As a traveler who’s seen it all – from last-minute unpacking at security lines to breezing through checkpoints with ease – I understand how tricky it can be to know what is allowed in and prohibited from your carry-on.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide on everything you can bring in your hand luggage, helping you start your journey smoothly at the security checkpoint.
Note: This guide is specifically tailored to TSA regulations for those flying from the United States, but remember, airport security rules can vary around the world. So if you’re flying from another country, it’s important to check the local regulations.
Table of Contents
What is allowed in and prohibited from your carry-on
To save you from the hassle of unpacking or losing cherished items at the security line, here’s a handy list based on TSA guidelines and commonly accepted rules by major airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and British Airways.
Allowed
- Personal items and clothing essentials such as clothes, wallets, and similar essentials.
- Valuables like money, jewelry, important documents, and similar items.
- Electronics such as laptops, phones, chargers, e-readers, etc.
- Medications and special needs items. Prescription and essential non-prescription medications, inhalers, EpiPens, crutches, etc.
- Liquids, gels, and aerosols containers must be 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less, all in a single, quart-sized, clear plastic bag.
- Baby essentials. Food, equipment, and other necessary items.
- Small tools Such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers (under seven inches in length).
- E-cigarettes, matches, lighters, and Vaping Devices
- Snacks and solid foods are allowed, but rules on liquids apply.
Not Allowed
- Sharp objects and large tools such as large scissors or pocket knives.
- Martial arts and self defense items including mace, and pepper spray.
- Flammable items Like aerosol cans outside of toiletries.
- Liquids over 3.4 ounces. This includes larger bottles of toiletries and drinks.
- Sporting goods & athletic equipment not suited for carry-on.
- Alcohol. large quantities over 3.4 ounces.
- Guns and firearms explosive materials Such as fireworks and blasting caps.
- Chemicals, bleach, spray paint, fertilizers, tear gas, etc.
Read on in our guide for more detailed information about each type of item and what limits apply.
Airline restrictions for carry-on and personal item bags
When preparing for air travel, it’s essential to understand the restrictions that apply to hand luggage. This includes both your carry-on bag and your personal item.
Carry-on bag restrictions
Not all bags will fit in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If a bag fails to meet the airline’s standards, it could land in the plane’s cargo hold or even incur additional charges.
Keep in mind that each airline has its own set of rules regarding the acceptable size and weight of carry-on luggage. The standard size for a carry-on bag typically falls within 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit can vary, often ranging from 15 to 22 pounds (7 to 10 kg).
Do note that these dimensions include the suitcase’s wheels, handles, and extruding compartments. Don’t be surprised if your bag is measured at the gate! It’s advisable to measure your carry-on before heading to the airport.
One significant pivot to the above thumb rule is the regional and small airlines. They usually have smaller overhead storage, consequently resulting in stricter size guidelines.
Carry-ons are subject to various content restrictions, especially regarding liquids, gels, and aerosols, which must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule (containers of 3.4 ounces/100 ml or less, in a single quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger). Sharp objects, flammable items, and certain tools are generally prohibited.Laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices are allowed but may need to be removed and screened separately during security checks.
You should be able to lift and store your carry-on bag in the overhead bin unassisted.
Personal item bag restrictions
The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, so keep size limitations in mind.
Be prepared for security. Have liquids and electronics easily accessible for security checks to speed up the process.
Understanding these guidelines will not only help you pack effectively but also ensure that you comply with airline policies, making your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Items permitted in carry-on luggage
What can you bring, and what should you leave behind? My golden rule is simple: When in doubt, leave it out. The TSA provides comprehensive guidelines on what is permitted in your hand luggage.
To help you out, I’ve put together a list of items that are allowed in hand luggage (this includes both your carry-on and personal item bags).
- Clothing and personal items
Bring what you need while keeping an eye on those size and weight limits for your carry-on be it your clothes to your shoes and other necessary wears.
Now, onto other personal items. You’re free to pack your hairspray, makeup, nail clippers, electric razors, and such.
And yes, scissors are okay as long as the blades are less than 4 inches. Razors? Disposable ones are fine. Curling irons are also allowed, but just one per person, and it must have a safety cover.
- Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols
The 3-1-1 liquid rule set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandates that liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag must be stored in travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
All such 3.4-ounce containers should be placed together in a clear, quart-sized, plastic, zip-top bag. To put it simply, remember that it’s 3.4 ounces per item, one quart-sized bag, and one bag per passenger. This bag needs to be taken out of your carry-on luggage when you’re at the checkpoint for easy inspection. Spare yourself unnecessary frustration by arriving prepared.
But, there are some exceptions – baby formula, breast milk, and medically necessary liquids like insulin, for instance. These essentials get a pass, but it’s a good idea to inform the TSA officer about them.
- Valuables
Keep your money, credit cards, jewelry, your ID, and crucial documents close. Tuck these items safely in your cabin bag, preferably your personal item bag since it’s the closest to you. It’s the best way to prevent any mishaps like theft or loss.
- Medication and Special Needs Items
Keep essential medications and medical items in your carry-on. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as medical necessities like inhalers, EpiPens, blood-sugar test kits, and even liquid nutrition for those with specific health conditions. This way you have access to what you need, when you need it.
When you’re traveling with these medical items, especially things like needles or liquid medications over 3.4 ounces, let the TSA agent know. They’ll need to take a closer look, but it’s all standard procedure to ensure your safety and convenience.
- Baby food, equipment, and needs
Traveling with a little one? Whether it’s baby formula, breast milk, juice, or even those gel-filled teethers and jarred baby foods, you’re allowed to bring them on the plane. The good news is, that these baby-specific items aren’t bound by the usual 3-1-1 liquids rule.
However, at checkpoint, you’ll need to take these items out of your carry-on and let the TSA officers know you have them..
Beyond food and drink for your baby, other essentials like baby wipes, car seats, and baby carriers are also permitted through security.
- Electronics
Your laptops, e-readers, cell phones, cameras are all good to go in your carry-on bag.
When you’re at the security checkpoint, you’ll need to take out certain larger electronic items. Laptops, for example, need to be removed from their cases and placed in a separate bin for individual screening.
Smaller gadgets, like your smartphone or tablet, can usually stay tucked away in your bag during the screening process. So, no need to worry about fishing out your phone unless you’re specifically asked to.
- Small Tools
Tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers are allowed as long as they’re no longer than seven inches. Nail clippers and pill cutters are good too. And if you’re a crafter, those small scissors with blades measuring 4 inches or less from the pivot point can come along too.
But for larger or sharper tools, it’s best to wrap them securely and pack them in your checked baggage.
- Disposable and electric razors
Good news for those who like to stay well-groomed, both disposable and electric razors are permitted in your carry-on or checked luggage.
- Batteries
Dry batteries, like the AA, AAA, C, and D types, are fine in your hand luggage. However, lithium batteries have specific rules. If they’re 100-watt hours or less and installed in a device, you can pack them in either carry-on or checked luggage. However, if you have loose lithium batteries, they can only be in your carry-on.
- Knitting needles
For all the knitters out there, you’ll be happy to know that you can bring your knitting needles and needlepoint materials in your carry-on bags. My tip is you make sure your needles are wrapped or covered somehow so they don’t accidentally poke or injure anyone, like luggage handlers or security inspectors.
- E-cigarettes and Vaping Devices
Despite the strict no-smoking policies on planes, these vaping devices actually need to be in your hand luggage, not your checked luggage. It’s a safety thing.
- Mobility aids
For those who use mobility aids like pushchairs, walking aids, or wheelchairs, you can bring these in the cabin. They just need to go through security screening first. If you’re using a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid, you should check with your airline ahead of time for any specific guidelines or arrangements.
- Gifts
While it’s okay to carry wrapped presents, there’s a chance they might get unwrapped at security for inspection. To save your wrapping efforts, it might be best to leave the presents unwrapped until you reach your destination. This way, you can ensure they remain a surprise and also make the security process smoother.
- Wedding dress
Taking a wedding dress on a plane? No problem. But let’s do it right. First, pack your dress in a protective garment bag to keep it safe and neat. Then, give your airline a quick call to ask about their policies for stowing such an item. Is it counted as your carry-on? Might there be an extra charge? Knowing this in advance helps. Also, you can chat with an airline agent about the best way to store your dress on board.
- Food and Snacks
Airport food can be pricey. To save some cash, consider bringing your own snacks from home. Most food items will pass through security without a hitch. Just keep in mind the 3.4-ounce rule for liquids, gels, or creams. This means that items like yogurt need to be under that limit. Solid foods, however, are generally fine.
Restricted and prohibited items in carry-on bags
When packing your carry-on and personal item bag, please know that these items are a definite no-go according to TSA rules. Understanding these restrictions helps you decide whether to leave certain items behind, find alternatives, or pack them in your checked luggage instead.
- Sharp objects and tools
Sharp objects or tools that could potentially be used as weapons are generally not allowed. This includes a variety of items like box cutters, ice axes, picks, knives (except plastic or round-bladed butter knives), meat cleavers, razor-type blades, and scissors with blades longer than 4 inches.
If you’re carrying any sharp tools in your checked baggage, make sure they’re well-covered or securely wrapped to avoid injuring baggage handlers and inspectors. While nail clippers and disposable razors are usually okay in your carry-on, things like pocket knives or large scissors are a no-go and will be confiscated.
- Martial arts and self defense items
Regarding self-defense items, you can’t carry them on.
This rule includes items like black jacks, brass knuckles, kubatons, night sticks, nunchakus, stun guns, and throwing stars. Pepper spray is a common query, and while you may feel the need for protection, these items aren’t allowed in your carry-on.
The same goes for tasers, large knives, and brass knuckles. If you really need to travel with a self-defense spray, you can pack one four-ounce container in your checked luggage, but it must have a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Remember, these items, by their very nature, could cause harm, so they’re best transported in your checked bags.
- Sporting goods and athletic equipment
Most of the bigger items, like baseball bats, ski poles, golf clubs, pool cues, and similar equipment, are a no-go in your carry-on because they could potentially be used as weapons. This means they need to be checked in.
But it’s not all off-limits. You can pack smaller sports items like roller skates, rollerblades, fishing poles, and tennis rackets in your carry-on. Ice skates are also allowed, although this sometimes depends on the discretion of the airport security agent. A good tip is to pack them in shoe travel bags as an extra precaution, according to Travelpro.
Also, items like baseball bats, golf clubs, and hockey sticks must go in your checked baggage. Bicycles are sometimes allowed on flights, but policies vary by airline, so it’s best to check with them beforehand.
- Large quantities of alcohol (more than 3.4 ounces)
You can’t bring beverages with over 70% alcohol content, like grain alcohol or 151 proof rum, in your carry-on or checked baggage. However, you can pack up to five liters of adult beverages (between 24% and 70% alcohol) in your checked luggage, as long as they’re in unopened retail packaging.
- Guns and firearms
You can’t carry on or check items like flares, gun powder, and percussion caps. Firearms, BB guns, paintball guns, pellet guns, starter pistols, and replicas are check-only items. For your safety and others’, they must be unloaded, well-packaged, and declared at check-in.
The TSA specifies that firearms must be in a locked hard-sided container in your checked baggage. For ammunition, it should be securely packed in boxes or other packaging designed for ammo. Always check with your airline for any specific rules, limitations, or fees related to checking firearms.
- Explosive materials
Explosive materials are an absolute no on planes. This includes things like blasting caps, dynamite, fireworks, flares, hand grenades, plastic explosives, and even replicas of these items. You cannot bring any of these, neither in your carry-on nor in your checked luggage. They pose a serious safety risk, and as such, are strictly prohibited on all commercial passenger aircraft.
- Chemicals
Items like chlorine, bleach, spillable batteries, spray paint, fertilizers, and tear gas are not allowed on flights. This applies to both your carry-on and checked luggage.
- Flammable items
Flammable items are another category where the rules are quite strict. This includes aerosol cans (except for limited quantities of personal care items that are 3.4 ounces or less), butane, fuels, gasoline, gas torches, lighter fluid, strike-anywhere matches, flammable paints, turpentine, paint thinner, and various types of lighters, like arc, plasma, electronic, and E-lighters. Also, replicas of incendiaries are not permitted.
Essentially, if it can catch fire easily, it’s not going to be allowed on the plane, in either carry-on or checked luggage.
For a more comprehensive list, or if you’re unsure about a specific item, a quick visit to the TSA website can provide clarity. It’s always better to check beforehand than face surprises at the airport.
FAQs
What are the penalties for not complying with TSA hand luggage rules
The Travel Security Administration (TSA) enforces its rules quite stringently. If you’re found attempting to bring prohibited items like weapons or dangerous materials onto a plane, you could face significant consequences.
The TSA doesn’t just give a slap on the wrist; we’re talking about hefty fines that can reach up to $14,950. It’s not just about the financial hit, though – it’s also a matter of safety and security for everyone involved. So, double-check those TSA guidelines and pack accordingly to avoid any unwelcome penalties.
What is not allowed in carry-on luggage?
In carry-on luggage, certain items are restricted due to safety concerns:
- Sharp Objects: Like knives, large scissors, and tools.
- Firearms and Weapons: Including replicas and ammunition.
- Sporting Goods: Such as bats, clubs, and sticks.
- Flammable Items: Aerosols (except limited toiletries), fuels, and matches.
- Chemicals: Like bleach and certain batteries.
Can I carry perfume on a flight?
Yes, you can carry perfume on a flight, but it must comply with the TSA’s liquids rule, meaning it should be in a container of no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and placed in your quart-sized liquids bag.
What is not allowed in checked baggage?
In checked baggage, do not pack
- Explosives and Fireworks
- Flammable Items: Like lighter fluid and matches.
- Dangerous Chemicals: Such as acids or poisons.
- Lithium Batteries: Only allowed in carry-on baggage.
- E-Cigarettes or Vaping Devices.
How do I carry medications on a flight?
You can carry medications on a flight in both your carry-on and checked luggage. It’s recommended to keep them in their original packaging with labels. Liquid medications are exempt from the 3.4 ounces liquids rule, but you should declare them to TSA officers at the security checkpoint.
Are there any specific restrictions for international flights?
Yes, international flights often have additional restrictions based on the destination country’s laws. These can include stricter regulations on foods (especially fruits, vegetables, and meats), tobacco, alcohol, and certain over-the-counter or prescription medications. Always check the regulations of your destination country and airline before flying internationally.
