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Don’t Get Denied
at the Airport

Pack Your Bags with Confidence: The TSA Checklist for Safe Travel

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for the security of commercial air travel in the United States. To ensure passenger safety, the TSA has developed a checklist of permitted and prohibited items that passengers can bring on board an airplane. Knowing what items are allowed and not allowed can help you prepare for your trip and avoid delays at security checkpoints.

What Can I Bring on a Plane?

The following table outlines which items are allowed as carry-on and as checked bags:

ItemCarry-OnChecked Bag
Liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per itemAllowed in larger containers, as long as they’re in checked bags
Prescription and over-the-counter medicationsAllowed, including insulin and inhalersAllowed
Personal items, such as jewelry, watches, and eyeglassesAllowedAllowed
Electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphonesAllowedAllowed
Food and beverages purchased after passing through securityAllowedAllowed
Guns, firearms, and ammunitionNot allowedNot allowed
Explosive and flammable materials, such as dynamite and fuelNot allowedNot allowed
Knives, box cutters, and other sharp objectsNot allowed, except for plastic or round-bladed butter knivesAllowed in checked bags
Baseball bats, golf clubs, and other sports equipmentNot allowed, except for some types of walking sticks and martial arts gearAllowed
Tools, such as screwdrivers and pliers, that are 7 inches or lessAllowedAllowed
Larger tools, such as wrenches and hammersNot allowedAllowed in checked bags
Lighters and matchesNot allowed, except for one lighter or a book of matches in carry-on luggageAllowed in checked bags

Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols

Liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item are allowed in carry-on bags. These items must be placed in a single, clear, quart-sized plastic bag. Passengers are allowed one bag per person.

There are some exceptions to this rule. Medications, baby formula, and food for special diets are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces and are not required to be in a plastic bag. Additionally, liquids, gels, and aerosols that are purchased after passing through security checkpoints are allowed in carry-on bags.

Liquids, gels, and aerosols in larger containers are allowed in checked bags as long as they are placed in a leak-proof container and wrapped in protective material to prevent breakage.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

Prescription and over-the-counter medications are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. These items should be clearly labeled and placed in their original containers. Passengers should inform the TSA officer at the security checkpoint if they have liquid medications, inhalers, or other medical devices that need special screening.

Personal Items

Personal items, such as jewelry, watches, and eyeglasses, are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Passengers are also allowed to bring personal care items, such as hairbrushes, makeup, and toothbrushes, in their carry-on bags.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. However, passengers should be prepared to remove these items from their bags and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening at security checkpoints.

Food and Beverages

Passengers are allowed to bring food and beverages purchased after passing through security checkpoints on board the airplane. However, if the items are liquid, gel, or aerosol in nature, they must comply with the 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less rule and be placed in a single, clear, quart-sized plastic bag.

Prohibited Items

The TSA has strict rules regarding which items are not allowed on airplanes at all. These items include:

  • Guns, firearms, and ammunition
  • Explosive and flammable materials, such as dynamite and fuel
  • Knives, box cutters, and other sharp objects (except for plastic or round-bladed butter knives)
  • Baseball bats, golf clubs, and other sports equipment (except for some types of walking sticks and martial arts gear)
  • Lighters and matches (except for one lighter or a book of matches in carry-on luggage)

While some of these items may be allowed in checked bags, passengers should be aware that others are prohibited entirely and could result in fines or legal action if found in their possession.

Tools

Tools that are 7 inches or less in length, such as screwdrivers and pliers, are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. However, larger tools, such as wrenches and hammers, are not allowed in carry-on bags and must be placed in checked bags.

Knowing what items are allowed and prohibited on airplanes can help you avoid delays at security checkpoints and ensure a smooth travel experience. The TSA Checklist of Permitted and Prohibited Items provides a comprehensive list of what items are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Before you pack for your trip, be sure to check the TSA’s website for the most up-to-date information on permitted and prohibited items.

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