Be Prepared for Enhanced Security - Smart Security Saves Time
What Can I Bring?
In September 2006, TSA adjusted the ban on liquids, gels, and aerosols.
Air travelers may now carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints.
With certain exceptions for prescription and over-the-counter medicines, baby formula and breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols, the following rules apply to all liquids, gels, and aerosols you want to carry through a security checkpoint.
- All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.
- All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
- Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.
Please keep in mind that these rules were developed after extensive research and understanding of current threats. They are intended to help air travelers bring essential toiletries and other liquids, gels and aerosols for short trips. If you need larger amounts of liquids, gels and aerosols such as toothpaste or shampoo, please place them in your luggage and check them with your airline.
To ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers there are no limits on the amounts of the following liquids, gels and aerosols you may carry through a security checkpoint:
- Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling;
- All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes;
- Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
- Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
- Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and,
- Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.
You are not limited in the amount or volume of these above items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. However, if these items are in containers larger than three ounces, please perform the following:
- Separate these items from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size and zip-top bag.
- Declare you have the items to one of our Security Officers at the security checkpoint.
- Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening.
We have also taken steps to ensure the security of the boarding areas after you pass through our security checkpoints. Therefore, any liquid, gel or aerosol, such as coffee or soda, purchased in the secure area beyond the security checkpoint is allowed aboard your plane. Please note that if you have a layover and are re-screened at your connecting airport the current rules (see above) for carry-ons apply. For more details, get the 3-1-1 for carry-ons.
A printable version of the prohibited items listing is available. Prohibited Items List (PDF 164 KB)
To effectively communicate important security information, we translated these changes into a variety of languages. Security Information In Other Languages
You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items as such lipstick, lip balm and similar solids.
We ask for your cooperation in the screening process by being prepared before you arrive. We also ask that you follow the guidelines above and try not to over-think these guidelines. Please pack liquids, gels, and aerosols in your checked baggage even if you do not normally check a bag.
In addition to liquids, gels, and aerosols numerous other potentially dangerous items are not permitted in carry-on baggage. We strongly encourage travelers to read more about previously prohibited items to avoid complications during screening.
To help you understand and navigate the new security measures, please click one of the links below.
It is unlikely that additional changes in the liquid, aerosol and gel policy will be made in the near future.
This security regimen applies to all domestic and international flights departing U.S. airports. Travelers should, however, check with transportation security authorities in their country-of-origin for flights originating at non-U.S. airports.
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Makeup & Personal Items
|
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
| Aerosol spray bottles and cans |
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container |
Yes |
| All creams and lotions including Neosporin or first-aid creams and ointments, topical or rash creams and ointments, suntan lotions, moisturizers, etc. |
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container |
Yes |
| Bubble bath balls, bath oils or moisturizers |
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container |
Yes |
| Bug and mosquito sprays and repellents |
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container |
Yes |
|
Cigar Cutters
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Corkscrews
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Cuticle Cutters
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Deodorants made of gel or aerosol |
Yes -3 oz. or smaller container |
Yes |
| Eye drops - You are allowed to carry a 3 oz. or smaller container of eye drops in a clear, one-quart plastic bag. There is no restriction on the amount you may carry, but containers greater than 3 oz. must be declared to the Security Officer and cannot be carried in your clear, one-quart bag. |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Eyeglass Repair Tools - including screwdrivers.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Eyelash Curlers
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Gel-filled bras and similar prosthetics - Gel-filled bras may be worn through security screening and aboard aircraft.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Hair styling gels and spray of all kinds including aerosol |
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container |
Yes |
| Hair Straightener or Detangler |
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container |
Yes |
|
Knitting and Crochet Needles
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Knives - except for plastic or round bladed butter knives.
|
No
|
Yes
|
| Lip gels such as Carmex or Blistex |
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container |
Yes |
|
Liquid lip glosses or other liquids for lips
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Liquid bubble bath including gel or liquid filled
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Liquid foundations
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Liquid, gel or spray perfumes and colognes
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Liquid sanitizers
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Liquid soaps
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Liquid mascara
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Make up removers or facial cleansers
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Mouthwash
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Nail Clippers
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Nail Files
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Nail polish and removers
|
Yes -3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Non-prescription liquid or gel medicines like cough syrup and gel cap type pills - You are allowed to carry up to 3 oz., of eye drops in a clear, one-quart plastic bag. Volumes greater than 3 oz. must be declared to the Security Officer and cannot be carried in your clear, one-quart bag. For more details see read our information on liquid medications
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Personal lubricants - You are allowed to carry up to 3 oz., of eye drops in a clear, one-quart plastic bag. Volumes greater than 3 oz. must be declared to the Security Officer and cannot be carried in your clear, one-quart bag. |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Safety Razors - including disposable razors.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Saline solution - You are allowed to carry up to 3 oz., of eye drops in a clear, one-quart plastic bag. Volumes greater than 3 oz. must be declared to the Security Officer and cannot be carried in your clear, one-quart bag.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Scissors - plastic or metal with blunt tips.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches in length.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Shampoos and conditioners
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Toothpaste
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Toy Transformer Robots
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Toy Weapons - if not realistic replicas.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Tweezers
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Umbrellas- allowed in carry-on baggage once they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Walking Canes - allowed in carry-on baggage once they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
NOTE: Some personal care items containing aerosol are regulated as hazardous materials. The FAA regulates hazardous materials. This information is summarized at www.faa.gov.
|
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Medication & Special Needs Devices
Please make sure your medications are properly labeled with a professionally printed label identifying the medication and manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label. The prescription medicine must match the name on the passenger's ticket.
All disability-related equipment, aids, and devices continue to be allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening.
For more information on what to expect during security screening, you may want to visit our section written for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions.
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Electronic Devices
|
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
|
Camcorders (See below)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Camera Equipment - the checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film in camera equipment. We recommend that you either put undeveloped film and cameras containing undeveloped film in your carry-on baggage or take undeveloped film with you to the checkpoint and ask the screener to conduct a hand-inspection. (See below)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Laptop Computers (See below)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Mobile Phones (See below)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Pagers (See below)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Personal Data Assistants (PDA's) (See below)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
NOTE: We recommend keeping fragile or expensive items with you in your carry-on bags.
|
|
NOTE: Check with your airline or travel agent for restrictions on the use of these and other electronic items during your flight.
|
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Sharp Objects
|
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
|
Box Cutters
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Ice Axes/Ice Picks
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Knives - except for plastic or round bladed butter knives
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Meat Cleavers
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Razor-Type Blades - such as box cutters, utility knives, razor blades not in a cartridge, but excluding safety razors.
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Sabers
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Swords
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
|
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Sporting Goods
|
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
|
Baseball Bats
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Bows and Arrows
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Cricket Bats
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Golf Clubs
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Hockey Sticks
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Lacrosse Sticks
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Pool Cues
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Ski Poles
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Spear Guns
|
No
|
Yes
|
| For more information, please read our Traveling with Special Items section. |
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Guns & Firearms
|
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
|
Ammunition - Check with your airline or travel agent to see if ammunition is permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. If ammunition is permitted, it must be declared to the airline at check-in. Small arms ammunitions for personal use must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply. Read the TSA's Firearms & Ammunition section.
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
BB guns
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Compressed Air Guns
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Firearms - firearms carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Read the Firearms & Ammunition section.
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Flare Guns - May be carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Read the section on Camping.
|
No
|
Yes
|
| Flares |
No |
No |
|
Gun Lighters
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Gun Powder including black powder and percussion caps
|
No
|
No
|
|
Parts of Guns and Firearms
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Pellet Guns
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Realistic Replicas of Firearms
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Starter Pistols
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
NOTE: Check with your airline or travel agent to see if firearms are permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply. All of the firearms listed above, as well the frame or receiver of such firearms, carried as checked baggage, MUST be unloaded, packed in locked hard-sided gun case, and declared to your airline at check-in.
|
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Tools
|
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
|
Axes and Hatchets
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Cattle Prods
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Crowbars
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Hammers
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Drills and drill bits (including cordless portable power drills)
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Saws (including cordless portable power saws)
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Tools (greater than seven inches in length)
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Tools (seven inches or less in length)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Screwdrivers (seven inches or less in length)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Wrenches and Pliers (seven inches or less in length)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and Security Officers.
|
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Martial Arts & Self Defense Items
|
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
|
Billy Clubs
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Black Jacks
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Brass Knuckles
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Kubatons
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Mace/Pepper Spray - One 118 ml or 4 Fl. oz. container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. For more information visit www.faa.gov., click on Passengers, then Preparing to Fly.
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Martial Arts Weapons
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Night Sticks
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Nunchakus
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Stun Guns/Shocking Devices
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Throwing Stars
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and Security Officers.
|
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Explosive & Flammable Materials, Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous Items
|
Explosive Materials
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
|
Blasting Caps
|
No
|
No
|
|
Dynamite
|
No
|
No
|
|
Fireworks
|
No
|
No
|
|
Flares (in any form)
|
No
|
No
|
|
Hand Grenades
|
No
|
No
|
|
Plastic Explosives
|
No
|
No
|
|
Realistic Replicas of Explosives
|
No
|
No
|
|
Flammable Items
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
|
Aerosol (any except for personal care or toiletries in limited quantities)
|
No
|
No
|
|
Fuels (including cooking fuels and any flammable liquid fuel)
|
No
|
No
|
|
Gasoline
|
No
|
No
|
|
Gas Torches
|
No
|
No
|
|
Lighter Fluid
|
No
|
No
|
|
Lighters - All lighters are prohibited as carry-on items. Lighters without fuel are permitted in checked baggage. Lighters with fuel are prohibited in checked baggage, unless they adhere to DOT exemptions, which allow up to two fueled lighters if properly enclosed in a DOT approved case. If you are uncertain as to whether your lighter is prohibited, please refrain from bringing it to the airport.
|
No
|
No
|
|
Strike-anywhere Matches - Up to 4 books of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches are permitted as carry-on items, but all matches are prohibited in checked baggage.
|
No
|
No
|
| Flammable Paints (See Other Items below for non-flammable paints) |
No |
No |
|
Turpentine and Paint Thinner
|
No
|
No
|
|
Realistic Replicas of Incendiaries
|
No
|
No
|
|
NOTE: There are other hazardous materials that are regulated by the FAA. This information is summarized at www.faa.gov, click on Passengers, then Preparing to Fly.
|
|
Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous Items
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
|
Chlorine for Pools and Spas
|
No
|
No
|
|
Compressed Gas Cylinders - including fire extinguishers
|
No
|
No
|
|
Liquid Bleach
|
No
|
No
|
|
Spillable Batteries - except those in wheelchairs
|
No
|
No
|
|
Spray Paint
|
No
|
No
|
|
Tear Gas
|
No
|
No
|
|
NOTE: There are other hazardous materials that are regulated by the FAA. This information is summarized at www.faa.gov.
|
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Food & Drinks
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
| Beverages brought from home or purchased before reaching the security checkpoint in containers LARGER than 3 oz. |
No |
Yes |
|
Beverages brought from home or purchased before reaching the security checkpoint in a 3 oz. or smaller container and in your quart-size, zip-top plastic bag.
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
Beverages purchased after security screening
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Baby formula and food, breast milk and other baby items - These are allowed in your carry-on baggage or personal items. You can take these through the security checkpoints and aboard your plane. However, you must be traveling with a baby or toddler. All items including formula or breast milk will be inspected. Learn more on traveling with children.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Canned or jarred goods such as soup, sauces, peanut butter, fruits, vegetables and jellies |
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes |
|
Cheese in pressurized containers
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Duty free alcohol and other items (Please see our section on Duty Free Items)
|
Yes, but some restrictions apply.
|
Yes
|
|
Gel based sports supplements
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Jell-O's
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Pudding
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Whipped cream
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Yogurt or gel like food substances
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
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Other Items
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
|
Gel-type candles
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Gel shoe inserts - Gel shoe inserts are not permitted, but shoes constructed with gel heels are allowed and must be removed and screened. Read more on TSA's shoe screening policy.
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Non-flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint
|
Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container
|
Yes
|
|
Flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint
|
No
|
No
|
|
Snow globes and like decorations regardless of size or amount of liquid inside, even with documentation.
|
No
|
Yes
|
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Permitted and Prohibited Items
Transportation Security Administration | U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Updated list may be found at - tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
Information presented on this Web page is considered public information and may be distributed or copied.
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