo lighters

Yes

Only lighters without fuel are allowed in checked bags.

Disposable razor

Yes

–

Divot tools

Yes

–

Dried fruits

Yes

–

Drills and drill bits

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)

Yes

Subject to specific airline rules

Drum sticks (instrument drum set)

Yes

–

Drumsticks

Yes

–

Dry batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D)

Yes

–

Dry ice

Yes

Subject to specific approval. The FAA has a limit of 5.5 pounds of properly packed dry ice.

Dry shampoo

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).

Duct tape

Yes

–

DVD players

Yes

–

Dynamite

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

E-liquids

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml)

E-Z Pass transponders

Yes

–

Electric blankets

Yes

–

Electric fans

Yes

–

Electric razors

Yes

–

Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices

Yes

The FAA prohibits vaping devices in checked bags; only allowed in carry-ons.

Electronic toothbrush

Yes

–

Emergency position-indicating radiobeacons (EPIRB)

Yes

Subject to specific airline rules

Empty beverage container

Yes

–

Empty water bottle

Yes

–

Engine-powered equipment completely purged of fuel

No

Subject to specific airline rules for checked bags

Engine-powered equipment with residual fuel

No

Not allowed in checked bags either.

Engines and engine-powered equipment completely purged of fuel

No

Subject to specific airline rules for checked bags

Engines and engine-powered equipment with residual fuel

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

English Christmas crackers

No

No

EpiPens

Yes

–

Extension cord

Yes

–

External medical devices

Yes

See special security instructions

Eye drops

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Eyeliners (liquid)

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Fertilizer

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Fidget spinners

Yes

–

Film

Yes

–

Fire extinguishers and other compressed gas cylinders

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Firearms

No

Read the special instructions for firearms in checked bags.

Firecracker

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Fireworks

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Fishing pole

Yes

–

Flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Flammable paints

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Flare guns

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Flares

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Flashlights

Yes

–

Flowers

Yes

Must be without water

Foam toy sword

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Foam yoga blocks

Yes

–

Football helmets

Yes

–

Fork

Yes

–

Formaldehyde solution, less than 10%

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Foundation

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Freezer packs

Yes

Must be frozen during screening or less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) to be allowed in a carry-on bag

Fresh eggs

Yes

–

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Yes

Most fruits and vegetables are not allowed on flights to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Fresh meat and seafood

Yes

See special instructions for traveling with meat, seafood, and other non-liquid foods.

Frozen food

Yes

See special instructions for traveling with frozen foods.

Fuel cells used to power portable electronic devices and spare fuel cell cartridges (flammable gases or water-reactive material)

Yes

Up to 2 spare fuel cell cartridges may be carried in carry-on baggage only. Each fuel cell must be marked by the manufacturer as “approved for carriage in aircraft cabin only.”

Fuel cells used to power portable electronic devices and spare fuel cell cartridges (flammable liquid/corrosive material)

Yes

Up to 2 spare fuel cell cartridges may be carried in carry-on and checked bags.

Fuels

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Full-sized video game consoles

Yes

–

Gas torches

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Gasoline

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Geiger counters

Yes

–

Gel ice packs

Yes

Must be frozen during screening or less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) to be allowed in a carry-on bag. There are special exceptions for medical uses.

Gel-type candles

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Glass

Yes

–

Glass picture frame

Yes

–

Glass vase (empty)

Yes

–

Glow sticks

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Golf balls

Yes

–

Golf clubs

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Golf tees

Yes

–

Grater

Yes

Gravy

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Guitar

Yes

Subject to specific airline rules

Gum

Yes

–

Gun lighters

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Gun powder

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Hair clippers

Yes

–

Hairdryers

Yes

–

Hair gel

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Hair straightener (flat iron), cordless

Yes

Cordless hair straighteners that contain lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries or are gas or butane-fueled are only allowed in carry-on bags.

Hair straightener (flat iron)

Yes

–

Hair texturizer (aerosol)

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Hairspray

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) for carry-ons, 18 ounces for checked bags; max combined 70 ounces.

Hammers

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Hand grenades

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Hand sanitizers

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Hand warmers

Yes

–

Handcuffs

Yes

–

Harry Potter wand

Yes

–

Headphones

Yes

–

Heated jackets, sweaters

Yes

There are special FAA regulations for batteries.

Heating pad (gel)

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Heating pads (electric)

Yes

–

Helmets

Yes

–

Hiking poles

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Hockey sticks

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Holiday lights

Yes

–

Holsters

Yes

–

Honey

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Hookahs

Yes

–

Hot plate

Yes

–

Hoverboards

Yes

Subject to specific airline rules

Hummus

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Ice

Yes

Must be frozen during screening or less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) to be allowed in a carry-on bag.

Ice axes, ice picks

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Ice cream

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Inhalers

Yes

–

Instant hot or cold packs

Yes

–

Insulin

Yes

–

Insulin pumps and glucose monitors

Yes

–

Insulin supplies

Yes

–

iPod

Yes

–

Jam and jelly

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Jewelry

Yes

–

Juice for babies

Yes

Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately

Juices

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Kirpans

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Knitting needles

Yes

–

Knives

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Kubatons

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Lacrosse sticks

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Laptops

Yes

–

Laser hair remover

Yes

–

Laser pointers

Yes

–

LED lights

Yes

–

License plate

Yes

–

Life vest

Yes

–

Light bulbs

Yes

–

Light saber

Yes

–

Lighter fluid

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Lipsticks

Yes

–

Liquid bleach

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Liquid medications

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), but medical exceptions apply.

Liquid nitrogen in a dry shipper

Yes

The FAA requires that liquid nitrogen be packaged in a dry shipper when transported in checked baggage.

Liquid vitamins

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Lithium batteries with 100-watt hours or less in a device

Yes

Not allowed in checked bags

Lithium batteries with more than 100 watt-hours

Yes

Subject to specific airline rules, but not allowed in checked bags

Lithium battery-powered lighters

Yes

Not allowed in checked bags

Live coral

Yes

Not allowed in checked bags

Live fish

Yes

Not allowed in checked bags

Live lobster

Yes

Subject to specific airline rules

Lock picks

Yes

Must be less than 7 inches or be in a checked bag

Longboards

Yes

Yes

Lotion

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Luggage protection covers

Yes

Yes

Magic 8 Ball

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Magnets

Yes

–

Makeup remover

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Makeup wipes

Yes

–

Mallets

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Maple syrup

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Martial arts weapons

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Mascara

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Massagers

Yes

–

Meat cleavers

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Medical devices

Yes

Not allowed in checked bags

Medical marijuana

Yes

Must contain less than 0.3% THC. See specific cannabis rules.

Medical masks

Yes

–

Medical-clinical thermometer (mercury)

No

The FAA allows 1 small medical-clinical thermometer (mercury) per passenger for personal use in checked bags only.

Medically necessary personal oxygen

Yes

Subject to specific airline rules, but not allowed in checked bags.

Medications (liquid)

Yes

Large amounts must be declared.

Medications (pills)

Yes

–

Metal detector

Yes

Must not exceed airline size and weight limits

Microwave

Yes

Must not exceed airline size and weight limits

Mirrors

Yes

–

Mixer

Yes

Must not exceed airline size and weight limits

MREs (meal, ready-to-eat)

Yes

–

Multitool without blades

Yes

–

Multitools

Yes

Knives are prohibited on carry-on bags; scissor blades must be less than 4 inches.

Nail clippers

Yes

–

Nail file (metal)

Yes

–

Nail guns

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Nail polish

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Nail polish remover

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Navigation GPS

Yes

–

Nebulizers, CPAPs, BiPAPs, and APAPs

Yes

See special instructions.

Night sticks

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Nightvision goggles

Yes

–

Nitroglycerine pills

Yes

–

Unspillable wet batteries

Yes

Maximum of 2 spare batteries that don’t exceed 12 volts and 100 watt-hours

Nunchucks

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Nuts

Yes

–

Oils and vinegars

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Paintings

Yes

–

Parachutes

Yes

See special instructions

Parts of guns and firearms

No

Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.

Party poppers

No

–

Peanut butter

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Pellet guns

No

Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.

Pen

Yes

–

Pencil sharpeners

Yes

–

Pepper spray

No

Only 1 4-fluid-ounce container of mace or pepper spray is allowed in checked luggage.

Perfume

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Permeation devices for calibrating air quality

No

The FAA limits the total quantity of hazardous materials in the device to 2 milliliters (0.07 ounces). The device and its packaging cannot weigh more than 30 kilograms (66 pounds) and must be in a checked bag.

Pet food (solid)

Yes

–

Pet food (wet)

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Phone chargers

Yes

–

Pies and cakes

Yes

–

Pill cutter

Yes

–

Pillows

Yes

–

Pizza

Yes

–

Planting seeds

Yes

–

Plants

Yes

–

Play-Doh

Yes

–

Pocket knife

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Pool cues

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Portable oxygen concentrators

Yes

See the list of approved portable oxygen concentrators.

Pots and pans

Yes

Cast iron skillets must go in a checked bag.

Powder makeup

Yes

–

Power banks

Yes

Not allowed in checked bags

Power charger

Yes

Not allowed in checked bags

Power inverters

Yes

–

Printer

Yes

–

Printer ink

Yes

–

Projectors

Yes

–

Propane

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Prosthetics

Yes

–

Protein or energy powders

Yes

–

Putty balls

Yes

–

Radio

Yes

–

Rainbow flame crystals

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Razor-type blades

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Realistic replicas of explosives

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Realistic replicas of firearms

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Realistic replicas of incendiaries

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Recreational oxygen

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Remote-controlled cars

Yes

–

Rifle scope (scope only)

Yes

–

Rifles

No

Read the special instructions for firearms in checked bags.

Rocket launcher

No

Not allowed in checked bags either.

Rocks

Yes

–

Rope

Yes

–

Sabers

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Safety matches

Yes

Not allowed in checked bags

Safety pin

Yes

–

Safety razor with blades (allowed without blade)

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Salad dressing

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Salsa and sauces

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Salt

Yes

–

Samsung Galaxy Note 7

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Sand

Yes

–

Sandwiches

Yes

–

Saws

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Scissors

Yes

Must be less than 4 inches from the pivot point

Screwdriver (longer than 7 inches)

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Screwdrivers (shorter than 7 inches)

Yes

–

Sea shells

Yes

–

Segways

Yes

Subject to specific airline rules

Self-defense sprays

No

Only 1 4-fluid-ounce container of mace or pepper spray is allowed in checked luggage.

Selfie stick

Yes

–

Sewing machine

Yes

–

Sewing needles

Yes

–

Shampoo

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Shaving cream (aerosol)

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Shell casings

Yes

Empty shell casings are allowed in specific circumstances.

Shock collars

Yes

–

Shoe horn

Yes

–

Shoe inserts

Yes

–

Shoe tree

Yes

–

Shoe/snow spikes

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Skateboards

Yes

Must not exceed airline size and weight limits

Skates

Yes

–

Ski poles

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Sleeping bag

Yes

–

Slingshots

No

Only allowed in checked bags.

Small compressed gas cartridges

No

Not allowed in checked bags either. Special exceptions for personal medical oxygen cylinders.

Small fishing lures

Yes

–

Small pets

Yes

Subject to specific airline rules

Small toy cars

Yes

–

Smart luggage

Yes

Subject to specific airline rules

Snack bar

Yes

–

Snacks

Yes

–

Snow cleats

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Snow globes

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Snowboards

Yes

Must not exceed airline size and weight limits

Snowshoes

Yes

–

Soap (bar)

Yes

–

Soap (liquid)

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Soda

Yes

–

Solar panels

Yes

Must not exceed airline size and weight limits

Solid candles

Yes

–

Solid foods

Yes

–

Solid makeup

Yes

–

Soups

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Sparklers

Yes

–

Speakers

Yes

–

Spearguns

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Spices (dry)

Yes

–

Spillable batteries

No

Not allowed in checked bags either, except those in wheelchairs

Sports cleats

Yes

–

Spray paint

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Spray starch

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Staplers

Yes

–

Starter pistols

No

Read special instructions for firearms in checked bags.

Steel toe boots

Yes

–

Stick pins

Yes

–

Strike-anywhere matches

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Stuffed animals

Yes

–

Stun guns/shocking devices

No

Only allowed in checked bags.

Sunscreen

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Supplements

Yes

–

Support braces (knee, ankle, wrist, back)

Yes

–

Surge protector

Yes

–

Swiss Army knife

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Swords

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Tablets

Yes

–

Tactical pen

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Tampons

Yes

–

Tape measures

Yes

–

Tattoo guns

Yes

–

Tattoo inks

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Tea (dry teabags or loose tea leaves)

Yes

–

Tea kettle

Yes

–

Tear gas

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Television

Yes

–

Tennis rackets

Yes

–

TENS unit

Yes

–

Tent

Yes

Must not exceed airline size and weight limits

Tent poles

Yes

Even if an item is generally allowed, officers make the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

Tent spikes

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Throwing stars

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Tobacco

Yes

–

Tobacco pipes

Yes

–

Tools

Yes

Must be less than 7 inches or be in a checked bag

Toothbrush

Yes

–

Toothpaste

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

Torch lighters

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Tortilla press

Yes

–

Toy guns and weapons

Yes

Technically, some are allowed, but it’s recommended that you place them in a checked bag.

Toy robots

Yes

–

Toys (adult)

Yes

–

Tripods

Yes

–

Trophy

Yes

–

Turpentine and paint thinner

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Tweezers

Yes

–

Umbrellas

Yes

Must not exceed airline size and weight limits

Unused syringes

Yes

Must be declared to a security officer

Used syringes

Yes

See special instructions.

Utensils

Yes

Plastic or round-bladed butter knives are allowed, other knives must be placed in a checked bag.

Utility knives

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Vacuum robots

Yes

–

Vacuum-sealed bags

Yes

Allowed but not encouraged. If they set off the alarm, the TSA officer may need to open them for inspection.

Vehicle airbags

No

Not allowed in checked bags either

Violins

Yes

Subject to specific airline rules

Virtual reality unit

Yes

–

Vitamins

Yes

–

Waffle iron

Yes

–

Walkers

Yes

–

Walking sticks

No

Only allowed in checked bags

Wallet chains

Yes

–

Water for babies

Yes

Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately

Weather barometer or thermometer (mercury)

Yes

These devices contain more mercury than consumer devices and may only be carried by a representative of a government weather bureau or similar agency in carry-on baggage.

Wedding dress

Yes

Subject to specific airline rules

Wet wipes

Yes

–

Wheelchairs

Yes

–

Wine bottle

Yes

Must be in 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller bottles and fit in a single 1-quart-sized bag to carry on. Checked bags may not have more than 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger in unopened original packaging.

Wrenches/pliers

Yes

Must be less than 7 inches or be in a checked bag

Xbox

Yes

–

Yoga mat

Yes

–

Yogurt

Yes

Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)

As you can see, there are a lot of things that are not allowed in your carry-on bag, according to the TSA. A lot of it is pretty understandable, though: safety first!

Simple things like wearing easy-to-remove shoes, packing your laptop on top so you can scan it separately, and having your boarding pass and ID ready can save you valuable time when going through security.

But one of the best tips we can give to travelers is to sign up for TSA PreCheck. The benefits can save you valuable time at the airport, which means more time in the lounges! To top it off, you may already have a card that will reimburse you for the cost of applying for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

And, as always, regardless of whether you have TSA PreCheck or not, having a TSA-approved luggage lock can save you time and hassle during the security process.

If you still have questions about TSA, see our 80 TSA FAQs!

At the end of the day, the TSA rules above were made to make flying safer for everyone. It may seem extreme to some, but the security process can be quick and easy with planning,

As long as you don’t have a TSA-banned item in your carry-on and listen to the officers’ instructions, you should breeze through security on your next trip. For those who have taken advantage of TSA PreCheck, the process will be even easier.

As always, if you have any questions, leave them in the comments or join our official Facebook Group to chat with fellow travelers!

Yes, each passenger can bring as many 3-ounce bottles as they can fit in a 1-quart-sized bag.

Yes, toothpaste is subject to the 3-1-1 rule.

Yes, mascara is considered a liquid, therefore containers must be smaller than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

There are hundreds of items that the TSA specifically lists that are either allowed or prohibited from flying. We have compiled a complete list of exactly what you can or can’t bring on your next flight.

Was this page helpful?

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Top Partner Offers

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

American Express® Gold Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Top Partner Offers - Our Selection Approach

×

At Upgraded Points, our team has rigorously evaluated nearly every travel and rewards credit card available for both consumers and businesses. Our recommendations are based on direct experience: we endorse cards that we’re currently using, cards we’ve used in the past and found valuable, or cards that we truly believe could offer real benefits to our readers.

Airport Guides

Airport Lounges

Advertisement