What has to go in bins at airport security?

What do I put in the bins?
  • Place coins, keys and small metal items in your carry-on. ...
  • Place liquids, aerosols and gels in a clear, 1 L resealable bag. ...
  • Unpack your laptop computer and place it in the bin. ...
  • Remove outerwear, including bulky and winter coats and place them in the bin.




As of 2026, airport security bin rules still vary slightly by airport, but standard TSA and international protocols require several items to be placed separately. You must remove your "3-1-1" bag of liquids (containers under 100ml in a clear 1-quart bag) and place it in a bin. Large electronics, including laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles, must be placed in a bin with nothing above or below them. You also need to remove bulky outerwear like jackets and coats, as well as your shoes (unless you have TSA PreCheck). Pockets must be completely empty of metal objects, phones, keys, and even non-metallic items like tissues or wallets, which can sometimes interfere with body scanners. While some airports have upgraded to new 3D CT scanners that allow you to leave liquids and laptops inside your bag, you should always assume you need to remove them unless specifically instructed otherwise by security personnel to avoid being flagged for secondary screening.

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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.

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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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Don't remove items you don't need to remove. According to the TSA, only electronics larger than a cell phone must be removed from their carrying cases and X-rayed separately. This does include laptops and tablets, but it doesn't include phones, electric toothbrushes, or hair dryers.

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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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The TSA agent looks inside- looks around for anything not allowed to be there. If they find anything like that, they take it out- and take you out of line for a talk. If everything is OK, you get a printed notice that your bag was opened for inspection placed in your bag, they close the bag and send it on its way.

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The Transportation Security Administration randomly swabs passengers' hands at security checkpoints and airport gates to test them for traces of explosives. The TSA swabs are analyzed for nitroglycerin, nitrates, glycerin, or other chemicals.

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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.

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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.

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There are no TSA restrictions on Chapstick. Even though it smears and spreads onto the lips, Chapstick is not considered a liquid by the TSA. You can just toss your chapstick in your carryon bag or checked luggage.

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However, when packed in carry-on bags, makeup in a liquid, lotion, gel, paste or creamy form, must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. You can take as many travel-sized liquids as you can comfortably fit into one quart-sized, zip-top bag. One liquids bag is allowed per passenger in carry-on bags.

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It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag. Remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

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Following the regulations, most airlines and airports allow passengers to bring small amounts of liquid, gel, or cream cosmetics in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Please, also keep in mind that all of these items must fit inside a single quart-sized clear plastic bag.

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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) require that all cell phones be put on airplane mode or have their cellular connections disabled while a flight is in progress.

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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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Any person passing through a TSA checkpoint is legally allowed to opt out of the body scanner for any given reason. However, the TSA is still responsible for ensuring the safety of commercial flights, which requires screening for all commercial passengers.

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But what are they, and is deodorant considered a liquid when flying? Deodorant can be considered a liquid when flying if it is in a gel or aerosol form. If your deodorant is solid, though, the TSA will let you bring a standard stick of solid deodorant with you in your carry-on luggage.

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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.

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TSA allows bringing nail clippers on planes. You're allowed to pack them in hand and checked baggage without any packing restrictions. They're considered harmless because the blade on them is too short to successfully be used as a weapon.

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