What is not allowed on a carry-on bag?

Not allowed in carry-on bags are weapons (guns, knives, batons), explosives, flammable items (like lighter fluid, spray paint), large liquids (over 3.4oz/100ml), and certain electronics/sports gear (hoverboards, baseball bats, tools that could bludgeon). You also can't have loose razor blades, bear spray, or over-proof alcohol, but many medical items and small electronics are okay if declared. Always check the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for specific rules, as they can change and vary by airline and country.

What things are not allowed in carry-on baggage?

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.
 

Does toothpaste count as a liquid?

Yes, for air travel, toothpaste counts as a liquid, gel, or paste and must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, fit in one clear, quart-sized bag, with only one bag per passenger. This rule applies because toothpaste is a cream or gel, similar to lotion, shampoo, or mascara, which can be squeezed or spread.
 

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 is allowed to pack in a carry-on bag?

Allowed in a carry-on are clothes, electronics, books, personal items, and toiletries (liquids in 3.4oz/100ml containers in a quart bag), plus essentials like medications and a change of clothes, while prohibited items generally include large liquids, sharp objects (knives, large scissors), and certain batteries, always checking your airline's specific size/weight limits. 

NEW TSA Carry-On Rules You NEED to Know in 2025

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. 

What is the 5 4 3 2 1 rule packing?

The 5-4-3-2-1 packing rule is a minimalist strategy for creating a versatile capsule wardrobe, typically involving 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 layering items/dresses, and 1 key accessory (like a hat or scarf), designed to fit in a carry-on by mixing and matching items for many outfit combinations, reducing decision fatigue and overpacking. It encourages choosing mix-and-match pieces to maximize outfits from fewer items, making it ideal for carry-on travel.
 

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.

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.

Do you still need to put toiletries in a plastic bag in 2025?

Yes, in 2025, you still need to put travel-sized toiletries (liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, pastes) in a single, clear, quart-sized plastic bag for carry-on luggage due to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, though some airports are testing advanced scanners that might ease this, it's not universal, so always be prepared to use the bag. Solid items (like lipstick, powders) and medically necessary liquids have different rules, but the quart-sized bag for liquids remains the standard.
 

Can I have hand sanitizer in my purse on a plane?

Yes, you can have hand sanitizer in your purse on a plane, but it must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, fit in one clear, quart-sized bag with your other liquids, gels, and aerosols. The special COVID-19 exception allowing larger bottles is no longer in effect, so if your sanitizer bottle is over 3.4oz, it must go in checked luggage.
 

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. 

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.
 

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.

Can I pack Tylenol in my carry-on bag?

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.

Do prescription pills need to be in original bottles when flying?

For domestic U.S. flights, the TSA doesn't strictly require original bottles, but it's highly recommended for clarity; for international travel or if you're worried about state laws, keeping meds in original, labeled containers (with your name, drug, dose) is essential to avoid issues with customs or local authorities, plus always keep them in your carry-on. 

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.
 

Can I bring hairspray on a plane?

Yes, you can bring hairspray on a plane, but with different rules for carry-on versus checked bags: for carry-ons, it must be travel-sized (3.4 oz/100ml or less) in your 1 quart-sized liquids bag, while larger cans can go in checked luggage but must be under 18 oz (500ml) per container, with total aerosols limited per person, and must have a cap to prevent accidental spraying. 

What is the 7 rule for outfits?

The "Rule of 7" is a styling formula where you count points for items in your outfit, aiming for 7-10 points for a complete look by assigning basics 1 point and statement/layered pieces 2 points, helping you add or remove elements to feel more put-together, addressing that "something's missing" feeling. 

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 golden rule of packing?

The 10 rules of packing

1. The Golden Rule: Take half of the clothes you were planning to bring and twice the money.