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Items You Can Not Carry on a Plane

Airport security can be one of the more confusing and stressful parts of getting on a plane for many travelers.

Whether you are unsure what is allowed in your carry-on (or even checked bag), if you have to take your shoes off or your laptop out of your bag, the rules feel like they are different for everyone — and they are… well, not everybody.

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

In this article, we will give you a comprehensive list of everything that is and isn't allowed according to the TSA. By planning ahead and packing accordingly, you can save yourself some trouble at the airport and start your vacation off with ease.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the government agency responsible for the traveling public in the U.S. This part of Homeland Security was created in response to the September 11 attacks with a focus on ensuring that nothing dangerous is brought onto an airplane.

As part of this, all travelers must go through a thorough screening at the airport before entering the airside terminals. The process includes an identity check, a scan of luggage, and a full-body scan or a pass through a metal detector. If any part of the process gets flagged, you can be asked 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 How To Easily Get Through TSA Airport Security.

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

TSA PreCheck is a program that allows low-risk travelers in the U.S. to bypass certain steps during the security check to help expedite the process. In order to qualify for TSA PreCheck, you must apply and complete an in-person interview at one of the 380+ enrollment centers across the country.

While the process of getting TSA PreCheck may not be worth it for the occasional traveler, anyone that travels more than a few times per year will certainly see the value. We put together everything you need to know about TSA PreCheck so that you can weigh the options yourself.

Without further ado, here is 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 if something isn't allowed in a checked bag either, it will be noted.

We have listed everything from maximum liquids in checked baggage to electronics in your carry-on. If it is a TSA-banned item, it is on the chart below.

Item Allowed Notes Aerosol insecticide No Only in checked bags long as they are not labeled as a hazardous material (HAZMAT). Air mattress with built-in pump Yes Must not exceed airline size and weight limits. Airbrush make-up machine Yes – Alcoholic beverages Yes Must be in 3.4oz/100ml 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 No Not allowed in checked bags either. 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 – 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 – Black jacks (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 3.4oz/100ml. 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 3.4oz/100ml. 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 3.4oz/100ml. 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 3.4oz/100ml. Chocolate (solid) Yes – Christmas lights Yes – Cigar cutters Yes May require additional screening. Cigarettes Yes – Cigars Yes – Clock Yes – CO2 cartridge No Not allowed in checked bags either. Special exceptions for personal medical oxygen cylinders. CO2 cartridge for life vest Yes Life vests with up to 2 CO2 cartridges are often allowed. Additional special lifejacket rules are available. Coat hangers Yes – Coffee (beans or ground) Yes – Coffee (liquid) Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Coffee Thermos (empty) Yes – Coffee/espresso maker Yes – Cologne Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Comic books Yes – Compressed air guns No Only allowed in checked bags without compressed air cylinder attached. Concealer Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Conditioner Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Contact lens solution Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml but exceptions are allowed. Contact lenses Yes – Cooked meat, seafood, and vegetable (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 3.4oz/100ml. Creamy dips and spreads Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. 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 (with cord) Yes – Cutting boards No Only allowed in checked bags. Cymbals Yes Must not exceed airline size and weight limits. Darts No Only allowed in checked bags. Deodorant (aerosol) Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml for carry-ons, 18oz for checked bags, max combined 70oz. Deodorant (liquid) Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Deodorant (solid) Yes – Desktop computers Yes – Detergent (liquid) Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. 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 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 3.4oz/100ml. Duct tape Yes – DVD players Yes – Dynamite No Not allowed in checked bags either. E-liquids Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. 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. 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 3.4oz/100ml. Eye liners (liquid) Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. 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 – Foundation Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Freezer packs Yes Must be frozen during screening or be less than 3.4oz/100ml to be allowed in your 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. 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 be less than 3.4oz/100ml to be allowed in your 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 3.4oz/100ml. Golf balls Yes – Golf clubs Yes Only allowed in checked bags. Golf tees Yes – Grater Yes Gravy Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. 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 3.4oz/100ml. Hair straightener (flat iron) Yes – Hair texturizer Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Hairspray Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml for carry-ons, 18oz for checked bags, max combined 70oz. Hammers No Only allowed in checked bags. Hand grenades No Not allowed in checked bags either. Hand sanitizers Yes Containers up to 12oz are allowed due to COVID-19 precautions. 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 3.4oz/100ml. Hookahs Yes – Hot plate Yes – Hoverboards Yes Subject to specific airline rules. Hummus Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Ice Yes Must be frozen during screening or be less than 3.4oz/100ml to be allowed in your carry-on bag. Ice axes/ice picks No Only allowed in checked bags. Ice cream Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Inhalers Yes – Instant hot/cold packs Yes – Insulin Yes – Insulin pumps Yes – Insulin supplies Yes – iPod Yes – Jam and jelly Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Jewelry Yes – Juice for babies Yes Allowed in "reasonable quantities" and must be screened separately. Juices Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. 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 3.4oz/100ml but medical exceptions apply. Liquid vitamins Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. 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″ or be in a checked bag. Longboards Yes Yes Lotion Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Luggage protection covers Yes Yes Magic 8 Ball No Only allowed in checked bags. Magnets Yes – Makeup remover Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Makeup wipes Yes – Mallets No Only allowed in checked bags. Maple syrup Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Martial arts weapons No Only allowed in checked bags. Mascara Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. 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 – 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 – Multi-tool without blades Yes – Multi-tools Yes Knives are prohibited on carry-on bags, scissor blades must be less than 4″. Nail clippers Yes – Nail file (metal) Yes – Nail guns No Only allowed in checked bags. Nail polish Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Nail polish remover Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Navigation GPS Yes – Nebulizers, CPAPs, BiPAPs, and APAPs Yes – Night sticks No Only allowed in checked bags. Night vision goggles Yes – Nitroglycerine pills Yes – Non-spillable 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 3.4oz/100ml. Paintings Yes – Parachutes Yes – 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 3.4oz/100ml. 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 fl. oz. container of mace or pepper spray is allowed in checked luggage. Perfume Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. Pet food (solid) Yes – Pet food (wet) Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. 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 3.4oz/100ml. Salsa and sauces Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. 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″ 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 fl. oz. 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 3.4oz/100ml. Shaving cream Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. 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 3.4oz/100ml. Snowboards Yes Must not exceed airline size and weight limits. Snowshoes Yes – Soap (bar) Yes – Soap (liquid) Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml. 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 3.4oz/100ml. 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 – Stickpins 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 sprays Yes – 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 3.4oz/100ml. Tea (dry tea bags 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 spikes and poles No Only allowed in checked bags. Thermometer Yes – Throwing stars No Only allowed in checked bags. Tobacco Yes – Tobacco pipes Yes – Tools Yes Must be less than 7″ or be in a checked bag. Toothbrush Yes – Toothpaste Yes – Torch lighters No Not allowed in checked bags either. Tortilla press Yes – Toy guns and weapons Yes Technically some are allowed, but it is recommended to 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 – Utensils Yes Plastic or round-bladed butter knives are allowed, other knives must be placed in a checked bag. Vacuum robots Yes – Vacuum-sealed bags Yes – Vehicle airbags No Not allowed in checked bags either. Violins Yes Subject to specific airline rules. 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. Wedding dress Yes Subject to specific airline rules. Wet wipes Yes – Wheelchairs Yes – Wine bottle Yes Must be in 3.4oz/100ml 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″ or be in a checked bag. Xbox Yes – Yoga mat Yes – Yogurt Yes Must be less than 3.4oz/100ml.

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.

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.

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 with some planning, the security process can be very quick and easy.

As long as you don't have a TSA-banned item in your carry-on, and you listen to the instructions of the officers, you should breeze through security on your next trip. For those that 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!

Items You Can Not Carry on a Plane

Source: https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airports/items-you-can-and-cannot-bring-through-tsa-security/