![489 Items You Can and Cannot Bring Through TSA Security [2024]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TSA-Airport-Security-Cell-phone-Bin.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
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 .
Updated: August 9, 2024, 6:38am CDT43 Published Articles 3380 Edited Articles
Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28
With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now editor-in-chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r.
Editor & Content Contributor
108 Published Articles 549 Edited Articles
Countries Visited: 4 U.S. States Visited: 23
A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little ca.
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.
Hot Tip:
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.
Hot Tip:
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.
SCROLL FOR MORECarry-On Item
Allowed?
Notes
Only in checked bags as long as they are not labeled as a hazardous material
Air mattress with built-in pump
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Airbrush makeup machine
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
Not allowed in checked bags either
Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Arc lighters, plasma lighters, electronic lighters, e-lighters
See special instructions. Not allowed in checked bags.
Artificial skeleton bones
Axes and hatchets
Only allowed in checked bags
Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately
Balloons (not inflated)
Not allowed in checked bags either
Only allowed in checked bags
Basketballs, baseballs, footballs, soccer balls
Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility devices
Spillable batteries are allowed in wheelchairs. More guidelines are available.
Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Belts, clothes, and shoes
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Only allowed in checked bags
Biological specimens, noninfectious, in preservative solutions
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)
Only allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags either
Blenders are only allowed in carry-on bags if the blade has been removed.
Blood sugar test kit
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Bows and arrows
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Only allowed in checked bags
Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Not allowed in checked bags either
Butane curling irons (cordless)
Only allowed in carry-on bags (not checked) and must have a safety cover over the heating element. Refill cartridges are not allowed.
Must be empty of all fuel.
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be in the original packaging, free of fuel, and not exceed airline size and weight limits
Cast iron cookware
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Chlorine for pools and spas
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Not allowed in checked bags either. Special exceptions for personal medical oxygen cylinders.
Coffee (beans or ground)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Coffee Thermos (empty)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Compressed air guns
Only allowed in checked bags without a compressed air cylinder attached.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Contact lens solution
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), but exceptions allowed
Cooked meat, seafood, and vegetables (no liquid)
Not allowed in checked bags either
Corkscrews (with blade)
Only allowed in checked bags
Corkscrews (with no blade)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Creamy dips and spreads
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Subject to specific airline rules. Tips for traveling with remains.
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Curling iron (cordless)
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)
Generally, plastic and small wood cutting boards are allowed in checked and carry-on bags. However, checkpoint officers make the final decision.
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits.
Only allowed in checked bags.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) for carry-ons, 18 ounces for checked bags; max combined 70 ounces
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Detergent (powder or pellet)
Disassembled computer, computer parts, external hard drives
Disposable and Zippo lighters
Only lighters without fuel are allowed in checked bags.
Drills and drill bits
Only allowed in checked bags
Drones, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)
Subject to specific airline rules
Drum sticks (instrument drum set)
Dry batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D)
Subject to specific approval. The FAA has a limit of 5.5 pounds of properly packed dry ice.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml)
E-Z Pass transponders
Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices
The FAA prohibits vaping devices in checked bags; only allowed in carry-ons.
Emergency position-indicating radiobeacons (EPIRB)
Subject to specific airline rules
Empty beverage container
Empty water bottle
Engine-powered equipment completely purged of fuel
Subject to specific airline rules for checked bags
Engine-powered equipment with residual fuel
Not allowed in checked bags either.
Engines and engine-powered equipment completely purged of fuel
Subject to specific airline rules for checked bags
Engines and engine-powered equipment with residual fuel
Not allowed in checked bags either
English Christmas crackers
External medical devices
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Not allowed in checked bags either
Fire extinguishers and other compressed gas cylinders
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must be without water
Only allowed in checked bags
Foam yoga blocks
Formaldehyde solution, less than 10%
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be frozen during screening or less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) to be allowed in a carry-on bag
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Most fruits and vegetables are not allowed on flights to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Fresh meat and seafood
Fuel cells used to power portable electronic devices and spare fuel cell cartridges (flammable gases or water-reactive material)
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)
Up to 2 spare fuel cell cartridges may be carried in carry-on and checked bags.
Not allowed in checked bags either
Full-sized video game consoles
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
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.
Only allowed in checked bags
Glass picture frame
Glass vase (empty)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Subject to specific airline rules
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Hair straightener (flat iron), cordless
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)
Hair texturizer (aerosol)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) for carry-ons, 18 ounces for checked bags; max combined 70 ounces.
Only allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Harry Potter wand
Heated jackets, sweaters
Heating pad (gel)
Only allowed in checked bags
Heating pads (electric)
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Subject to specific airline rules
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
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
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Instant hot or cold packs
Insulin pumps and glucose monitors
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Juice for babies
Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Laser hair remover
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), but medical exceptions apply.
Liquid nitrogen in a dry shipper
The FAA requires that liquid nitrogen be packaged in a dry shipper when transported in checked baggage.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Lithium batteries with 100-watt hours or less in a device
Not allowed in checked bags
Lithium batteries with more than 100 watt-hours
Subject to specific airline rules, but not allowed in checked bags
Lithium battery-powered lighters
Not allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags
Subject to specific airline rules
Must be less than 7 inches or be in a checked bag
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Luggage protection covers
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Martial arts weapons
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags
Must contain less than 0.3% THC. See specific cannabis rules.
Medical-clinical thermometer (mercury)
The FAA allows 1 small medical-clinical thermometer (mercury) per passenger for personal use in checked bags only.
Medically necessary personal oxygen
Subject to specific airline rules, but not allowed in checked bags.
Large amounts must be declared.
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
MREs (meal, ready-to-eat)
Multitool without blades
Knives are prohibited on carry-on bags; scissor blades must be less than 4 inches.
Nail file (metal)
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Nail polish remover
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Nebulizers, CPAPs, BiPAPs, and APAPs
Only allowed in checked bags
Unspillable wet batteries
Maximum of 2 spare batteries that don’t exceed 12 volts and 100 watt-hours
Only allowed in checked bags
Oils and vinegars
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
See special instructions
Parts of guns and firearms
Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Allowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.
Only 1 4-fluid-ounce container of mace or pepper spray is allowed in checked luggage.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Permeation devices for calibrating air quality
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.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Portable oxygen concentrators
Cast iron skillets must go in a checked bag.
Not allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags either
Protein or energy powders
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Realistic replicas of explosives
Not allowed in checked bags either
Realistic replicas of firearms
Only allowed in checked bags
Realistic replicas of incendiaries
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Rifle scope (scope only)
Not allowed in checked bags either.
Only allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags
Safety razor with blades (allowed without blade)
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Salsa and sauces
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
Not allowed in checked bags either
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 4 inches from the pivot point
Screwdriver (longer than 7 inches)
Only allowed in checked bags
Screwdrivers (shorter than 7 inches)
Subject to specific airline rules
Only 1 4-fluid-ounce container of mace or pepper spray is allowed in checked luggage.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Shaving cream (aerosol)
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Empty shell casings are allowed in specific circumstances.
Only allowed in checked bags
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags.
Small compressed gas cartridges
Not allowed in checked bags either. Special exceptions for personal medical oxygen cylinders.
Small fishing lures
Subject to specific airline rules
Subject to specific airline rules
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Only allowed in checked bags
Not allowed in checked bags either, except those in wheelchairs
Not allowed in checked bags either
Not allowed in checked bags either
Steel toe boots
Not allowed in checked bags either
Stun guns/shocking devices
Only allowed in checked bags.
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Support braces (knee, ankle, wrist, back)
Swiss Army knife
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Tea (dry teabags or loose tea leaves)
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Even if an item is generally allowed, officers make the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
Only allowed in checked bags
Only allowed in checked bags
Must be less than 7 inches or be in a checked bag
Must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters)
Not allowed in checked bags either
Toy guns and weapons
Technically, some are allowed, but it’s recommended that you place them in a checked bag.
Turpentine and paint thinner
Not allowed in checked bags either
Must not exceed airline size and weight limits
Must be declared to a security officer
Plastic or round-bladed butter knives are allowed, other knives must be placed in a checked bag.
Not allowed in checked bags either
Allowed but not encouraged. If they set off the alarm, the TSA officer may need to open them for inspection.
Not allowed in checked bags either
Subject to specific airline rules
Virtual reality unit
Only allowed in checked bags
Water for babies
Allowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately
Weather barometer or thermometer (mercury)
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.
Subject to specific airline rules
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.
Must be less than 7 inches or be in a checked bag
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.
Hot Tip:
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!
Featured Image Credit: Monkey Business Images via ShutterstockYes, 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
Our Selection Approach
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card" />
LIMITED TIME OFFER!
Earn $900 Cash Back
BEST LOUNGE ACCESS
Earn 80,000 Points
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.
UP's Bonus Valuation
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.
Upgrade your travel experience
© 2024 Upgraded Points™, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer: Upgraded Points, LLC and its website, UpgradedPoints.com, provides information on credit cards, reward programs, travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice.
Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site — and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position.
Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. For more information on our advertisers and how we make money, see our advertising policy here. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Editorial Disclosure: The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Any and all options, reviews, comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer.
