Pack smarter before you get to TSA security.
A little preparation can help you avoid delays at the airport. Use this checklist to review
common carry-on rules, liquids, electronics, medication, checked-bag reminders, and items that
should be verified directly with TSA before you pack.
Quick carry-on checklist
Before closing your bag, review the common categories that most often cause delays at security.
When in doubt, check TSA’s official item list or place the item in checked baggage if permitted.
Liquids
Carry-on liquids, gels, creams, aerosols, and pastes generally must follow the 3-1-1 rule.
Electronics
Be ready to remove laptops or large electronics if TSA asks during screening.
Medication
Keep medication accessible and clearly separated if it needs special screening.
Sharp items
Knives, box cutters, and many sharp objects should not be packed in carry-on bags.
Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes
TSA’s 3-1-1 rule generally allows travel-sized containers of 3.4 ounces / 100 milliliters or less
in one quart-sized clear bag, with one bag per passenger. This applies to many toiletries, gels,
creams, pastes, and aerosols.
Common mistake
The container size matters. A larger bottle that is only partly full can still be rejected at
the checkpoint. If it is larger than 3.4 ounces / 100 milliliters, pack it in checked baggage
if the item is otherwise allowed.
Items that may need extra attention
Medication and medical items
Medically necessary liquids and devices may be allowed with special screening. Keep them
accessible and tell the TSA officer before screening begins.
Baby food, formula, and breast milk
These items may have exceptions, but they can require additional screening. Separate them
from your regular carry-on liquids.
Food and dense items
Solid food is often allowed, but some foods and dense items may require additional inspection
or must follow the liquids rule if they can spill, spread, spray, pump, or pour.
Electronics
Laptops, tablets, cameras, and other electronics should be packed so they are easy to remove
if TSA requests separate screening.
Items that should not go in carry-on bags
Some items are not permitted through the checkpoint and should not be packed in carry-on luggage.
Examples include firearms, ammunition, many knives, box cutters, certain sporting equipment, and
many flammable or explosive materials.
Check carefully before packing
- Firearms and ammunition
- Knives, box cutters, and sharp blades
- Explosives, fuels, and flammable materials
- Large tools and many sporting items
- Self-defense sprays or weapons
Use TSA’s official lookup
Do not rely on memory or an old blog list. Search the item on TSA’s official “What Can I Bring?”
page before packing.
Checked baggage reminders
Checked baggage rules are not the same as carry-on rules. Some items that are not allowed in
carry-on bags may be allowed in checked baggage, while other dangerous items may be prohibited
entirely.
Firearms require special handling
Firearms and ammunition are not normal carry-on items. TSA has strict rules for transporting
firearms in checked baggage, including unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container.
Always review TSA and airline rules before travel.
Before you leave for the airport
Pack for screening
- Place liquids in an easy-to-remove quart-sized bag.
- Keep laptops and large electronics accessible.
- Separate medication and medical liquids if needed.
- Do not wrap gifts tightly before TSA screening.
Plan for your trip
- Check baggage rules for your airline.
- Confirm ID/passport requirements.
- Arrive early during holidays or peak travel times.
- Use the official TSA checklist before departure.
TSA checklist FAQ
These answers are general. TSA officers make the final decision at the checkpoint.
Can I bring liquids in my carry-on?
Usually yes, but most liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be in containers of
3.4 ounces / 100 milliliters or less and fit inside one quart-sized bag.
Can I bring medication?
Medications are generally allowed, but liquid medication or medical devices may need special
screening. Keep them accessible and tell TSA before screening starts.
Can I bring food?
Many solid foods are allowed, but liquid or gel food items may need to follow the 3-1-1 rule.
Some foods may also require extra screening.
Are firearms allowed in carry-on bags?
No. Firearms are not permitted in carry-on bags. TSA has separate rules for unloaded firearms
transported in checked baggage in locked hard-sided containers.
Where should I check a specific item?
Use TSA’s official “What Can I Bring?” page for the most current item-by-item guidance.
Need help preparing for a trip?
Chang Express can help with flights, trip planning, baggage questions, and travel preparation.
For TSA-specific item rules, always verify directly with TSA before packing.