What is not allowed on a plane?

You can't bring weapons (guns, knives, brass knuckles), flammable items (aerosols, lighter fluid, paint), explosives (fireworks, flares), sharp objects (box cutters, ice picks, large scissors, straight razors), and some powerful batteries (like in hoverboards) on planes, with specific rules for liquids, tools, and alcohol; always check the TSA website for detailed lists for carry-on vs. checked bags.

Why can't you bring deodorant on a plane?

As Dangerous goods regulations book issued by IATA. Deodorant and perfumes technically known as aerosols are permitted to carry in person or check in baggage with a limit of 100ml per person. Aerosols falls under dangerous goods as it can burst under pressure and it is also flammable.

Which things are not allowed to carry in flight?

You can't bring explosives, flammable items (like lighter fluid, certain lighters, paints, and gas), toxic substances, radioactive materials, or incapacitating agents (like pepper spray) on a plane at any time. Weapons (firearms, large knives, martial arts gear), hoverboards, and many chemicals (bleach, pesticides) are also banned, with firearms only allowed in checked bags if declared, and specific rules apply to batteries and liquids in carry-ons. Always check the TSA's website for the most current list before flying.
 

Can you bring toothpaste on a plane?

Yes, you can bring toothpaste on a plane, but for carry-on bags, it must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, meaning it needs to be in a container 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, fit in one clear, quart-sized bag with other liquids, gels, and aerosols, and be easily accessible for screening. For checked luggage, there are no size restrictions. 

What cannot go in a checked bag?

You cannot pack explosives, flammable items (like gasoline, lighter fluid, some aerosols), firearms (unless declared and packed correctly), toxic chemicals, and spare lithium batteries in checked bags; other items like valuables, medications, electronics (like vapes/e-cigarettes), and certain liquids/powders are either restricted or better in your carry-on for safety and security.
 

29 Harmless Things You Can't Take on a Plane

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 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 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 toiletries are not allowed on an airplane?

You can't bring full-sized liquids/gels/aerosols (over 3.4oz/100ml) in your carry-on, and some dangerous items like flammable sprays, high-proof alcohol (over 70%), or toxic chemicals are banned entirely, even in checked bags, though most toiletries are fine if they follow the 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz, 1 quart bag, 1 bag per person) in carry-ons, or are in reasonable quantities with protective caps in checked bags. 

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. 

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).
 

Does makeup count as a liquid TSA?

Yes, makeup counts as a liquid/gel/cream for TSA if it's not a solid stick, meaning liquid foundation, mascara, gloss, cream blush, and gels must follow the 3-1-1 rule: containers 3.4oz (100ml) or smaller, in one clear, quart-sized bag. Solid items like traditional lipstick or powder blush don't need to go in the liquids bag, but the final call always rests with the security officer.
 

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 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. 

Can I bring medicine on a plane?

Yes, you can bring medicine on a plane in your carry-on bag, and it's highly recommended over checked luggage to avoid loss or temperature issues, with pills and solids allowed in any amount (though labeling helps) and medically necessary liquids over 3.4oz exempt from the 3-1-1 rule but requiring declaration and extra screening. Always keep medication with you, declare it to TSA officers, use original bottles, and carry a doctor's note, especially for injectables or controlled substances, and be aware of international rules. 

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 happens if you miss a flight due to a short layover?

If you miss a flight due to a short layover on the same ticket, the airline is usually responsible for rebooking you on the next available flight at no extra cost, potentially providing hotels/meals if it's overnight; however, if the airline's delay caused it, they're obligated to help, but if you caused the delay (e.g., customs), you might be on your own, so act fast by contacting the airline via app, phone, or desk for rebooking and to understand hotel/meal vouchers.
 

How early should I arrive at the airport?

For domestic flights, aim for 2 hours before departure; for international, aim for 3 hours, as recommended by most airlines, but add extra time during peak holidays or if checking bags, as factors like security lines and airline cutoffs can vary. Some travelers with TSA PreCheck or CLEAR might arrive closer to departure, but it's safer to stick to the standard guidelines to avoid stress and missed flights, especially at large airports like LAX. 

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.

Where to put a charger during a flight?

Auxiliary batteries, spare lithium-ion batteries (not installed in a device), and power banks must NOT be placed in overhead bins or checked-in baggage. These are only allowed as carry-on items. Store them in a bag that stays with you, in the seat pocket or under the seat in front of you.

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.
 

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 happens if I refuse a TSA search?

If you refuse a pat-down, you may not be allowed to fly

Once you've been instructed to receive a pat-down, your only option is to comply. If you refuse, expect to be barred from entering the airport terminal and prevented from boarding your flight.

What needs to be taken out of a 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.