Packing for a flight always raises the same question: can I bring this through security? TSA rules can be confusing, and getting it wrong means holding up the line while an agent inspects your bag — or losing an item entirely. This guide covers the most commonly asked items so you can pack with confidence.
The Basics: TSA’s 3-1-1 Liquids Rule
The most important rule to know is the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on bags:
- 3.4 ounces (100ml): maximum container size for liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols
- 1 quart-sized bag: all liquid containers must fit in a single clear, resealable bag
- 1 bag per passenger: one liquids bag per person
This applies to all liquids — including things you might not think of as liquid, like peanut butter, hummus, yogurt, jam, and even snow globes.
What counts as a liquid? If you can pour it, spread it, spray it, or pump it, TSA considers it a liquid. When in doubt, pack it in your checked bag.
For the full breakdown of exemptions, edge cases, and international variations, see our TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule complete guide.
Food and Drinks
Food is one of the most confusing categories. Here’s the breakdown:
Allowed in Carry-On
- Solid foods: sandwiches, chips, crackers, candy, granola bars, nuts, fruit, vegetables, cookies, bread, bagels, pizza
- Meat and cheese: deli meats, jerky, cheese blocks and slices (not cheese spreads)
- Baked goods: cakes, pies, muffins, donuts
- Baby food and formula: exempt from the 3-1-1 rule — any quantity is allowed but must be declared for inspection
- Frozen items: frozen meals and frozen liquids are fine as long as they’re fully frozen when you reach the checkpoint. If they’ve melted, they follow the 3-1-1 rule
Subject to the 3-1-1 Rule (Carry-On)
- Yogurt, hummus, peanut butter, jelly, jam
- Soups, sauces, salsa, gravy
- Dips and spreads (cream cheese, guacamole)
- Honey, maple syrup, oils, vinegar
- Canned foods with liquid
Pro Tip
Bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it at a water fountain or bottle filler after the checkpoint. Buying water at the airport costs $4–6. Staying hydrated on flights matters — and it’s free past security.
For the complete rules on solid foods, frozen items, baby food, peanut butter, cake, and the foods that secretly count as liquids, see our guide to bringing food through TSA.
Electronics and Batteries
Carry-On (Allowed and Recommended)
- Laptops, tablets, e-readers
- Phones, smartwatches, earbuds
- Cameras and camera equipment
- Portable chargers / power banks (these must go in carry-on, not checked bags)
- Batteries: lithium-ion batteries under 100Wh (standard phone and laptop batteries)
- Hair dryers, curling irons, flat irons (corded)
Special Rules
- Laptops and large tablets: must be removed from your bag and placed in a separate bin at standard screening (not required for PreCheck)
- Lithium batteries over 100Wh: require airline approval (e.g., large camera batteries, some drone batteries)
- Lithium batteries over 160Wh: prohibited entirely
- Spare/loose batteries: must be in carry-on, never checked luggage. Cover terminals with tape to prevent short circuits
- Butane curling irons: one per passenger in carry-on, with the safety cover on; not allowed in checked bags, and no gas refills in either. This long-standing rule went viral in 2025 as a “new TSA ban”; see what actually changed in 2026
Never Checked
Power banks and spare lithium batteries are banned from checked baggage due to fire risk. This is a safety rule, not a TSA preference — pack them in your carry-on.
For the full breakdown of laptop screening, drone batteries, smart luggage, film, and which devices to remove at the checkpoint, see our TSA rules for electronics guide.
Medications and Medical Items
TSA is generally accommodating with medications and medical items. Here’s what to know:
Allowed in Carry-On (No Quantity Limit)
- Prescription medications (pill and liquid form)
- Over-the-counter medications
- Insulin and insulin pumps
- Syringes (when accompanied by injectable medication)
- EpiPens and auto-injectors
- Medical devices (CPAP machines, nebulizers)
- Contact lens solution
Tips for Medications
- Label your medications: keep prescriptions in their original pharmacy-labeled containers
- Declare liquid medications: tell the TSA agent if you have liquid medications larger than 3.4oz — they’re allowed but may be inspected
- CPAP machines: don’t count as your carry-on or personal item — they’re a separate medical device. Remove from the bag for screening
- Notify the agent about any medical devices before screening begins
For the full breakdown on flying with prescriptions, syringes, refrigerated medication, insulin pumps, and CPAP machines, see our flying with medication TSA rules guide.
Toiletries and Personal Care
| Item | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Toothpaste | 3.4oz max | Any size |
| Shampoo/Conditioner | 3.4oz max | Any size |
| Deodorant (solid/stick) | Yes | Yes |
| Deodorant (gel/spray) | 3.4oz max | Any size |
| Razor (disposable) | Yes | Yes |
| Razor (safety/straight) | No (blade only) | Yes |
| Nail clippers | Yes | Yes |
| Tweezers | Yes | Yes |
| Scissors | Under 4” blade | Yes |
| Sunscreen | 3.4oz max | Any size |
| Perfume/Cologne | 3.4oz max | Any size |
| Hair gel/spray | 3.4oz max | Any size |
| Makeup (liquid) | 3.4oz max | Any size |
| Makeup (powder/solid) | Yes | Yes |
| Protein or baby powder over 12 oz | Yes, separate bin | Yes |
Sharp Objects and Tools
Carry-On Allowed
- Disposable razors
- Scissors with blades under 4 inches
- Nail clippers, nail files
- Tweezers
- Needles (sewing, knitting)
- Crochet hooks
- Screwdrivers under 7 inches
Carry-On Prohibited
- Knives of any kind (including pocket knives)
- Box cutters, utility blades, razor blades
- Swords, machetes (yes, people try)
- Scissors with blades over 4 inches
- Tools over 7 inches (wrenches, pliers, hammers)
- Ice picks, meat cleavers
Pack anything sharp or tool-like in checked baggage if you’re unsure. For the full item-by-item breakdown — including safety razors, multi-tools, and exactly which scissors make it through — see our complete guide to bringing scissors, razors, and knives through TSA.
Alcohol
- Carry-on: mini bottles (3.4oz/100ml or less) in your liquids bag — but you cannot drink your own alcohol on the plane (only airline-served drinks are legal in-flight per FAA rules)
- Checked bags: alcohol under 70% ABV (140 proof) is allowed. Between 24–70% ABV, you’re limited to 5 liters per person. Under 24% ABV (beer, wine), no quantity limit
- Over 70% ABV: prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags
Sporting and Outdoor Equipment
| Item | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Golf clubs | No | Yes |
| Baseball bat | No | Yes |
| Tennis racket | Yes | Yes |
| Fishing rod | Yes* | Yes |
| Ski poles | No | Yes |
| Skateboard | Yes | Yes |
| Hiking poles | No | Yes |
| Tent stakes | No | Yes |
| Bear spray/pepper spray | No | Yes (max 4oz, safety on) |
*Fishing hooks should be securely covered.
Items That Surprise People
Allowed in Carry-On (Yes, Really)
- Wrapped gifts: allowed, but TSA may need to unwrap them for inspection
- Musical instruments: treated as carry-on or personal item
- Breast milk/formula: exempt from 3-1-1, any quantity
- Ice packs: allowed if frozen solid (if melted, they’re subject to 3-1-1)
- Live lobsters: yes, in a clear, spill-proof container
- Cast iron skillets: technically allowed, but may get extra scrutiny
- Large amounts of cash: no limit on domestic flights, though anything over $10,000 must be reported to CBP on international trips. See our guide to how much cash you can fly with
Prohibited in Carry-On (Even Though They Seem Harmless)
- Snow globes larger than 3.4oz (they contain liquid)
- Full-size shampoo (people forget this constantly)
- Peanut butter jars over 3.4oz (it’s a “spreadable”)
- Large candles: gel/liquid candles follow 3-1-1; solid wax candles are fine
- Marijuana and THC products: federally illegal and not permitted through TSA even in legal states — though hemp-derived CBD with 0.3% THC or less is allowed. See our full marijuana and CBD through TSA guide
When in Doubt: Use the TSA “What Can I Bring?” Tool
TSA maintains a searchable database at tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring where you can look up any specific item. You can also message @AskTSA on X (Twitter) or Facebook Messenger — they respond quickly, usually within minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if TSA finds a prohibited item in my bag?
You’ll be given the option to put it in a checked bag (if you have one), give it to someone outside security, take it back to your car, or surrender it. You won’t be arrested for accidentally packing a pocket knife, but intentionally bringing a weapon will result in fines and possible criminal charges. Our guide to what happens if TSA finds a prohibited item has TSA’s full fine schedule, from $160 for a hidden liquid to $17,062 for repeat firearm violations, plus when you can lose PreCheck.
Can I bring food through international security?
TSA rules apply for US departures. When entering the US from abroad, food items may also be subject to Customs and Border Protection agricultural restrictions — especially fresh produce, meats, and dairy from other countries.
Do the rules change for TSA PreCheck members?
PreCheck members don’t need to remove laptops or liquids bags, and shoes now stay on in every lane. However, all the same prohibited/allowed item rules apply — PreCheck is about the screening process, not what items are permitted.
Are there items that are required to be in checked bags?
Power banks, spare lithium batteries, and e-cigarettes/vapes must be in carry-on luggage (not checked). Sharp objects, large tools, and sporting equipment must be in checked luggage. The distinction matters — mixing these up can delay you or result in confiscated items. Our complete checked bag rules guide covers the full hold-luggage list, TSA approved locks, and what that inspection notice in your suitcase means.
For deeper dives on specific items, see our guides to vapes, lighters, and matches and flying with a firearm.
Flying soon? Look up your airport on Airport TSA Times to see when its checkpoints are busiest, from TSA’s own hourly counts at 73 US airports.