What Is Allowed In A Carry On Bag?

Last Updated on September 23, 2022

Key Takeaways

  • Anything that is not prohibited by the TSA is allowed in a carry-on bag for domestic flights
  • The basic principles are that liquids are restricted in quantity and weapons, whether real or replica, are prohibited
  • Items that could be used as improvised weapons are also not allowed
  • If you are traveling internationally also check the customs rules for your destination country

Your airline sets the carry-on luggage rules about size and weight restrictions.

But it’s airport security that enforces the rules about what is allowed on a plane in a carry-on bag.

In the United States airport security is run by the Transportation Security Administration.

So there are no TSA carry-on size rules but there are TSA rules for what is permitted to be packed in carry-on bags. If you are departing from a foreign country the airport security rules of that country will apply.

The rules about what is allowed in hand luggage are pretty simple once you understand them. Airport security is mainly about stopping weapons or explosives from being brought into the aircraft cabin.

Items You Are Allowed To Bring On A Plane

Here’s some of the items that are allowed in carry-on bags as per TSA regulation:

  • Clothes, shoes
  • Electronic devices like laptops, tablets, or e-readers are allowed but must be removed from your carry-on luggage and placed in a separate tray when going through airport security
  • Cell phones or other small electronic devices can remain in your hand luggage
  • Cables and chargers don’t are allowed and don’t need to be removed from your bag during the screening process
  • Carry-on toiletries like liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols in containers less than or equal to 3.4 oz if they are packed in a single quart-sized bag
  • Duty free liquids or any liquids or drinks purchased after the airport security checkpoint are allowed in carry-on baggage
  • Items in unopened retail packaging are allowed but might need to be opened to facilitate screening
  • Frozen liquids are allowed in your carry-on in unrestricted quantities if they are frozen solid when going through security. You can use freezer packs or ice packs to keep thing frozen on the way to the airport
  • You can carry 5.5 lbs of dry ice in hand luggage if your airline agrees
  • Medically necessary liquids can be brought in quantities larger than 3.4 oz. They need to be removed from your carry-on and will undergo additional screening by a TSA agent
  • Small scissors with blades less than 4-inches measured from the pivot point or nail clippers
  • Disposables razors or electric razors
  • Solid foods and snacks
  • Lighters or safety matches are allowed but blue flame lighters are prohibted
  • Hand tools that are under 7 inches long are allowed. Tools longer than 7 inches must be packed in checked baggage
  • Cigarettes, vapes, electronic cigarettes can be packed in your hand luggage. Vape juice must be packed in your quart-size bag.
  • Silverware can go in a carry-on bag but only round bladed butter knives without a serrated edge are permitted
  • Film or a polaroid camera is allowed in hand luggage but are best hand inspected rather than going through the x-ray machine
  • A blender without the blades
  • Diaper bags
  • Breast milk, baby formula, juice or infants, or baby food is not restricted
  • Lithium batteries can go in carry-on bags and loose lithium-ion batteries are prohibited from checked luggage because of the fire risk
  • Power banks under 100 WH
  • You can take baby carriers or child car seats 

The individual TSA officer that inspects your luggage always has the final say about what is permitted through airport security. TSA officers restrict some items based on their size and weight if they feel the item could be used as a makeshift weapon.

Traveling Internationally

If you are crossing international border you also need to consider the customs rules of your destination country.

For example, the TSA will not prevent you from bring cigarettes in hand luggage but your destination country will probably have rules about how much tobacco you can import into the country.

There are also limits to how much cash you can carry if you are entering a foreign country.

Things Not To Bring In Hand Luggage

Here are some restricted items: 

  • Weapons are not allowed in carry-on bags
  • Don’t bring guns or ammunition
  • Blades are forbidden in hand luggage so don’t pack box cutters or sharp objects
  • Pocket knives can only fly in checked luggage
  • Replica weapons or toy weapons are not allowed
  • Heavy items that could be used as a makeshift weapon are not allowed think sporting equipment like baseball bats, hockey sticks, ski poles, golf clubs
  • Bear spray or pepper spray
  • Liquids, gels, pastes, creams, and aerosols, in containers larger than 3.4 ounces are not allowed in carry-on luggage (Why?).
  • Explosive materials are prohibited from hand luggage and checked bags

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