What not to take on your carry-on bag?

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 not allowed in a carry-on bag?

Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible. Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags.

Does toothpaste count as a liquid?

Yes, for air travel purposes, toothpaste is considered a liquid, gel, or paste and falls under the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, meaning carry-on tubes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller and fit in a single quart-sized bag, even though it's a semi-solid that holds its shape.
 

Do pills have to be in original bottles when flying?

For domestic U.S. flights, the TSA doesn't require pills in original bottles; pill organizers are fine, but for international travel, it's highly recommended to keep them in original, labeled containers to avoid issues with foreign laws, plus carry a doctor's note and copies of prescriptions. Always carry solid medications in your carry-on, not checked bags, for easy access. 

What is TSA looking for in carry-on bags?

In addition to screening personal electronic devices separately, including laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles, TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate other items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine ...

What NOT to Pack in Your Carry On Bag (TSA Airport Security Tips)

What is the most confiscated item at airports?

The most confiscated items at airports are consistently liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) exceeding the 100ml limit, along with knives and other sharp objects (like scissors, box cutters, corkscrews), and increasingly, firearms and firearm components, often due to travelers forgetting them in their bags, says BOS Security and The Business Journals. Lighters and self-defense items like pepper spray are also very common surrenders, reports Business Traveller and The Business Journals. 

Are phone chargers allowed in hand carry?

Yes, you can take phone chargers (cables, wall adapters) in your hand luggage, but portable power banks (external chargers) must only be in your carry-on, not checked bags, due to fire risks, and often must be visible or easily accessible in the cabin. Standard wall chargers and cables are fine in either, but it's best to keep them in hand luggage for convenience and safety, while power banks with lithium-ion batteries are strictly carry-on only, with capacity limits (usually under 100Wh). 

What medications can I not bring on a plane?

No medications are universally "banned," but highly regulated drugs (opioids, ADHD meds like Adderall, strong sedatives, marijuana/CBD), certain new drugs, and some potent over-the-counter meds (sedating antihistamines, some cough syrups) can be restricted or require doctor's notes/official permission for air travel, especially internationally, due to varying country laws and potential for impairment. Always check your destination's laws and carry documentation (prescriptions, doctor's letter) for controlled substances, and keep them in your carry-on. 

Do I need a copy of my prescription when flying?

During travel

Travellers should carry a copy of their prescription together with a covering letter from their doctor. If supplies are needed whilst abroad, a pharmacy or health care provider should be consulted for advice.

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.

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

TSA allows hand sanitizer in a passenger carry-on bag under the 3-1-1 liquids rule. These are limited to travel-size hand sanitizer containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. The FAA limits the total amount of restricted medicinal and toiletry articles, including aerosols, in checked baggage.

Why is deodorant not allowed on planes?

Deodorant is generally allowed on planes, but aerosol sprays face strict rules (3.4oz/100ml limit in carry-ons due to being pressurized liquids/gels), while solid sticks have no size limits; the main restriction for aerosols is their pressurized nature and flammable propellants, making them hazardous, so larger cans must go in checked bags, or you should use non-aerosol types to avoid security issues. 

Can I bring unopened water through TSA?

Carry-on: Only empty bottles are allowed through security. Checked bags: Filled bottles are permitted but may freeze or leak. Hydration strategy: Use airport refill stations or ask a café for water after security. On the plane: Keep sipping water throughout the flight to combat dry cabin air.

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 refers to the deadline for completing check-in and checking baggage for domestic flights, with major airlines like Delta and United requiring passengers to check in at the counter or drop bags at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure, a policy that ensures flights stay on schedule and aligns with baggage handling needs. Missing this deadline can result in your reservation being canceled. 

What do you have to take out of your bag at airport security?

At airport security, you must take out your liquids (3-1-1 bag), electronics larger than a cell phone (laptops, tablets), and often your outerwear (jackets, coats), shoes, and belts, placing them in separate bins for X-ray screening, while keeping your pockets empty and placing smaller electronics like phones in bins too, though some airports with advanced CT scanners let you keep more in your bag.
 

Does TSA look at your pills?

Yes, TSA checks pills as part of the security screening, often via X-ray, but you can request a visual inspection if you prefer not to X-ray them; it's best to keep them in original labeled bottles, have a doctor's note, and carry them in your carry-on (not checked bags) for quicker screening and to avoid issues, though they generally go through fine, especially if labeled clearly. 

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.

What cannot go in hand luggage?

You can't bring weapons (guns, knives, bats), explosives, large liquids (over 3.4oz/100ml), flammable items (lighter fluid, large aerosols), or certain tools and self-defense sprays (mace, pepper spray) in your carry-on, with many items like firearms and ammunition restricted to checked bags only. Electronics with lithium batteries and medications are usually allowed but may require screening. 

Do pills need to be in original containers?

While TSA does not require that medications be in original prescription bottles, some US states and other countries may have different rules, so it is best to store the pills in their original bottles labeled with your name.

What medications disqualify you from flying?

No medications are universally "banned," but highly regulated drugs (opioids, ADHD meds like Adderall, strong sedatives, marijuana/CBD), certain new drugs, and some potent over-the-counter meds (sedating antihistamines, some cough syrups) can be restricted or require doctor's notes/official permission for air travel, especially internationally, due to varying country laws and potential for impairment. Always check your destination's laws and carry documentation (prescriptions, doctor's letter) for controlled substances, and keep them in your carry-on. 

Does TSA require medication labels?

All passenger items must undergo security screening. It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag.

Can I carry my phone charger in my purse on a plane?

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 a water bottle allowed in a flight?

Yes – you can bring a water bottle on any flight as long as it's empty when going through airport security. The restriction is on liquids, not the bottle itself. For international flights, you're generally allowed to bring up to 100ml (3.4oz) of liquid if the volume is clearly labelled on the bottle.

What kind of chargers are not allowed on planes?

Chargers with large lithium-ion batteries over 160 Wh are banned, while portable chargers (power banks) and spare batteries must go in carry-on bags, not checked luggage, due to fire risks, with limits of 100 Wh (or 101-160 Wh with airline approval). Damaged, recalled, or non-personal use chargers/batteries are also forbidden.