What does TSA not let you bring?

Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.



Per the 2026 TSA guidelines, prohibited items are categorized into safety and security risks. Flammables and explosives are strictly banned, including fireworks, fuels (gasoline/butane), "strike-anywhere" matches, and aerosol products like cooking spray. Weapons such as firearms, ammunition, and pepper spray are prohibited in carry-on bags; firearms must be declared and transported in locked, hard-sided checked luggage. Sharp objects like box cutters, ice picks, and large scissors are also carry-on "no-gos." A critical rule for 2026 remains the 3-1-1 liquids rule (3.4 oz or less in one quart-sized bag) for carry-ons. Furthermore, loose lithium-ion batteries and power banks are forbidden in checked baggage due to fire risks and must stay in your carry-on. New for 2026, many airports have strict "one-bag" policies for cabin luggage, where even small handbags must fit inside your single allowed carry-on. Always check the official TSA website for the most current list of "specialty" items like hoverboards or certain medical equipment.

People Also Ask

Restricted Items NOT Allowed on a Plane in Your Carry-On
  • Sharp objects. ...
  • Sporting goods and athletic equipment. ...
  • Self defense items. ...
  • Gel-type candles. ...
  • Large quantities of alcohol (more than 3.4 ounces) ...
  • Guns and ammunition.


MORE DETAILS

Standard and TSA PreCheck® Screening As you know, standard screening requires that you remove all items and place them on the X-ray belt for screening. With TSA PreCheck®, you are able to speed through security and don't need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets.

MORE DETAILS

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

MORE DETAILS

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

MORE DETAILS

Stick deodorant is fine in any size. Well, almost any size… Powders and crystals are good to go as well. Spray, Gel, Liquid, Cream, Pastes, and Roll-On deodorants need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and placed in a clear quart-sized baggie.

MORE DETAILS

Toothpaste is considered a liquid by the TSA (Transport Security Agency), even though it's technically a paste. In fact, all pastes, gels, waxes, and lotions are also classified as liquids. And even today, these substances are still restricted by the 3-1-1 rule in hand luggage due to safety threats.

MORE DETAILS

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

MORE DETAILS

You can carry your vape or e-cig on a plane. Keep it in the cabin, but no smoking allowed! Learn more from FAA on how to safely pack your vape for air travel. #VapesOnAPlane #PackSafe www.faa.gov/go/packsafe.

MORE DETAILS

There are usually five types of items that security officers look for. They are liquids, powders, batteries, sharp objects, and organic materials. Each of these can be detected by the baggage scanners. A TSA agent will likely pull any flagged baggage for manual inspection.

MORE DETAILS

Can you carry your wallet through airport security? Everything on you will be scrutinized. All pockets must be emptied; shoes and carry on bags go through x-ray in plastic container with all carried items. You then go through x-ray machine with only jewelry on you (not your watch: just earrings and rings).

MORE DETAILS

The groin area between the abdomen and thigh contains several lymph nodes, blood vessels, and muscles. Airport body scanners often target the groin area because it contains sensitive areas that could be mistaken for weapons or explosives.

MORE DETAILS

Any item that alarms or is unable to be screened will not be permitted in your carry-on bag. We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Do Toiletry Bags Need to Be Clear? TSA does not specify that toiletry bags need to be clear. However, when traveling with liquids, using a TSA approved clear liquid bag will help expedite the TSA process so agents can see everything easily without further inspection.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag. Liquids more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml not in a secure, tamper-evident bag must be packed in checked baggage.

MORE DETAILS

As stated in the TSA liquid regulation, it is the size of the container that counts, not the actual contents. A 125 ml tube of toothpaste that has been half used up is not permitted, but a full 100 ml tube is.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you can take tweezers on a plane and pack them in your carry-on and/or checked bag. It's beneficial to pack them properly to avoid any inconvenience.

MORE DETAILS

The TSA rules allow for lipstick to be considered a solid, not a liquid or gel, which means that you do not have to take it out of your carry-on during the security check.

MORE DETAILS

You can take all plug-in phone chargers with you in your carry-on or checked bags with ease as they do not contain any form of battery and, therefore, do not present any danger. Typically, you will not be able to use this type of charger onboard as most airplanes do not have power sockets.

MORE DETAILS

Safety Razors: Because the razor blades are so easy to remove, safety razors are not permitted in your carry-on luggage with the blade. They're fine to pack in your carry-on without the blade. The blades must be stored in your checked luggage. The same applies for straight razors.

MORE DETAILS