Do you have to take all electronics out of bag at airport?

In Standard Screening Lane 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. (E.g. laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.)



In 2026, the requirement to remove electronics from your bag depends entirely on the type of security scanner the airport uses. Many major international airports have now installed 3D Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, which are advanced enough to see through clutter and identify battery compositions without items being removed. If you see the large, tunnel-like CT machines, you can usually leave your laptop, tablet, and Kindle inside your bag. However, at airports still using older 2D X-ray technology, or in certain high-security lanes, you are still required to place any electronic larger than a cell phone into a separate bin. Furthermore, in 2026, the TSA and international authorities have become stricter about "bundled" electronics—if you have multiple power banks, tangled chargers, and drones piled together, security may pull your bag for a manual search even with advanced scanners. A good rule of thumb for 2026 is to look for the "Keep Electronics in Bag" signs, but always have them accessible just in case you are selected for a secondary screening.

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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. (E.g. laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.) Remember to check the bins and collect all belongings after going through screening.

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The main reason you must remove your laptop from your bag is that its battery and mechanical components are too dense for X-rays to pass through easily, especially with older airport scanning systems. The same applies to power cords and other devices like tablets and cameras.

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As a guide, anything larger than A5 size or an iPad mini needs to be placed in a tray with nothing covering it up. If you can spray, spread or pour something at room temperature, it counts as a liquid in aviation security terms. This includes aerosols such as asthma inhalers and foodstuffs, like butter or jam.

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According to the Federal Aviation Administration, lithium metal batteries, non-rechargeable, are limited to two grams of lithium per battery. Apple's Airtags use a CR2032 battery, which has about 0.109 lithium content— so yes, you can put an AirTag in your checked luggage worry free.

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Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. For more information, see the FAA guidance on portable rechargers. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?' page.

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If you're wondering if airport scanners can see pills, the answer is yes, they can see the pills that you are traveling with. This is regardless if the pills are contained in plastic pill bottles, or contained in any other non-metallic and metallic objects.

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Is Mascara Considered a Liquid by TSA? TSA counts mascara as a liquid, so the 3-1-1 rule for packing it in hand luggage applies. It states that all liquids have to be in 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles or smaller and packed in a 1-quart bag. Mascara usually isn't above 3.4 oz, so you're free to pack it in your hand luggage.

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Ensure all your supplies, including devices, have a prescription label or you carry a note from your doctor explaining the reason you need these supplies. Place all medications in a clear, sealable bag and keep them separate from your other belongings for screening.

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Yes you can wear an underwire bra. Depending on TSA standards in scanning, a metal detector may be sensitive enough to pick-up the bra. This may lead to you being wand. No problem, but could be embarrassing if you are a male.

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As long as their is nothing in the sleeve with it, it SHOULD be fine to stay in the sleeve. If you have cords or a mouse or pretty much anything in the sleeve with the laptop, you will need to either take the laptop or the other items out.

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Can you carry your wallet through airport security? While you can bring your wallet with you, you must remove all items from your pockets, including wallets, keys, belts, coins, and phones. You must place this in the provided bins to be screened.

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Yes, toothpaste is considered a liquid when flying and must be within the 3.4oz (100ml) limit for liquids in order to bring it in your carry-on bag. Any amount larger than that must be checked with your luggage.

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What do you need to check-in at desk airport?
  • Passport (when traveling internationally)
  • Flight information. Paper ticket (less and less common), OR. E-ticket with a confirmation number—usually sent via email if ticket is purchased online or through a travel agency, OR. Printed itinerary with a confirmation number.


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Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage. Most other consumer devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage. For more information to portable electronic devices, see the FAA regulations.

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