What cannot be in carry-on luggage?

Not allowed in carry-on bags are firearms, ammunition, explosives, sharp objects (knives, large scissors), most tools, large liquids/gels/aerosols (over 3.4oz/100ml), and flammable items, as well as some sports equipment like baseball bats or ski poles, but always check the TSA website for specific rules. Items like power tools, drones, bear spray, and even some toy guns are also prohibited.

What can I not bring on my carry-on?

You can't bring weapons (guns, knives, bats), large liquids (over 3.4oz/100ml), flammable items (lighter fluid, spray paint, gas), most tools (axes, drills), and certain self-defense sprays (bear spray) in your carry-on, as they pose safety risks; always check the TSA's official list for specific details, as rules evolve. 

What aren't you allowed in your carry-on?

These include:

• Liquids, creams, gels and pastes in containers of any size.
• Sharp items including scissors.
• Toy or replica guns (including water pistols)
• Razor blades (razors that have the blade set into a plastic moulding are allowed in hand luggage, but other types are not)
• Knives with blades of any length.

Do pills have to be in original bottles when flying?

For domestic U.S. flights, the TSA doesn't require pills to be in original bottles, so pill organizers are fine, but for international travel, original containers with labels are strongly recommended by the CDC and State Department to avoid issues with customs and varying local laws. While the TSA allows unlimited solid medication in carry-ons, having a doctor's note and keeping meds in original bottles (especially for international trips) provides clear proof of legitimacy and helps with potential questions from officers, particularly for controlled substances. 

Can I take my phone charger in my carry-on?

Yes, you can take phone chargers (cables, wall adapters, and power banks) in your hand luggage, but portable power banks with lithium-ion batteries must be in your carry-on, never in checked bags, due to fire risks, with limits of 100Wh (around 20,000mAh) for standard travel and airline approval needed for larger ones (101-160Wh). Keep them easily accessible in your carry-on for security checks and convenience. 

BANNED Carry-On Items 2024 | (TSA Airport Security Rules)

What electronics can you not bring on a plane?

You can't pack spare lithium batteries, hoverboards, and large power banks in checked bags, while vapes, e-cigarettes, and certain small medical devices must stay in carry-ons; most portable electronics with lithium batteries (phones, laptops) are fine in carry-ons or powered off in checked bags, but be aware of airline-specific rules and damaged devices like swollen hoverboard batteries, which are totally banned. 

Where do I pack my phone charger when flying?

You must keep your mobile charger (especially power banks with lithium-ion batteries) in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage, due to fire risk. Pack it securely in a pouch for easy access and to prevent short circuits, and be ready for security to inspect it; some airlines want them easily accessible in the cabin for quick response if needed.
 

What medications can I not bring on a plane?

No medications are universally "banned," but many require caution, permission, or are restricted, especially narcotics (oxycodone, codeine), stimulants (Adderall), sedatives (Xanax, Valium, Benadryl), and some ADHD/weight-loss meds, as they can be illegal in other countries or pose aviation risks. Always check your destination's laws, carry prescriptions with doctor's notes, keep meds in carry-ons, and inform TSA, as some substances (like CBD, certain stimulants) face scrutiny.
 

Do I need a copy of my prescription when flying?

Yes, you should carry a copy of your prescription and a doctor's note when flying with medication, especially internationally, as it helps security and customs verify your need for the drugs, though the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn't strictly require it for domestic flights, it expedites screening and is crucial for international travel. Keep all meds in their original containers in your carry-on, declare liquids over 3.4oz, and research destination country laws. 

Should I carry a copy of my prescription?

Bring a Copy of Your Prescription and Doctor's Contact Information. When traveling, especially abroad, carry a written prescription or a note from your doctor listing all your current medications, their generic names, and dosages. This documentation can help if: You lose your medications or need to replace them abroad.

What do you have to take out of your bag at airport security?

At airport security (TSA standard lanes), you must take out electronics larger than a phone (laptops, tablets, large cameras, game consoles), your 3-1-1 liquids bag, and sometimes shoes, belts, and outerwear; however, with newer CT scanners, you keep most items in your bag, and PreCheck members often skip shoe removal, so always follow officer instructions and check for airport-specific rules.
 

What are common reasons for denied boarding?

Invalid visa, ID card, or passport

Invalid travel documents are among the most common reasons for being denied boarding. Passengers must always ensure their travel documents, such as visas and passports, are current and meet the requirements of their destination and any transit countries.

What triggers TSA to search your bag?

Common Items That Trigger Inspections:

TSA agents will manually check your bag to verify the contents. Sharp Objects: Items like scissors, pocket knives, or even certain tools are prohibited in carry-ons and can trigger inspections in checked bags.

What is the 45 minute rule?

The 45-minute rule in air travel is the minimum time you must check in and drop off bags before a domestic flight, a common cutoff for major airlines like American and United, though this can vary by airport and flight type (international flights often need more time). Essentially, it's the latest you can complete check-in/baggage drop to ensure your luggage gets loaded and you make it to the gate on time, with some airlines also requiring you to be at the gate 45 minutes prior if flying with carry-on only.
 

What is the 3:1:1 rule for packing?

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.

Do I need a copy of my prescription to fly?

Yes, you should carry a copy of your prescription and a doctor's note when flying with medication, especially internationally, as it helps security and customs verify your need for the drugs, though the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn't strictly require it for domestic flights, it expedites screening and is crucial for international travel. Keep all meds in their original containers in your carry-on, declare liquids over 3.4oz, and research destination country laws. 

Does TSA look at your pills?

Yes, TSA screens pills via X-ray like other items, but they can perform a visual inspection if you ask, though they often don't check individual pills unless suspicious; it's best to keep them in labeled original bottles or a pill organizer, declare them if they're liquids over 3.4oz, and carry a doctor's note or list of medications for ease. Always keep medication in your carry-on, not checked bags, for security and to ensure you have it. 

Can I bring a power bank in my hand baggage?

Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. Spare lithium batteries, which include both power banks and phone chargers, are prohibited in checked luggage.

Do pills need to be in original containers?

While TSA does not require that medications be in original prescription bottles, some US states and other countries may have different rules, so it is best to store the pills in their original bottles labeled with your name.

What medications disqualify you from flying?

No medications are universally "banned," but many require caution, permission, or are restricted, especially narcotics (oxycodone, codeine), stimulants (Adderall), sedatives (Xanax, Valium, Benadryl), and some ADHD/weight-loss meds, as they can be illegal in other countries or pose aviation risks. Always check your destination's laws, carry prescriptions with doctor's notes, keep meds in carry-ons, and inform TSA, as some substances (like CBD, certain stimulants) face scrutiny.
 

What are the most useful travel gadgets?

My essential travel gadgets package

• Packing Cubes.
• Waterproof wash bag.
• Silk sleeping bag.
• Microfiber towel.
• Padlocks.
• Scale.
• Universal adapter.
• Smart Watch.

Can I carry my phone charger in my purse on a plane?

Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. Spare lithium batteries, which include both power banks and phone chargers, are prohibited in checked luggage.

What electronics need to be taken out at airport security?

At airport security (TSA in the US), you must take out personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening, including laptops, tablets, e-readers, large cameras, and handheld game consoles, to allow for clearer images and to check for hidden threats, though smaller items like phones, chargers, and shavers usually stay in your bag. 

What airlines don't allow power banks?

Some airlines that have banned use of power banks in the cabin include: Singapore Airlines, Scoot, EVA Air, Thai Airways, AirAsia, Starlux, Tigerair Taiwan, China Airlines, Air Busan, and others. Importantly, none of this means you can't carry lithium‑ion batteries at all. You just can't use or charge them in flight.