Your Guide to TSA | What You Can and Cannot Bring in Your Carry-On Luggage:
It might seem like TSA has got some pretty wild rules. And I’m guessing you’re going to be surprised by some of the things you can and CANNOT travel with. I’m here to break down the carry-on luggage rules, and what to pack in your checked baggage instead.
And stay tuned until the end for a fun guessing game of: Is it, or isn’t it, allowed on an airplane?
These rules are important to follow because they’re in place for a reason, and safety is always the number one concern. And if you would rather just read the guidelines straight from TSA, you could do that too (but it probably won’t be as entertaining).
Welcome to your TSA travel guide 101.
1. What Liquids Can You Bring on a Plane?
Starting off with our favorite widely known rule, let’s talk liquids. It’s not exactly WHAT the liquid is, (although you can’t bring lighter fluid on a plane), but it’s mostly what form it’s in.
For example: Most of us know that we can’t bring a full bottle of water through TSA. And if you didn’t know that, now you do. But you can bring water if it’s in its solid form…as ice.
So feel free to bring a full bottle of frozen water on your next flight. Just drink it as it melts, and you’ll save $10 on bottled water inside the airport.
The Rules For Carry-on Liquids:
You can bring some liquid, though. As long as the amount in each individual container is less than 3.4oz, you are good to go.
Is there a limit to how many individual 3.4oz containers you can have? I’m glad you asked, because yes there is.
You are allowed to bring one clear quart-sized bag full per person.
Technically if you wanted to bring a quart of tomato soup in your carry-on luggage, you could just package it in individual 3.4oz containers.
Although you might get some weird looks going through security.
What Counts as a Liquid?
So at what point does a liquid become NOT a liquid anymore? What about thick goopy substances? I’m glad you asked that too.
It’s not just liquids that need to be under 3.4oz but aerosols, gels, creams and pastes.
And if you’re wondering if peanut butter is a gel…yes it is. But, playdoh is NOT so feel free to bring as much playdoh as you would like.
The Exceptions to the Rule: There is an exception to the 3.4 oz rule and that’s for formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food as well as other medically necessary liquids. You can bring these in greater quantities.
Or if you’re transporting fish, which we’ll get into later.
2. Can You Bring Alcohol on a Plane?
Believe it or not, you can absolutely travel with your own alcohol. Or maybe you were in Napa, and want to bring home a bottle of your favorite Cabernet. Yes, you may!
According to the FAA, it’s all about the alcohol content! Here are the rules:
Carry-on Luggage Alcohol Rules:
As long as you can fit all your 3oz bottles into a 1 quart bag (that’s about 9 in case you were wondering), and as long as the alcohol is under 70% or 140 proof, you can carry it on.
And if you’ve got anything you’re trying to fly with over 70% ABV or 140 proof. Leave it at home, because it’s a no go in carry-on or checked luggage.
Small PSA: You can’t drink your own booze while flying. That’s gonna get you in trouble for sure, so don’t even try it.
Checked Luggage Alcohol Rules:
Alcohol less than 24% alcohol or 48 proof, which is most beers and wine, there is no limit to the amount you can pack in your checked luggage.
If the alcohol is over 24% you can only check 5 liters per passenger and it must be unopened.
3. What Food Can You Bring on a Plane?
Shockingly, you can pass through TSA with almost any food item. If you feel like bring a full size deep dish pizza, have at it. As long as it fits through the X-ray machine and its not a liquid or a gel.
Yes, you can even bring protein powder but it must be placed in a separate bin for its trip through X-ray screening.
One stipulation here is if you’re flying international. Some countries have stricter laws here, so check on this before flying to another country.
4. Traveling with Lithium Batteries:
Let’s talk about Lithium Batteries for a second because I feel like we all need a little clarification on this. What exactly are they, and what are the rules?
The truth is you don’t really need to be too worried here with electronic devices you are bringing in your carry-on luggage: Most consumer-type batteries and portable electronics are going to be fine. But, If you’re packing a spare battery in your carry-on, it must be protected from damage and short circuit.
The trouble comes when you are traveling with spare (uninstalled) lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries in checked baggage. The reason for the restrictions is that These batteries can easily generate enough heat to start a fire.
So if you’re checking a spare (uninstalled) battery, make sure you brush up on the specific rules here.
The Rules for Lithium Batteries: More than 100 Watt Hours
With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium ion batteries (101–160 Wh) or lithium metal batteries (2-8 grams). This size covers the larger after-market extended-life laptop computer batteries and some larger batteries used in professional audio/visual equipment.
There is a limit of two spare batteries per person for the larger lithium ion batteries described above (101–160 watt hours per battery. For more information, see the FAA regulations on batteries.
5. Can You Bring Weapons in Carry-on Luggage?
Basically, no. You cannot bring weapons on an airplane. But the real question should be: What is considered a weapon?
As a general rule when packing you should ask yourself “How sharp is it?” and “How flammable is it?” If you have to ask the question, you should probably leave it behind. Never bring a flare gun either in checked or carry-on luggage.
Obviously you cannot bring explosives to the airport, and you can never bring a rocket launcher (even if it’s just a replica).
What Does TSA Consider a Weapon?
Aside from the obvious, what else might TSA consider a weapon?
Swords, and even if it’s made of foam, it must be checked.
You can bring a fork, but your hatchet will have to go in your checked bag.
Tools: If you’re bringing tools, like a hammer, screwdriver, or drill, make sure to pack it in your checked bag. And any other weapon you’re wondering about is probably prohibited, even if it’s a replica.
Sports equipment that is considered a weapon: Ski poles are considered potential weapons and must be packed in your checked suitcase.
Baseball bats (and any other bats or club type object) are prohibited in the cabin of the plane and must be transported in your checked baggage.
So that means you cannot bring a bowling pin in your carry on, but you CAN bring a bowling ball.
Traveling with Firearms:
Firearms and ammo must be checked in a special way in your checked luggage, and restrictions do vary by airline.
Firearms packed correctly won’t cause an issue. “They MUST be in a gun case and securely locked. There must be a piece of paper (with the correct date) from the airlines near the gun case – NOT inside.” – according to one TSA officer.
If you do not declare your firearms or pack them in a securely locked gun case, police and the airline will be called.
I hope we all know by now that if you’re flying internationally, you’ve gotta be super diligent here and follow the rules of the country we are in. So don’t forget to remove your ammunition from your carry-on luggage before you fly.
Can You Bring Matches on a Plane?
Side note to go over matches: What are the rules on matches and lighters?
You can bring one book of safety matches only in your carry on.
Disposable and Zippo (non-torch) lighters without fuel are allowed in checked bags. If the lighter has fuel, make sure to take it with you in your carry on.
6. Can You Travel with Plants?
Yes, plants are allowed with you on the plane. And there really are no specifications listing individual plant species. Although I can imagine there are limits we shouldn’t push here.
The problem with plants is going to come down to soil. You will probably get your soil confiscated through TSA, so if you do try to bring a plant, wrap it in a wet paper towel to be on the safe side.
When it comes to plants, TSA does make a point to clarify that the final decision rests with the individual TSA officer. So it’s up to you, but you might not want to risk losing your variegated monstera.
I would recommend checking with the individual airline on this one, especially if you are flying to Hawaii or internationally as the rules could be different.
7. Can You Fly with Fish and Coral?
Yes, you can travel with live coral AND live fish in your carry-on luggage. The rule is that you can bring live fish in your carry on, but NOT in your checked bag.
Live fish in water and a clear transparent container are allowed after inspection by the TSA officer. Obviously your fish will likely need more than 3.4oz of water, so lucky for us, there is not water limit with live coral or fish.
Just like with plants, this rule is up to the individual airline so do your research ahead of time before you try bringing your pet to the airport.
I’m not going to get deep into other animals like dogs and cats, because that would be a whole other post in and of itself.
But you should know that most airline will not accept poisonous or venomous pets like snakes and lizards.
It's Game Time: Can You Bring it on a Plane?
No – Must be checked
Allowed
Allowed
No – Apparently they have gunpowder in them, so they’re totally banned.
Allowed
No – Just get rid of it, it’s a hazard.
Allowed
No – Pots and pans are allowed but they cannot be cast iron.
Allowed – Along with, Light Sabers, and Harry Potter Wands, what a relief.
Allowed
No – and you can’t check it either so traveling with spray paint is out of the question.
Allowed – as long as it’s less than 5.5lbs.
It’s Questionable – They say it’s allowed, but they might take it away. Check it, just to be safe.
Allowed
Nope – gotta go in your checked bag.
Never Allowed
Allowed – Must be under 4” and sheathed.
Allowed – Collective joy.
I hope you learned a little something about what you can and cannot bring in your carry-on luggage and how to navigate TSA.
It may seem like TSA has a lot of rules, but like I said earlier, they are in place for a reason. Collective safety is always the number on concern and getting you to your destination with ease.
Thanks for following the rules so that everyone can have a safe journey through the sky.
6 thoughts on “What’s Allowed in Carry-On Luggage? According to TSA”
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This is so helpful! It’s so hard to keep track of all the TSA rules it makes it stressful to travel, this helped clarify a lot of things for me.
Yes, very informative! Finding our what allowed can be a pain on the TSA website.
Thanks for this super helpful info! (Unpacking antlers)
I worked at an airport for 12 years and had to go through security every day. I don’t think the TSA agents even know what can or cannot go through lol 🙂
That’s so funny, I love this comment!
Great breakdown of permitted and prohibited items, with visuals included too!