What is not allowed in hand carry?

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 items are not allowed in hand luggage?

You are not allowed to bring the following items in your small bag or hand baggage:

• Self-balancing devices. ...
• Firearms. ...
• Stunning devices. ...
• Pointed or edged objects. ...
• Workmen's tools used as a weapon. ...
• Blunt instruments. ...
• Explosives and flammable substances. ...
• Chemical and toxic substances.

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. 

Are phone chargers allowed in hand carry?

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. 

Can I take deodorant in my carry-on?

Yes, you can take deodorant in your carry-on, but rules depend on the type: Solid stick deodorant has no size limit, but gel, spray, or roll-on deodorants must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz/100ml or less, in a quart-sized bag). 

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

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.
 

Does stick deodorant need to be in a quart size bag?

No, solid stick deodorant does not need to be in a quart-sized bag for carry-on luggage because the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers it a solid, not a liquid, allowing it in any size in both carry-on and checked bags without restriction. Only spray, gel, cream, or roll-on deodorants are subject to the 3-1-1 rule (3.4 ounces or less in a single quart bag).
 

Is a water bottle allowed in a flight?

Yes, you can bring a water bottle on a flight, but it must be empty when you go through the airport security checkpoint (TSA). You can bring any size empty bottle through security and then fill it up at a water fountain or buy a full one past security to take on the plane. Filled water bottles over 3.4 ounces (100ml) are confiscated, but filled bottles bought after security are allowed.
 

Do I have to take my phone charger out of my carry-on?

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.

Is food allowed in hand-carry?

Yes, food is generally allowed in carry-on bags, especially solid items like snacks, sandwiches, and fruits, but liquid/gel foods (sauces, yogurt, dips) must follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule (under 3.4 oz/100ml & in a quart bag), while international travel has stricter rules on fresh/meat products. Always check destination country rules and consider airline policies for strong-smelling foods.
 

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. 

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 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.

What is forbidden in a carry-on bag?

With the exception of balls, many pieces of sporting equipment, such as baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, martial arts weapons, hiking poles, and tent spikes/poles, are prohibited from carry-on luggage and must be transported in checked baggage.

What do you have to put in the tray at airport security?

At airport security, put your liquids (in a clear bag), laptops/large electronics, shoes, belts, jackets, keys, phones, and coins into the trays for X-ray screening, while keeping your passport and boarding pass handy. Empty your pockets and place contents like keys, phones, and change into a tray or your carry-on, and always follow the instructions of the security officers for specific airport rules, as procedures vary.
 

How do I pack toiletries for a flight?

To pack toiletries for a flight, follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons: liquids (gels, creams, aerosols, pastes) must be in containers 3.4 oz (100ml) or smaller, fitting into one clear, quart-sized zip-top bag, with one bag allowed per passenger; solid toiletries (toothbrush, hairbrush, solid shampoo) go in a separate bag and don't need to follow these rules. For checked bags, you can pack full-sized items, but use plastic wrap under lids and tape them shut to prevent leaks.
 

Can I leave my phone in my bag at airport security?

Yes, you can generally leave your cell phone in your bag at airport security (like the TSA in the US) because only electronics larger than a phone (laptops, tablets, game consoles) need separate bins, though some experts advise keeping phones securely zipped inside your bag to prevent theft or accidental swapping, as they're small and easily picked up by others. Always check for signs or listen to officers, but tucking phones in a secure pocket is a smart move for safety and convenience. 

Where should 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 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 I carry medications in my carry-on?

You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.

What kind of personal items are permitted?

A personal item is a type of hand luggage that you carry on to the plane with you and is smaller than a carry-on. What is considered a personal item bag varies from airline to airline, but a small purse, briefcase and laptop bag are always considered personal items.

Is lotion allowed in hand carry?

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

Do I have to put all my toiletries in a plastic bag?

Yes, for carry-on luggage in the US, all liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be in containers 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller and fit into one clear, quart-sized, sealable bag (the TSA 3-1-1 Rule) for easy screening; checked bags don't have these restrictions. Using a clear bag makes it faster for security to see your items, though some airports with advanced scanners are easing rules.
 

Why is deodorant not allowed on planes?

(As of 2025, some EU/UK airports that use certified CT scanners now allow liquids up to 2L per container). Spray deodorants are often subject to additional rules. They can be dangerous on planes because they are pressurised containers that might leak or burst under changing cabin pressure.

What cannot go in hand 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.