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TSA Packing Guide 2026 — What Can You Bring Through Security?
Interactive guide to TSA rules for 25 common items. Know before you pack.
✓ = Allowed · ✗ = Not allowed · First icon = carry-on, see notes for checked bag rules.
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Liquids (3.4 oz / 100ml or less)Must fit in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag. One bag per passenger.
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Laptops & tabletsRemove from bag at standard screening. PreCheck: can stay in bag.
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Phone chargers & power banksLithium battery devices MUST go in carry-on, not checked bags.
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Medications (prescription)Allowed in reasonable quantities. Liquid medications exempt from 3-1-1 rule but must be declared.
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Food (solid)Solid foods are fine. Spreads, dips, and sauces over 3.4 oz must be checked.
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Water bottle (empty)Must be EMPTY through security. Fill at water fountains after the checkpoint.
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Scissors (under 4 inches)Blades must be less than 4 inches from pivot. Larger scissors must be checked.
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Razor (disposable/cartridge)Disposable and cartridge razors OK. Safety razors with removable blades: check only.
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Razor (straight/safety blade)Blades must go in checked baggage. Handle without blade is OK for carry-on.
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Pocket knifeAll knives (except round-bladed butter knives) must be in checked baggage.
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Lighter (disposable)One disposable lighter per passenger in carry-on. Torch lighters prohibited everywhere.
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Matches (book/safety)One book of safety matches in carry-on. Strike-anywhere matches prohibited.
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Aerosol toiletriesCarry-on: must follow 3-1-1 rule (3.4 oz). Checked: up to 18 oz per container.
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FirearmsMust be unloaded, in a locked hard-sided container, and declared at check-in.
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Sporting equipment (bats, clubs)Baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks — all checked only.
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Musical instruments (small)Small instruments can be carry-on. Larger items may need a seat purchase.
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Electronics (cameras, drones)Carry-on preferred due to theft risk. Batteries must be carry-on only.
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Baby formula & breast milkExempt from 3-1-1 rule in reasonable quantities. Must be declared for screening.
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Alcohol (under 70% / 140 proof)Carry-on: follows 3-1-1 (mini bottles OK). Checked: up to 5L between 24-70% ABV.
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Wrapped giftsAllowed but TSA may unwrap for inspection. Consider using gift bags instead.
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Tools (under 7 inches)Screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers under 7 inches OK. Larger tools must be checked.
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Tools (over 7 inches)All tools over 7 inches, including hammers and saws, must go in checked bags.
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Stroller / car seatCan be gate-checked for free on all airlines. Does not count as a checked bag.
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UmbrellaCompact umbrellas fine in carry-on. Large golf umbrellas may need to be checked.
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Snow globesCarry-on only if the globe fits within the 3.4 oz liquid limit. Larger ones: checked.
TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Explained
The TSA 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids works like this:
- 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container
- 1 quart-sized clear, resealable plastic bag
- 1 bag per passenger, placed in the screening bin
Exceptions include medications, baby formula, and breast milk — these can exceed 3.4 oz but must be declared at the checkpoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TSA 3-1-1 rule?
The 3-1-1 rule limits carry-on liquids to containers of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less, all fitting in 1 quart-sized clear bag, with 1 bag per passenger. This includes gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes.
Do I have to remove my shoes at TSA?
Standard screening requires removing shoes. TSA PreCheck members can keep shoes on. Children 12 and under in standard lanes also keep shoes on.
Can I bring food through TSA?
Solid foods are allowed through security. Liquid or gel-like foods (yogurt, soup, hummus, jams) over 3.4 oz must go in checked bags or follow the 3-1-1 rule.
Are laptops allowed in carry-on bags?
Yes. In standard screening, laptops must be removed from bags and placed in a separate bin. TSA PreCheck members can leave laptops in their bags.