TSA Carry-On Rules Made Simple 🧳

TSA Approved Carry-On Items🧳

Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols

• Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or smaller.
• All containers must fit inside one clear, quart-sized bag.
• Each passenger is allowed one liquids bag.
• Prescription medications, baby formula, breast milk, and medically necessary liquids may exceed 3.4 ounces.
• Larger exempt liquids should be declared at the security checkpoint.
• Spreadable foods such as peanut butter, hummus, yogurt, and dips must follow the liquid rule.
• Duty-free liquids purchased after security may be allowed when properly sealed.

Electronics and Batteries📱🔋

• Laptops, tablets, and devices larger than a phone may need to be removed from your bag for screening.
• Phones, cameras, tablets, and other common electronics are generally allowed.
• Power banks and spare lithium batteries should be packed in carry-on luggage.
• Loose battery terminals should be protected from contact with metal objects.
• Check the airline’s battery-size limits before traveling.

Food🍔🍟🍕

• Solid foods are generally allowed in carry-on bags.
• Examples include sandwiches, granola bars, nuts, crackers, and fruit.
• Creamy, spreadable, or gel-like foods must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Medications and Medical Items💊🩹💉

• Prescription and over-the-counter medications are generally permitted.
• Insulin, EpiPens, syringes, and medically necessary supplies may be carried through security.
• CPAP machines and other medical devices are allowed.
• Keep medications clearly labeled whenever possible.
• Inform the TSA officer about medically necessary liquids or equipment.

Baby and Child Supplies🧷🍼

• Baby formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby food may exceed 3.4 ounces.
• These items do not have to fit inside the quart-sized liquids bag.
• Declare baby supplies at security for separate screening.
• Ice packs used to keep baby or medical items cold may also be permitted.

Tools and Other Items

• Some small tools measuring less than 7 inches may be allowed.
• Rules vary for scissors, tools, sporting equipment, and sharp objects.
• Air mattresses with built-in pumps may be permitted, depending on the battery and airline rules.
• Always check individual items before packing.

Checked Baggage Rules

Liquids and Alcohol🧴🍾

• Alcohol containing between 24% and 70% alcohol may be limited to 5 liters per passenger.
• Bottles must usually remain unopened and in their original retail packaging.
• Alcohol under 24% generally has fewer restrictions.
• Airline weight and baggage rules still apply.

Batteries and Electronics📱🔋

• Most consumer electronics may be packed in checked luggage, but carry-on storage is often recommended.
• Spare lithium batteries and power banks should not be packed in checked baggage.
• Battery terminals should be protected.

Prohibited or Restricted Items🧨⛽💥

• Fireworks, flammable substances, hazardous chemicals, and explosives are prohibited.
• Bear spray and certain insecticides may be restricted or prohibited.
• Firearms and ammunition require special handling and must follow TSA and airline rules.
• Sharp objects and sporting equipment may need to be placed in checked luggage.

Important Reminder

TSA rules can vary depending on the item and may change. Always use the official TSA “What Can I Bring?” tool and check your airline’s rules before traveling.