Carry-on Baggage Screening Here's what to expect when taking your carry-on bag through security screening next time you fly. You will be asked to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening.

Yes, every single carry-on bag must go through a rigorous security screening process at the airport. In 2026, most major hubs use advanced CT (Computed Tomography) scanners that create a 3D image of your bag's contents. This technology is a high-value improvement because it often allows you to leave your laptop and "3-1-1" liquids inside the bag. However, your bag can still be "flagged" for a manual search if the scanner detects dense objects, tangled electronics, or large amounts of organic material (like certain powders or foods) that could obscure the view. It is a peer-to-peer essential to remember that security is not just about the bag; you must also remove "pocket items" and often your shoes and belt for the body scanner. A common 2026 "trap" is carrying loose lithium power banks; while they must be in your carry-on rather than checked luggage, they are the number one reason for a manual bag search if they are buried deep under other metal items.