What is banned in a carry-on?

Banned items in carry-on bags generally fall into categories like weapons (guns, knives, bats, martial arts gear), sharp objects (large scissors, box cutters), flammable items (lighter fluid, some flares), explosives, and large quantities of liquids/gels (over 3.4 oz/100ml), plus many tools (drills, crowbars) and certain hazardous materials like some lithium batteries or large aerosols. Surprising prohibitions often include realistic toy guns, sporting equipment like golf clubs, and even items that look suspicious like Magic 8 Balls (due to internal liquid). Always check the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for the most current list.


What cannot go in a carry-on bag?

You can't pack firearms, explosives, large sharp objects (knives, tools over 7 inches), large quantities of liquids (over 3.4oz/100ml), flammable items, or certain sporting goods (bats, ski poles) in a carry-on; these pose safety risks and must be checked or are outright banned, though electronics, medications, and some sharp items (like nail clippers) with limitations are generally allowed. 

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

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 is the most confiscated item at airports?

The Most Frequently Detected Prohibited Items in Airport Baggage Checks
  1. Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) ...
  2. Knives and Sharp Objects. ...
  3. Firearms. ...
  4. Explosives and Flammable Materials. ...
  5. Realistic Replicas and Novelty Items. ...
  6. Ammunition. ...
  7. Flammable Household Items. ...
  8. Restricted Powders.


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. 


NEW Carry-On Rules Starting Jan 1st, 2026 (New Carry-On Size?)



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. 

What kind of chargers are not allowed on planes?

Types of chargers not allowed on a plane

Other than the 100Wh/27,000mAh rule, the FAA does have some limitations: Power chargers must be for personal use only. Power chargers intended for resale are prohibited. Damaged batteries and chargers are not allowed.

Can TSA see my tampon?

No, TSA body scanners generally cannot see inside your body to identify a tampon, as the millimeter wave technology doesn't penetrate skin; however, the density of menstrual products (like pads or even a tampon's applicator/material) can sometimes create an anomaly that flags for a pat-down, but they don't reveal what the product is, only that something is there. You might get pulled aside for extra screening, but it's usually quick and discreet, and you can request a private room for the pat-down. 


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.
 

Does TSA ever check your pills?

Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.

What is the 45 minute rule at the airport?

The "45-minute rule" at airports means most major airlines require passengers to complete check-in (including dropping bags) at least 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights, with some airlines like United Airlines enforcing it universally, while Delta requires it for bags but only 30 mins without, and American Airlines has similar deadlines, ensuring time for security, baggage processing, and boarding, with international flights needing even earlier arrival (often 60+ mins). Missing this cutoff can result in denied boarding or checked bags being offloaded, making early arrival crucial. 


What are the new carry-on rules?

New carry-on rules for 2025/2026 focus on stricter enforcement of size (including wheels/handles, generally 22x14x9 inches for major airlines) and potential weight limits (especially internationally), with more gate-checking and fees for oversized bags, plus heightened scrutiny on electronics and medications, requiring chargers and original bottles for better compliance.
 

What are the 5 biggest packing mistakes to avoid?

  • Mistake: Not Creating a Capsule Wardrobe.
  • Mistake: Not Using Packing Cubes.
  • Mistake: Traveling With a Subpar Carry-on Suitcase.
  • Mistake: Forgetting About the Power of a Personal Item Bag.
  • Mistake: Not Having a Strategy for Toiletries.


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.


Can I put my phone charger in my hand luggage?

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. 

Is it better to check-in online or at the airport?

It's generally better to check in online to save time, select seats, and potentially avoid fees, but checking in at the airport might be necessary for complex changes, visa checks, or if you need staff help, though online is usually faster even with checked bags. 

What is the 20 minute bag rule?

The Delta 20-minute policy means that checked bags are promised to arrive at the baggage carousel within 20 minutes of the aircraft door opening at the gate on eligible domestic flights. When the bags do not arrive within that window, customers may be entitled to a goodwill reward from Delta.


What is the weight limit for carry-on luggage on United Airlines?

United Airlines generally does not have a published weight limit for carry-on bags on most flights, focusing more on size, but you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin unassisted, with a practical limit often cited around 20-25 lbs, though specific international routes or partners might enforce weight rules. For checked bags, weight limits apply (e.g., 50 lbs for economy). 

Why does my groin light up at TSA?

Your groin area lights up at TSA scanners due to moisture (sweat), clothing details (zippers, metallic threads like Lurex), body shape, or medical items, as the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) flags anything disrupting the signal, creating a red box for a pat-down to check for hidden threats, even if it's just a false positive. 

What happens if you're on your period on a plane?

Flight attendants are there to help you, and are usually prepared for anything. You always have the option to ask if they have any period products or if there are any onboard. In the (small) chance that no one has any period care to share, you can always resort to the toilet-paper-pad.


What beauty products can you not take on a plane?

No makeup items are completely banned on planes, but liquids, gels, and aerosols (like liquid foundation, mascara, cream blush) in carry-ons must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: containers 3.4oz (100ml) or less, in one clear quart-sized bag, one bag per person. Sharp items like nail scissors or razors are generally prohibited in carry-ons but allowed in checked bags, while powder makeup is fine in either.
 

What powerbank is not allowed in flight?

Batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh: Guests may carry a maximum of two (2) spare batteries in carry-on baggage only. The approval* of the airline is required. Batteries exceeding 160Wh: Not permitted to bring on board.

Can you fly with a vape?

Yes, you can fly with a vape, but it must be in your carry-on bag, never checked luggage, due to fire risks from lithium batteries; you must keep it off, prevent accidental activation (use a case), and never use or charge it on the plane, as it's a federal offense. Always check your airline's specific rules and the destination country's laws, as some places ban them entirely.
 


Can I fly with matches?

Yes, you can fly with one book or packet of safety matches in your carry-on bag or on your person, but they are strictly forbidden in checked luggage. You cannot bring strike-anywhere matches in any bag, as they are highly combustible. When flying with safety matches, keep them with you in the cabin, not packed away.