What items are not allowed on a plane 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.

Are you allowed to take phone chargers in 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. 

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.

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.
 

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.

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

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. 

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 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. 

What toiletries can I not bring on an airplane?

We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag. Liquids more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml not in a secure, tamper-evident bag must be packed in checked baggage.

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 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 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.
 

Can I take medication in hand luggage?

Yes, you can take medication in your hand luggage, and it's highly recommended to keep all essential meds in your carry-on to avoid loss or damage, with no limits on solid pills but liquids over 3.4oz (100ml) need declaration and separate screening, and it's best to keep them in original labeled containers with doctor's notes for smoother security checks, especially for international travel. 

What power bank can I take on a plane?

You can take most power banks on a plane in your carry-on bag only, with limits around 100 watt-hours (Wh) (approx. 27,000mAh) allowed freely, while larger ones (100-160Wh) need airline approval, and anything over 160Wh is banned, all due to fire risk. Always keep them in your carry-on, not checked bags, protect terminals to prevent shorts, and check your airline's specific rules.
 

Can I take an empty water bottle through airport security?

Yes, you can absolutely take an empty water bottle (plastic or metal) through airport security in your carry-on bag, as long as it's empty of any liquids before screening; you can then fill it up at a water fountain or filling station past security to save money and stay hydrated. The key rule is that any liquids must follow the 3-1-1 rule (under 3.4oz/100ml in a clear bag), but an empty bottle bypasses this restriction, though TSA might inspect larger metal bottles for obstructions. 

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 electronics need to be removed for 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. 

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.
 

How to pack a carry-on?

To pack a carry-on effectively, plan versatile outfits, use packing cubes and rolling to save space, wear your bulkiest items (like shoes and jackets) on travel days, and keep essentials like liquids (in 3-1-1 compliant bags) and documents in your personal item for easy access. Focus on mix-and-match pieces and solid toiletries to maximize space, and only pack what you truly need to avoid overpacking.
 

Can I take hairspray on a plane?

Yes, you can take hairspray on a plane, but it must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons (3.4 oz/100ml or less in a quart bag) or be packed in checked luggage with protective caps and quantity limits (under 18 oz/500ml per container, total 70 oz/2L per person). Always ensure the aerosol cap is secure to prevent accidental spraying, which is crucial for safety.
 

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 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 bring a power bank on my plane?

Most airlines allow passengers to bring power banks in their carry-on luggage, but not in checked baggage, due to the risk of fire caused by lithium-ion batteries. The capacity of the power bank is also typically limited to 100 watt-hours or 27,000mAh.