486 Items You Can and Cannot Bring Through TSA Security (2024)

ItemAllowedNotesAerosol insecticideNoOnly in checked bagslong as they are not labeled as a hazardous material (HAZMAT).Air mattress with built-in pumpYesMust not exceed airline size and weight limits.Airbrush make-up machineYes–Alcoholic beveragesYesMust be in 3.4-ounce (100 ml) or smaller bottles and fit in a single 1-quart-sized bag.Alcoholic beverages over 140 proofNoNot allowed in checked bags either.AmmunitionNoAllowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.AntlersYesMust not exceed airline size and weight limits.Arc lighters, plasma lighters, electronic lighters, e-lightersNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Artificial skeleton bonesYes–Axes and hatchetsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Baby carrierYes–Baby foodYes–Baby formulaYesAllowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately.Baby powderYes–Baby wipesYes–Balloons (not inflated)Yes–Bang snapsNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Baseball batsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Basketballs/baseballs/footballs/soccer ballsYes–Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility devicesNoSpillable batteries are allowed in wheelchairs. More guidelines are available.BB gunsNoAllowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.Bear bangersNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Bear sprayNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Belts, clothes, and shoesYes–Bicycle chainsYes–Bicycle pumpsYes–BicyclesYesMust not exceed airline size and weight limits.Billy clubsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.BinocularsYes–Biological specimens, non-infectious, in preservative solutionsYesNo more than 30 milliliters of free liquid solution in each inner packaging and no more than 1 liter in the entire outer package.Black jacks (self-defense weapons)NoOnly allowed in checked bags.BlanketsYes–Blasting capsNoNot allowed in checked bags either.BlenderYesBlenders are only allowed in carry-on bags if the blade has been removed.Blood sugar test kitYes–Bobby pinsYes–Bocce ballsYes–Body armorYes–BooksYes–Bottle openerYes–Bottled waterYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Bowling ballsYes–Bowling pinsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Bows and arrowsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Box cuttersNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Boxing glovesYes–Brass instrumentsYesMust not exceed airline size and weight limits.Brass knucklesNoOnly allowed in checked bags.BreadYes–Bread machineYes–Breast milkYesAllowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately.Breast pumpYes–Bug repellentYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).ButaneNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Butane curling irons (cordless)YesOnly allowed in carry-on bags (not checked) and must have a safety cover over the heating element. Refill cartridges are not allowed.Camera monopodYes–Camp stovesYesMust be empty of all fuel.CandyYes–CanesYes–Canned foodsYesMay require additional screening.Canoe/kayak paddlesNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Cap gunsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Car partsYesMust be in the original packaging, free of fuel, and not exceed airline size and weight limits.Cast iron cookwareNoOnly allowed in checked bags.CastsYes–Cattle prodsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Cell phonesYes–CerealYes–ChapsticksYes–Cheese (creamy)YesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Cheese (solid)Yes–Child car seatYes–Chlorine for pools and spasNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Chocolate (liquid)YesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Chocolate (solid)Yes–Christmas lightsYes–Cigar cuttersYesMay require additional screening.CigarettesYes–CigarsYes–ClockYes–CO₂ cartridgeNoNot allowed in checked bags either. Special exceptions for personal medical oxygen cylinders.CO₂ cartridge for life vestYesLife vests with up to 2 CO₂ cartridges are often allowed. Additional special lifejacket rules are available.Coat hangersYes–Coffee (beans or ground)Yes–Coffee (liquid)YesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Coffee Thermos (empty)Yes–Coffee/espresso makerYes–CologneYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Comic booksYes–Compressed air gunsNoOnly allowed in checked bags without a compressed air cylinder attached.ConcealerYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).ConditionerYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Contact lens solutionYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) but exceptions are allowed.Contact lensesYes–Cooked meat, seafood, and vegetable (no liquid)Yes–CookiesYes–Cooking sprayNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Cooler (empty)Yes–Corkscrews (with blade)NoOnly allowed in checked bags.Corkscrews (with no blade)Yes–Cowboy spursYes–CrackersYes–CramponsYes–CreamYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Creamy dips and spreadsYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Cremated remainsYesSubject to specific airline rules. Tips for traveling with remains.Cricket batsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Crochet hooksYes–CrowbarsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.CrutchesYes–Curling iron (cordless)YesCordless curling irons that contain lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries or are gas or butane fueled are only allowed in carry-on bags.Curling iron (with cord)Yes–Cutting boardsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.CymbalsYesMust not exceed airline size and weight limits.DartsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Deodorant (aerosol)YesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) for carry-ons, 18 ounces for checked bags; max combined 70 ounces.Deodorant (liquid)YesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Deodorant (solid)Yes–Desktop computersYes–Detergent (liquid)YesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Detergent (powder or pellet)Yes–Digital camerasYes–Disassembled computer/computer parts/external hard drivesYes–Disinfecting wipesYes–Disposable and Zippo lightersYesOnly lighters without fuel are allowed in checked bags.Disposable razorYes–Divot toolsYes–Dried fruitsYes–Drills and drill bitsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Drones, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)YesSubject to specific airline rules.Drum sticks (instrument drum set)Yes–DrumsticksYes–Dry batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D)Yes–Dry iceYesSubject to specific approval. The FAA has a limit of 5.5 pounds of properly packed dry ice.Dry shampooYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Duct tapeYes–DVD playersYes–DynamiteNoNot allowed in checked bags either.E-liquidsYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).E-Z Pass transpondersYes–Electric blanketsYes–Electric fansYes–Electric razorsYes–Electronic cigarettes and vaping devicesYesThe FAA prohibits vaping devices in checked bags; only allowed in carry-ons.Electronic toothbrushYes–Emergency Position-Indicating Radiobeacons (EPIRB)YesSubject to specific airline rules.Empty beverage containerYes–Empty water bottleYes–Engine-powered equipment completely purged of fuelNoSubject to specific airline rules for checked bags.Engine-powered equipment with residual fuelNoNot allowed in checked bags either.English Christmas crackersNoNoEpiPensYes–Extension cordYes–External medical devicesYesSee special security instructions.Eye dropsYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Eye liners (liquid)YesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).FertilizerNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Fidget spinnersYes–FilmYes–Fire extinguishers and other compressed gas cylindersNoNot allowed in checked bags either.FirearmsNoRead the special instructions for firearms in checked bags.FirecrackerNoNot allowed in checked bags either.FireworksNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Fishing poleYes–Flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paintNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Flammable paintsNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Flare gunsNoNot allowed in checked bags either.FlaresNoNot allowed in checked bags either.FlashlightsYes–FlowersYesMust be without water.Foam toy swordNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Foam yoga blocksYes–Football helmetsYes–ForkYes–Formaldehyde solution, less than 10 percentYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).FoundationYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Freezer packsYesMust be frozen during screening or be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) to be allowed in your carry-on bag.Fresh eggsYes–Fresh fruits and vegetablesYesMost fruits and vegetables are not allowed on flights to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.Fresh meat and seafoodYesSee special instructions for traveling with meat, seafood, and other non-liquid foods.Frozen foodYesSee special instructions for traveling with frozen foods.Fuel Cells Used to Power Portable Electronic Devices and Spare Fuel Cell Cartridges (Flammable Gases or Water-Reactive Material)Yes2 spare fuel cell cartridges may be carried in carry-on baggage only. Each fuel cell must be marked by the manufacturer as “Approved for carriage in aircraft cabin only.”Fuel Cells Used to Power Portable Electronic Devices and Spare Fuel Cell Cartridges (Flammable Liquid/Corrosive Material)Yes2 spare fuel cell cartridges may be carried in carry-on and checked bags.FuelsNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Full-sized video game consolesYes–Gas torchesNoNot allowed in checked bags either.GasolineNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Geiger countersYes–Gel ice packsYesMust be frozen during screening or be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) to be allowed in your carry-on bag. There are special exceptions for medical uses.Gel-type candlesNoOnly allowed in checked bags.GlassYes–Glass picture frameYes–Glass vase (empty)Yes–Glow sticksYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Golf ballsYes–Golf clubsYesOnly allowed in checked bags.Golf teesYes–GraterYesGravyYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).GuitarYesSubject to specific airline rules.GumYes–Gun lightersNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Gun powderNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Hair clippersYes–HairdryersYes–Hair gelYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Hair straightener (flat iron), cordlessYesCordless hair straighteners that contain lithium metal or lithium ion batteries or are gas or butane fueled are only allowed in carry-on bags.Hair straightener (flat iron)Yes–Hair texturizer (aerosol)YesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).HairsprayYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) for carry-ons, 18 ounces for checked bags; max combined 70 ounces.HammersNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Hand grenadesNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Hand sanitizersYesContainers up to 12 ounces are allowed due to COVID-19 precautions.Hand warmersYes–HandcuffsYes–Harry Potter wandYes–HeadphonesYes–Heated jackets/sweatersYesThere are special FAA regulations for batteries.Heating pad (gel)NoOnly allowed in checked bags.Heating pads (electric)Yes–HelmetsYes–Hiking polesNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Hockey sticksNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Holiday lightsYes–HolstersYes–HoneyYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).HookahsYes–Hot plateYes–HoverboardsYesSubject to specific airline rules.HummusYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).IceYesMust be frozen during screening or be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) to be allowed in your carry-on bag.Ice axes/ice picksNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Ice creamYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).InhalersYes–Instant hot/cold packsYes–InsulinYes–Insulin pumps and glucose monitorsYes–Insulin suppliesYes–iPodYes–Jam and jellyYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).JewelryYes–Juice for babiesYesAllowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately.JuicesYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).KirpansNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Knitting needlesYes–KnivesNoOnly allowed in checked bags.KubatonsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Lacrosse sticksNoOnly allowed in checked bags.LaptopsYes–Laser hair removerYes–Laser pointersYes–LED lightsYes–License plateYes–Life vestYes–Light bulbsYes–Light saberYes–Lighter fluidNoNot allowed in checked bags either.LipsticksYes–Liquid bleachNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Liquid medicationsYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) but medical exceptions apply.Liquid nitrogen in a dry shipperYesThe FAA requires that liquid nitrogen be packaged in a dry shipper when transported in checked baggage.Liquid vitaminsYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Lithium batteries with 100 watt-hours or less in a deviceYesNot allowed in checked bags.Lithium batteries with more than 100-watt hoursYesSubject to specific airline rules, but not allowed in checked bags.Lithium battery-powered lightersYesNot allowed in checked bags.Live coralYesNot allowed in checked bags.Live fishYesNot allowed in checked bags.Live lobsterYesSubject to specific airline rules.Lock picksYesMust be less than 7 inches or be in a checked bag.LongboardsYesYesLotionYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Luggage protection coversYesYesMagic 8 BallNoOnly allowed in checked bags.MagnetsYes–Makeup removerYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Makeup wipesYes–MalletsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Maple syrupYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Martial arts weaponsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.MascaraYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).MassagersYes–Meat cleaversNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Medical devicesYesNot allowed in checked bags.Medical MarijuanaYesMust contain less than 0.3% THC. See specific cannabis rules.Medical masksYes–Medical-Clinical Thermometer (Mercury)NoThe FAA allows one small Medical-Clinical Thermometer (Mercury) per passenger for personal use in checked bag only.Medically-necessary personal oxygenYesSubject to specific airline rules, but not allowed in checked bags.Medications (liquid)YesLarge amounts must be declared.Medications (pills)Yes–Metal detectorYesMust not exceed airline size and weight limits.MicrowaveYesMust not exceed airline size and weight limits.MirrorsYes–MixerYesMust not exceed airline size and weight limits.MREs (meal, ready-to-eat)Yes–Multi-tool without bladesYes–Multi-toolsYesKnives are prohibited on carry-on bags, scissor blades must be less than 4 inches.Nail clippersYes–Nail file (metal)Yes–Nail gunsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Nail polishYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Nail polish removerYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Navigation GPSYes–Nebulizers, CPAPs, BiPAPs, and APAPsYes–Night sticksNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Night vision gogglesYes–Nitroglycerine pillsYes–Non-spillable wet batteriesYesMaximum of 2 spare batteries that don’t exceed 12 volts and 100 watt-hours.NunchucksNoOnly allowed in checked bags.NutsYes–Oils and vinegarsYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).PaintingsYes–ParachutesYes–Parts of guns and firearmsNoAllowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.Party poppersNo–Peanut butterYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Pellet gunsNoAllowed in checked bags depending on the airline. More guidelines are available.PenYes–Pencil sharpenersYes–Pepper sprayNoOnly 1 4-fluid-ounce container of mace or pepper spray is allowed in checked luggage.PerfumeYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Permeation devices for calibrating air qualityNoThe FAA limits the total quantity of hazardous materials in the device to 2 milliliters (0.07 ounces). The device and its packaging cannot weigh more than 30 kilograms (66 pounds) and must be in a checked bag.Pet food (solid)Yes–Pet food (wet)YesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Phone chargersYes–Pies and cakesYes–Pill cutterYes–PillowsYes–PizzaYes–Planting seedsYes–PlantsYes–Play-DohYes–Pocket knifeNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Pool cuesNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Portable oxygen concentratorsYesSee the list of approved portable oxygen concentrators.Pots and pansYesCast iron skillets must go in a checked bag.Powder makeupYes–Power banksYesNot allowed in checked bags.Power chargerYesNot allowed in checked bags.Power invertersYes–PrinterYes–Printer inkYes–ProjectorsYes–PropaneNoNot allowed in checked bags either.ProstheticsYes–Protein or energy powdersYes–Putty ballsYes–RadioYes–Rainbow flame crystalsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Razor-type bladesNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Realistic replicas of explosivesNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Realistic replicas of firearmsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Realistic replicas of incendiariesNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Recreational oxygenNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Remote-controlled carsYes–Rifle scope (scope only)Yes–RiflesNoRead the special instructions for firearms in checked bags.Rocket launcherNoNot allowed in checked bags either.RocksYes–RopeYes–SabersNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Safety matchesYesNot allowed in checked bags.Safety pinYes–Safety razor with blades (allowed without blade)NoOnly allowed in checked bags.Salad dressingYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Salsa and saucesYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).SaltYes–Samsung Galaxy Note 7NoNot allowed in checked bags either.SandYes–SandwichesYes–SawsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.ScissorsYesMust be less than 4 inches from the pivot point.Screwdriver (longer than 7 inches)NoOnly allowed in checked bags.Screwdrivers (shorter than 7 inches)Yes–Sea shellsYes–SegwaysYesSubject to specific airline rules.Self-defense spraysNoOnly 1 4-fluid-ounce container of mace or pepper spray is allowed in checked luggage.Selfie stickYes–Sewing machineYes–Sewing needlesYes–ShampooYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Shaving cream (aerosol)YesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Shell casingsYesEmpty shell casings are allowed in specific circ*mstances.Shock collarsYes–Shoe hornYes–Shoe insertsYes–Shoe treeYes–Shoe/snow spikesNoOnly allowed in checked bags.SkateboardsYesMust not exceed airline size and weight limits.SkatesYes–Ski polesNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Sleeping bagYes–SlingshotsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Small compressed gas cartridgesNoNot allowed in checked bags either. Special exceptions for personal medical oxygen cylinders.Small fishing luresYes–Small petsYesSubject to specific airline rules.Small toy carsYes–Smart luggageYesSubject to specific airline rules.Snack barYes–SnacksYes–Snow cleatsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Snow globesYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).SnowboardsYesMust not exceed airline size and weight limits.SnowshoesYes–Soap (bar)Yes–Soap (liquid)YesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).SodaYes–Solar panelsYesMust not exceed airline size and weight limits.Solid candlesYes–Solid foodsYes–Solid makeupYes–SoupsYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).SparklersYes–SpeakersYes–Spear gunsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Spices (dry)Yes–Spillable batteriesNoNot allowed in checked bags either, except those in wheelchairs.Sports cleatsYes–Spray paintNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Spray starchNoNot allowed in checked bags either.StaplersYes–Starter pistolsNoRead special instructions for firearms in checked bags.Steel toe bootsYes–Stick pinsYes–Strike-anywhere matchesNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Stuffed animalsYes–Stun guns/shocking devicesNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Sunscreen spraysYes–SupplementsYes–Support braces (knee, ankle, wrist, back)Yes–Surge protectorYes–Swiss Army knifeNoOnly allowed in checked bags.SwordsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.TabletsYes–Tactical penNoOnly allowed in checked bags.TamponsYes–Tape measuresYes–Tattoo gunsYes–Tattoo inksYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).Tea (dry tea bags or loose tea leaves)Yes–Tea kettleYes–Tear gasNoNot allowed in checked bags either.TelevisionYes–Tennis racketsYes–TENS unitYes–TentYesMust not exceed airline size and weight limits.Tent polesYesEven if an item is generally allowed, officers make the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.Tent spikesNoOnly allowed in checked bags.ThermometerYes–Throwing starsNoOnly allowed in checked bags.TobaccoYes–Tobacco pipesYes–ToolsYesMust be less than 7 inches or be in a checked bag.ToothbrushYes–ToothpasteYes–Torch lightersNoNot allowed in checked bags either.Tortilla pressYes–Toy guns and weaponsYesTechnically some are allowed, but it is recommended to place them in a checked bag.Toy robotsYes–Toys (adult)Yes–TripodsYes–TrophyYes–Turpentine and paint thinnerNoNot allowed in checked bags either.TweezersYes–UmbrellasYesMust not exceed airline size and weight limits.Unused syringesYesMust be declared to a security officer.Used syringesYes–UtensilsYesPlastic or round-bladed butter knives are allowed, other knives must be placed in a checked bag.Vacuum robotsYes–Vacuum-sealed bagsYes–Vehicle airbagsNoNot allowed in checked bags either.ViolinsYesSubject to specific airline rules.VitaminsYes–Waffle ironYes–WalkersYes–Walking sticksNoOnly allowed in checked bags.Wallet chainsYes–Water for babiesYesAllowed in “reasonable quantities” and must be screened separately.Weather Barometer or Thermometer (Mercury)YesThese devices contain more mercury than consumer devices and may only be carried by a representative of a government weather bureau or similar agency in carry-on baggage.Wedding dressYesSubject to specific airline rules.Wet wipesYes–WheelchairsYes–Wine bottleYesMust be in 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller bottles and fit in a single 1-quart-sized bag to carry on. Checked bags may not have more than 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger in unopened original packaging.Wrenches/pliersYesMust be less than 7 inches or be in a checked bag.XboxYes–Yoga matYes–YogurtYesMust be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).