TSA Regulations for Carry-On: What to Pack
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Knowing the TSA regulations for carry on before you reach the airport can save you from losing items at the checkpoint or paying unexpected baggage fees at the gate.
The rules cover everything from how much shampoo you can pack to whether your pocket knife needs to go in your checked bag.
Most hold-ups at security come from preventable mistakes.
Packing a carry-on that clears TSA screening without issues comes down to three things: following the liquids rule, knowing which items are banned, and organizing your bag so it screens quickly.
A few key rules cover the majority of situations.
Key Takeaways
- Liquids in carry-ons must be in containers of 3.4 oz or less, all fitting into one quart-sized clear bag.
- Sharp objects, firearms, and flammable materials are prohibited in carry-ons and must go in checked luggage or be left behind.
- TSA PreCheck lets you move through security faster by skipping some standard screening steps like removing shoes and laptops.
TSA Regulations For Carry On At A Glance
TSA sets the rules for what can and cannot pass through security checkpoints.
Bag size limits and fees are set by your airline.
Both sets of rules apply to your carry-on at the same time.
What TSA Controls Vs. What Airlines Control
TSA controls checkpoint screening.
Its rules apply to every traveler at every U.S. airport, regardless of which airline you fly.
TSA decides what items are allowed or prohibited through the security lane.
Airlines control bag dimensions, weight limits, and how many bags you can bring on board.
A bag that clears TSA security can still be gate-checked if it exceeds your airline's size limit.
Carry-On Bag Vs. Personal Item Vs. Checked Bag
Most airlines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item.
The carry-on goes in the overhead bin.
The personal item, such as a backpack or purse, fits under the seat in front of you.
| Bag Type | Where It Goes | Size Set By |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on | Overhead bin | Airline |
| Personal item | Under seat | Airline |
| Checked bag | Aircraft cargo hold | Airline |
TSA screening rules apply to both your carry-on and personal item.
Checked bags go through separate screening at check-in.
Why TSA Officers Have Final Discretion At The Checkpoint
Even if an item appears on the TSA's allowed list, an officer can still pull it for additional screening or prohibit it from passing through.
TSA states clearly that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the officer on duty.
This is worth knowing because you may read that something is allowed, pack it confidently, and still have it flagged.
When in doubt, check the TSA's official item search tool before you travel.
The 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Explained
The 3-1-1 rule is the single most misunderstood carry-on rule.
It applies to all liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes in your carry-on.
How The 3-1-1 Rule Works In Practice
The rule breaks down simply:
- 3.4 oz (100 ml): Maximum container size allowed
- 1 quart-sized bag: All your liquid containers must fit into one clear, resealable bag
- 1 bag per passenger: Each traveler gets one quart-sized bag
The container size is what matters, not how much liquid is actually inside.
A 6 oz bottle that is half empty still violates the rule.
What Counts As A Liquid, Gel, Aerosol, Cream, Or Paste
If it can be poured, squeezed, pumped, or spread, TSA treats it as a liquid.
Common items that fall under this rule include:
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Toothpaste and mouthwash
- Sunscreen and lotion
- Foundation, mascara, and lip gloss
- Deodorant (gel or spray form)
- Peanut butter and hummus
- Soft cheeses and yogurt
Solid deodorant, bar soap, and powder cosmetics do not count as liquids and do not need to go in your quart-sized bag.
How To Pack A Quart-Sized Bag Correctly
Use a clear, resealable plastic bag.
The standard zip-top sandwich bag works, and reusable silicone versions are fine too.
All containers must fit comfortably inside with the bag able to close fully.
Place the bag at the top of your carry-on so you can pull it out quickly at the screening bin.
TSA requires it to be removed from your bag and placed in its own bin for X-ray screening.
Common Liquid Exceptions For Medication And Baby Items
Prescription and over-the-counter medications, baby formula, breast milk, and juice for infants are exempt from the 3.4 oz limit.
You can bring these in larger quantities, but you must declare them to the TSA officer at the checkpoint.
Medications should be in their original labeled containers when possible.
TSA may need to open and test them, so keep them accessible rather than buried in your bag.
What You Can Bring In A Carry-On
The list of items allowed in carry-ons is much longer than most travelers expect.
Quite a few items that seem questionable are actually permitted.
Electronics, Batteries, And Travel Tech
Most personal electronics are allowed in carry-ons and are actually encouraged over checked bags.
Lithium batteries, in particular, should travel in your carry-on because of fire safety regulations.
Allowed electronics include:
- Laptops, tablets, and e-readers
- Smartphones and cameras
- Portable chargers and power banks
- Airbrush makeup machines with lithium batteries
At standard screening lanes, laptops must be removed from your bag and placed in a separate bin.
Other electronics typically stay in your bag unless an officer asks you to remove them.
Food, Snacks, And Empty Water Bottles
Solid food is generally fine in carry-ons.
Sandwiches, granola bars, chips, fruit, and similar snacks pass through without issue.
Liquid or spreadable foods fall under the 3-1-1 rule.
Yogurt, soups, dips, and similar items must be in containers of 3.4 oz or less.
An empty water bottle is allowed through security, and you can fill it at a water fountain once you are past the checkpoint.
Toiletries, Cosmetics, And Travel-Size Items
Travel-size toiletries that meet the 3.4 oz limit are allowed.
Most major drugstores sell compliant sizes.
Solid versions of toiletries, such as shampoo bars, solid deodorant, and solid sunscreen, avoid the liquid rule entirely.
Makeup falls under the same rules as other liquids.
Powder products are unrestricted.
Mascara, foundation, and lip gloss must comply with the 3.4 oz limit and fit in your quart-sized bag.
Unusual But Allowed Items Such As An Air Mattress With Built-In Pump
Some items that seem too bulky or unusual to bring on a plane are actually permitted.
An air mattress with a built-in pump is allowed in carry-on bags, though you should check with your airline about size and weight limits.
Other examples of allowed but surprising items include antlers, baby carriers, and artificial skeleton bones.
TSA publishes a searchable item database where you can check almost anything before you pack.
What Is Restricted Or Prohibited In Carry-Ons
Some items are banned outright from carry-ons.
Others are restricted based on size, quantity, or type.
Knowing the difference helps you avoid losing items at the checkpoint.
Oversized Liquids And Full-Size Aerosols
Any liquid container over 3.4 oz is prohibited in carry-ons, even if it is mostly empty.
Full-size shampoo bottles, canned beverages purchased before security, and large aerosol sprays like dry shampoo or hairspray must go in checked luggage.
Aerosol insecticides are not allowed in carry-on bags at all.
They are only permitted in checked bags and must not be labeled as hazardous material.
Sharp Objects, Tools, And Sports Gear
The following items are prohibited in carry-ons:
- Knives with blades longer than 4 inches (measured from the handle)
- Box cutters and razor blades
- Axes, hatchets, and swords
- Baseball bats, golf clubs, and hockey sticks
- Drills and power tools
Small scissors with blades under 4 inches and disposable razors are allowed.
Tools under 7 inches in length, like screwdrivers, may be permitted, but items like drills need to go in checked luggage.
Alcohol Rules Including Alcoholic Beverages Over 140 Proof
Mini bottles of alcohol in carry-on bags must fit comfortably in your quart-sized bag.
Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof, including grain alcohol and 151-proof rum, are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.
There are no exceptions to this rule.
For checked bags, alcohol between 24% and 70% ABV is limited to 5 liters per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging.
Alcohol at 24% ABV or below has no quantity restriction in checked bags.
Items Better Packed In Checked Luggage
Some items are not banned but cause screening delays or get flagged regularly.
It is easier to pack them in checked luggage:
- Full-size toiletries and cosmetics
- Corkscrews and wine keys
- Lengthy extension cords and power strips
- Snow globes over a small size
- Large lithium batteries above the carry-on watt-hour limit
How To Get Through Security Faster
Moving through a TSA checkpoint quickly comes down to preparation.
Organized bags screen faster, and knowing what to expect means fewer surprises when you reach the front of the line.
How To Organize Your Bag For Screening
Pack your quart-sized liquids bag at the very top of your carry-on so you can remove it without unpacking everything.
Place laptops near the top for the same reason.
Wear slip-on shoes if possible.
Avoid wearing a belt, heavy jewelry, or clothing with metal hardware.
Keep your ID and boarding pass in a pocket you can reach without opening your bag.
At the bin, place these items separately:
- Quart-sized liquids bag
- Laptop (at standard lanes)
- Shoes, belt, jacket
- Loose coins and keys
What Changes With TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that lets you use dedicated, faster screening lanes.
With PreCheck, you do not need to remove your shoes, belt, laptop, or liquids bag at the checkpoint.
PreCheck requires a one-time application and background check, and membership is valid for five years.
Most major U.S. airports have PreCheck lanes.
The time savings at busy airports can be significant, especially during peak travel periods.
When To Use AskTSA For Item-Specific Questions
If you are unsure whether a specific item is allowed, TSA runs the AskTSA service on social media where you can send a direct question and get a response from a TSA employee.
The TSA website also has a searchable item database covering hundreds of common and uncommon items.
Use these tools before you reach the airport, not at the checkpoint.
Getting an answer ahead of time means you can repack if needed rather than having an item confiscated at screening.
Smart Packing Tips For International Travelers
International travelers face the same TSA rules as domestic travelers when departing from U.S. airports.
There are a few extra considerations worth keeping in mind before you board.
How To Avoid Last-Minute Confiscations Before Departure
The most common reason items get confiscated is that travelers forget what is already in their bag from a previous trip.
Before you pack for an international trip, empty your bag completely and start fresh.
Check pockets, side compartments, and any pouch that tends to collect miscellaneous items.
If you are bringing medications in larger quantities, carry documentation like a prescription label or doctor's note.
This is especially useful for international arrivals where other countries may have their own rules for what medications you can bring in.
Why Keeping Your Phone Ready Matters After Security
Once you clear security and board an international flight, your phone becomes your main tool for navigation, translation, communication, and finding transportation when you land.
Keep your phone charged before departure.
Download offline maps for your destination.
Make sure your connectivity plan is set up before you board so you are not scrambling to find Wi-Fi at a foreign airport.
Using Travel eSIM Setup Before Takeoff To Stay Connected On Arrival
Setting up your international data before you fly is one of the most practical things you can do as part of your pre-departure routine.
A travel eSIM, like those offered by Roamix, can be installed at home over Wi-Fi before you leave for the airport.
The eSIM activates automatically when your phone connects to a local network at your destination.
You can step off the plane with working data, ready to pull up directions or contact someone waiting for you, without needing airport Wi-Fi or a local SIM card purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items are prohibited in a carry-on bag?
Sharp objects like knives with blades over 4 inches, firearms, flammable materials, and aerosol insecticides are prohibited in carry-on bags. Liquids in containers over 3.4 oz are also not allowed unless they qualify for a medical or baby item exemption. Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof are banned from both carry-on and checked bags.
What are the current rules for liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage?
The TSA 3-1-1 rule requires that all liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes be in containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less. All containers must fit into one clear, quart-sized resealable bag, and each passenger is limited to one such bag. Medications, baby formula, and breast milk are exempt from this size limit but must be declared at the checkpoint.
What are the maximum carry-on bag size and weight limits for most airlines?
TSA does not set size or weight limits for carry-on bags. Those rules are determined by each airline individually. Most major U.S. airlines allow a carry-on up to approximately 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but budget carriers and regional flights may have stricter limits. Always check your specific airline's policy before you pack.
How much liquid can you bring in a carry-on, and how should it be packed for screening?
You can bring as many travel-size liquid containers as fit into one quart-sized clear bag, with each container at 3.4 oz or less. Place the bag at the top of your carry-on so you can remove it quickly at the bin without unpacking. TSA requires you to take the liquids bag out of your carry-on and place it in its own bin for screening.
Are makeup and toiletries allowed in a carry-on, and what restrictions apply?
Most makeup and toiletries are allowed in carry-ons as long as they follow the 3-1-1 rule. Liquid foundations, mascara, lip gloss, lotion, and toothpaste must all be in containers of 3.4 oz or less and fit in your quart-sized bag. Powder cosmetics, solid deodorant, and bar soap are not subject to the liquid rule and can be packed freely.
What changes, if any, are expected for carry-on luggage rules in 2026?
As of April 2026, the core TSA carry-on rules remain in place. This includes the 3-1-1 liquids rule and prohibited items list. Some U.S. airports have been testing advanced CT scanners that may reduce the need to remove laptops and liquids from bags. However, this has not been rolled out universally. A viral claim that TSA would require clear carry-on bags in 2026 was confirmed to be false.
