How do I pack electronics for TSA?

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.



For 2026 travel, the "electronics" strategy at TSA is all about accessibility and charge levels. While newer CT scanners at major hubs allow you to keep laptops inside your bag, many smaller airports still require all electronics larger than a cell phone to be placed in a separate bin. Pack your laptop, tablet, and gaming consoles in an "easy-access" sleeve near the top of your carry-on. A critical 2026 update: TSA officers frequently conduct "power-on" tests; if your device is dead and cannot turn on, it may be denied entry to the secure area for safety reasons. Therefore, ensure all devices are charged to at least 30%–50%. Lithium-ion power banks must always be in your carry-on and never in checked luggage, as they pose a fire risk in the cargo hold. Use a clear tech organizer for cables to prevent "tangled masses" that can trigger secondary manual bag inspections.

People Also Ask

Most consumer personal electronic devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage, including but not limited to cell phones, smart phones, data loggers, PDAs, electronic games, tablets, laptop computers, cameras, camcorders, watches, calculators, etc.

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Cell phones, cell phone battery charging cases, laptops, cameras, smart phones, electronics, data loggers, PDAs containing lithium batteries, games, tablets, watches, etc. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) should be carried in carry-on baggage.

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Do I need to remove electronics from my carry-on bags? Yes, you should plan to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and put them in a separate bin with nothing placed on or under them for security screening. (This does not apply to TSA PreCheck™ passengers.)

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We recommend that you keep all your electronic devices in carry-on baggage. If you prefer to pack these in your suitcase, please check with your airline first and make sure that they are completely switched off - not in sleep or hibernate mode.

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Please remove the laptops from your bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening. TSA PreCheck® travelers do not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets.

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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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In Standard Screening Lane
  • Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin.
  • Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on).
  • Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.


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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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Lithium batteries can catch fire
While not all batteries are prohibited in checked luggage, lithium batteries are considered hazardous and should not be packed in checked bags. If a lithium battery overheats and catches fire inside the cargo hold, the fire can quickly spread and become difficult to control.

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During Travel Keep all medications in your carry-on luggage and in their original, labeled containers; do not combine multiple medications into one container. The name on the prescription should match the name on travel documents and identification. Be prepared for additional screening.

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TSA has no restrictions on bringing vitamins in pill form and powder supplements in your checked luggage or carry-on bags. You can pack these items in their original packaging or transfer to pill organizers. You won't need to declare or show them to TSA agents when going through security.

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Find out in advance what the rules are to get through security checkpoints and board the aircraft without issue. Review the airline's policy to make sure your prescriptions are allowed before you reach the gate. The TSA recommends clearly labeling medications. Your name should also appear on the prescription bottle.

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How does TSA check electronics? 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. Common examples of these devices include laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.

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When taking your laptop through airport security, you must either have it in a so-called checkpoint-friendly bag, or you'll need to remove it from your luggage entirely. If you need to remove it, place it in a scanning bin by itself to go through the X-ray machine.

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If airport security subjects your computer to additional scrutiny, they may instruct you to turn it on and will ask questions about its use. If you do not adequately answer the questions, security retains the right to confiscate the item.

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One of the most common reasons you will get a pat down is if you refuse to go through the walk-through metal detector or the full body scanner. For some people going through a metal detector is not an option, while others just may prefer to not go through these.

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Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

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Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

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