Carry-on bags make travel easier, but TSA carry-on rules limit what you can bring through security. Some items are completely prohibited, while others are allowed only with restrictions or in checked luggage. Here’s what to know before you pack your carry-on bag.
Quick summary.
- Prohibited items: Firearms, flammables, sharp objects (like knives and large scissors), martial arts gear and tools over 7 inches are not allowed.
- Restricted liquids & spreads: Beverages over 3.4 oz and spreadables (like peanut butter) are limited. Alcohol over 140 proof is banned altogether.
- Medical gear & electronics: Most medical items and electronics are allowed — just keep them accessible for screening.
- International differences: Items like nail clippers or certain medications might be fine with TSA but banned elsewhere. Check local laws before you fly.
- Security tips: Place liquids and electronics where you can reach them, empty your pockets early and use KAYAK’s Bag Measurement tool to make sure your carry-on fits.
Carry-on restrictions at a glance.
Allowed in carry-ons with limits:
- Scissors under 4 inches
- Lighters (one per person)
- Liquids in 3.4 oz containers
- Nail clippers
- Disposable razors (sheathed)
- Tweezers
- Knitting needles
Not allowed in carry-on bags:
(Checked bags only)
- Baseball bats
- Tent stakes
- Bear spray
- Golf clubs
- Hockey sticks
- Martial arts weapons
- Cricket bats
Not allowed in either carry-on or checked bags:
- Large power banks over 100Wh
- Flammable liquids
- Fireworks
- Chlorine
- Gasoline
- Blasting caps
- Bang snaps
In this article
What is not allowed on a plane carry-on: common TSA restrictions.
Make sure to not pack the following items.
International airport differences
International customs differences
What is not allowed on a plane carry-on? FAQs
Is carry-on guaranteed for everyone?
How does the airline know what’s in my carry-on?
Streamline the process.
What is not allowed on a plane carry-on: common TSA restrictions.
Keep in mind that TSA has the final say on any item. It never pays to argue with agents in the airport. So don’t bring anything questionable unless you’re prepared to forfeit it.
From seemingly obvious items like swords to more questionable implements like scissors, some things are universally banned. Other items face varying restrictions. Here’s what to watch out for.
1. Firearms
Perhaps the most widely understood category of prohibited items for carry-on baggage is firearms. The guidelines here are clear: There are no firearms allowed in the plane’s cabin as carry-on items. S
ome firearm-related items may be transported in checked luggage under specific conditions:
- BB guns and compressed air guns: Allowed in checked bags if unloaded and stored in a hard-sided locked case
- Ammunition: Allowed in checked bags if packed in original packaging or a designated container
Other items are completely prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage, including:
- Flares
- Gunpowder
Even toy weapons count here. Water guns, Nerf guns and other items that resemble firearms are not allowed in carry-on bags.
Only certain accessories, such as holsters and rifle scopes, are generally permitted by the TSA.
2. Self-defense items
Pepper spray, mace, stun guns and brass knuckles are all prohibited in carry-on bags. Small pepper spray canisters under 4 oz with a safety mechanism are allowed in checked bags only.
3. Flammables
Flammables may sound as obviously prohibited as firearms for airplane carry-on. But they’re actually not so cut and dry. Flammable liquids like butane, chlorine and gasoline are prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags. The same goes for fireworks, blasting caps and explosive novelty items like bang snaps – they’re prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags.
However, some lighters are allowed, along with cigarettes and cigars. But you’re forbidden to smoke them anywhere on the plane.
Falling into this category, you can bring dry batteries in a carry-on with no quantity limits. However, their terminals (the ends of the battery) must not come into contact with any other metals.
4. Medical supplies
At the opposite end of the spectrum, medical supplies are almost universally permitted on planes in carry-on bags. This is one of the very few exceptions to the otherwise strict limitations imposed upon liquids.
You can even bring a medically necessary oxygen tank onboard. But as is the case with most medical supplies, you’re expected to remove them from your bag and present them to the TSA agent before the inspection.
You can use most assistive devices like wheelchairs and crutches in the airport. You might need to gate-check them, though. Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility devices are the only medical items specifically prohibited by the TSA, but you can check them.
5. Sports gear
You can bring a great deal of common sporting gear in your carry-on, but not all. You may actually be surprised to learn that semi-sharp items like horse spurs and clamp-ons are generally allowed. A rule of thumb to follow is that anything shaped like a weapon (mainly a club) is prohibited.
This includes items like baseball and cricket bats, golf clubs, hockey and lacrosse sticks, and even walking sticks – all of which are allowed in checked bags only. You probably won’t have much reason to bring a bowling pin onboard with you, but this also falls under the prohibition of sporting equipment that could be used for bludgeoning.
You can bring fishing lures onboard unless they contain large hooks. The TSA agent on duty will determine if your hook is too large. It’s safest to pack these in checked luggage if you don’t want to risk losing it.
Martial arts weapons are also prohibited in carry-on bags, but may be transported in checked luggage.
6. Camping gear
Like sporting equipment, you can bring most camping gear in your carry-on, but not all. Sleeping bags, tents, and even tent poles are permitted by the TSA, but keep in mind that many of these may violate your airline’s size and capacity restrictions, so you may be denied boarding with these even if you successfully pass security.
In many cases, you may be able to gate-check these items, though airlines aren’t required to offer that option. Tent spikes are not allowed in carry-on bags, while bear spray and gas cartridges are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage. Cast iron cookware must be packed in checked bags.
7. Household appliances and gadgets
The vast majority of household appliances will clear TSA security screening, but it’s important to confirm that they fit within your airline’s size restrictions, or you may not be able to board with them. Even blenders are allowed, as long as the blade is removed, as are hangers, bottle openers, and blade-less corkscrews.
As long as you avoid items with parts ruled out by other guidelines, like blades or too much liquid, finding a household appliance that’s forbidden by TSA is actually quite difficult.
8. Lithium batteries and power banks
Lithium batteries and power banks are among the most actively enforced carry-on restrictions. Here’s what you need to know before you pack.
- Power banks and spare lithium-ion batteries at or under 100Wh are allowed in carry-on bags.
- Power banks over 100Wh may require airline approval and some airlines prohibit them entirely. Check your airline’s battery policy before you fly.
- Spare lithium-ion batteries must be carried in your carry-on only. They are not permitted in checked bags.
- Some airlines now restrict power banks to personal items only and do not allow them in the overhead bin. Check your airline’s policy before you fly.
9. Tools
The TSA specifically prohibits certain tools in carry-on bags, including hammers, drills and nail guns. For most other tools, the key rule is size: tools 7 inches or shorter are generally allowed unless restricted by another TSA regulation, such as blade rules.
As an example, a 6-inch screwdriver can come onboard the plane cabin with you, but a screwdriver longer than 7 inches will have to stay in your checked luggage.
10. Sharp objects
Sharp objects are generally prohibited in carry-on bags, though there are a few exceptions. Knives (including pocket knives), blades, sabers, saws and throwing stars must be packed in checked luggage, while smaller items like tweezers, nail clippers, pencil sharpeners and safety pins are allowed in carry-ons.
Knitting and crochet needles are also allowed. Scissors under 4 inches in length from the pivot point are allowed, and so are cigar cutters – though the TSA advises packing these in your checked luggage as the agent on duty may object to them.
You can bring a disposable razor if sheathed, but you’ll need to remove the blade on a safety razor to make it through security.
11. Food and beverages
Because all beverages are liquids, they must follow the TSA’s volume rule of being contained in 3.4-ounce (100 mL) containers, all of which must fit in a single quart-size bag. Provided your drinks comply with these volume guidelines, the only beverage forbidden by TSA is alcohol that is 140 proof (70% alcohol) or greater.
Solid foods containing no liquid or cream elements are permitted onboard as carry-on items, but beware of fresh fruits and vegetables, which may be restricted when traveling to and from certain destinations due to the risk of spreading invasive pests. This is especially likely if you’re traveling internationally.
Foods treated as liquids or gels under TSA rules (must follow the 3.4 oz rule or go in checked luggage):
- Hummus
- Peanut butter Jam and jelly
- Salsa and dips
- Yogurt
- Soft cheese
- Canned goods with liquid content
12. Powders and dry substances
Powders in containers over 12 oz / 350 mL must be removed from your carry-on and placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. Commonly affected items include:
- Protein powder
- Dry shampoo
- Baby powder
- Flour Spices in bulk
- Loose makeup
13. A note on alcohol
You may have seen travel hacks about bringing aboard miniature bottles of alcohol, often called airplane bottles, to avoid paying for steeply-priced drinks during your flight. These bottles are typically 1.7 ounces (50 mL) and are allowed through TSA screening as long as they’re properly contained with other liquids. But there’s a catch: You’re not allowed to drink them on the plane.
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regulations prohibit drinking alcohol onboard planes unless it’s served by the cabin crew, which means you can’t drink your own booze. Think of it like any other bar — you have to buy it there to drink it there.
Explore the carry-on policies of selected airlines
Make sure to not pack the following items.
Even after exhausting the TSA’s list of prohibited items and familiarizing yourself with the general trends, you may still find yourself wondering about some specific items that seem to hover somewhere between prohibited and permitted.
While your safest bet is to simply not bring these, here are some examples of items you might have thought you could bring in your carry-on but you definitely cannot:
- peanut butter (it’s not solid),
- a magic 8-ball (it’s filled with liquid),
- strike-anywhere matches (only safety matches are allowed),
- Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones (it’s permanently banned on planes or in the mail by the Department of Transportation)
- glow sticks (contain liquid, subject to the 3-1-1 rule).
The TSA also advises you not to bring canned foods, even if they’re completely solid, as agents may not be able to verify contents without damaging them.
Now that you’ve mastered the regulations when it comes to what is not allowed on a plane carry-on, check out this guide to how to pack a carry-on to ensure smooth travels.
International airport differences
While TSA guidelines are fairly standard and uniformly enforced across US airports, other countries have their own governing agencies with regulations that may vary. Most often this applies to liquids.
Keep in mind that itineraries with international connections may leave you clearing security again at the connecting airport, and your items will be subject to local regulations regardless of the fact that your origin airport allowed them.
Airlines are welcome to create additional restrictions that don’t violate government regulations and, while this isn’t common in the United States, international airlines may have more unique guidelines. It’s always helpful to check an airline’s specific carry-on guidance before packing.
For example, scissors with blades under 4 inches are allowed on US airlines, but are prohibited by Turkish Airlines. As most security screenings are unconcerned with which airline you’re flying, it’s unlikely that these items will be targeted before boarding, but you may suffer repercussions if spotted with them onboard.
Always check international carry-on rules. Personally, this is where I’ve lost items like nail clippers, soy candles, and masking tape. In these cases, you’ll either forfeit the items or return to the ticketing counter to check the items, if you have a suitable container for them.
Key international carry-on differences to know.
- UK airports: Liquids must be in containers of 100 mL or less, each fitting in a single resealable 1-litre bag – one bag per passenger.
- Australia: Strict biosecurity rules mean many fresh foods, seeds and plant matter will be confiscated at customs regardless of TSA clearance.
- EU airports: The 100 mL liquid rule applies and some airports conduct secondary liquid screening using bottle scanners.
- Middle Eastern countries: Some destinations prohibit alcohol entirely, including sealed bottles purchased at duty-free.
International customs differences
While this is not specific to carry-on luggage, it’s also important to remember that some countries completely ban specific items that are commonly used in the United States.
While you may have no trouble getting these through TSA screening on your way to the destination, you’ll be violating local laws if you bring them into the host country and may be prosecuted if caught.
Prescription medications are a common example of these, so always check the customs website of your destination before packing.
What is not allowed on a plane carry-on? FAQs
Yes, you may bring glass containers onboard with you. The key here is that anything inside the containers themselves must comply with TSA’s liquid rules. This means the glass containers must hold no more than 3 oz (100 ml) of liquid.
This will vary depending on the airline and country. Using TSA guidelines as a general rule, personal hygiene items that comply with the previously stated liquid restrictions and do not resemble weapons are generally allowed. Note that electric and sheathed disposable razors are allowed, but other kinds of shaving razors are not. Tweezers and nail-clippers are usually fine to bring onboard as well.
This guide is a great start, but if you want to be absolutely certain, you should check the individual guidelines of the airline you’re flying with. It’s also wise to check the official TSA website or other relevant international travel regulations directly if you’re still unsure.
Yes. Standard phone chargers and charging cables are allowed in carry-on bags with no restrictions. However, portable power banks over 100Wh are not allowed in carry-on or checked bags.
Yes, as long as the tube is 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less and placed in a quart-sized clear bag with your other liquids.
Is carry-on guaranteed for everyone?
In short — not necessarily. While most major airlines and fares include some amount of complimentary carry-on. But some budget airlines and deeply discounted tickets do not.
To be sure you won’t be met with any surprises, use KAYAK’s Fee Assistant. You can select the number of carry-on and checked bags needed so these costs are automatically included in your search results. It’s located at the top of the flight results page, and you can adjust the filters on the left after you search.
How does the airline know what’s in my carry-on?
In most cases, the airlines themselves have no idea what’s in your carry-on bag unless you tell them or show them.
When checking in, you typically need to confirm that you’re not bringing any prohibited items onboard with you. However, the airline itself will not open your bag and inspect it.
TSA (Transportation Security Administration), or another country’s equivalent, will screen your carry-on (and you). They’ll do this as you pass through airport security to check for prohibited items. The process may require more or less effort and time depending on things like airline status and membership in expedited screening programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. But everyone will pass through this screening, and nearly must adhere to the same restrictions.
Bags get reviewed by an X-ray scanner and may be flagged for an extra search by hand by TSA agents. Violations can result in steep fines and potential legal issues. So don’t try to sneak anything though!
Streamline the process.
Passing through security screenings can be the most time-consuming and frustrating part of your journey. But there are some simple tips you can keep in mind to get through more quickly.
Because TSA has tight regulations on liquids, you might get asked to remove them from your packed bag. And even though more airports now have screening technology that allows you to keep everything inside, avoid extra hassles by keeping them in an easily-accessible location — just in case.
Keep important items like phones, medication, wallets, and IDs handy by packing them in an easily accessible pouch within your carry-on. This will help smooth the screening process while helping you to keep track of your things.
While there’s rarely a limit to how many electronic devices you can bring onboard, TSA often requires that these also be removed from bags for screening. So be prepared to quickly grab those, as well. Even people with TSA PreCheck can typically only leave one large electronic device in each bag.
Finally, keep everything out of your pockets (including phones and wallets). Also remember to remove metal accessories like belts when passing through security.
And be sure to double check you have everything when you finish going through security. Leaving valuables — or even an entire suitcase — behind is far more common than you might think!
With unpredictable wait times at airport security, it’s good to plan ahead when deciding how early you should arrive to the airport. This guide on how early you should arrive to the airport can help you make the call.
