TSA Carry-On Rules: Everything You Can and Cannot Bring on a Plane in 2026

Every year, TSA officers confiscate millions of items from travelers who did not realize what was and was not allowed in a carry-on bag. The rules can feel confusing, especially when some items are allowed in carry-on but not checked luggage, and vice versa.

This guide covers every TSA carry-on rule you need to know for 2026, from the 3-1-1 liquid rule to prohibited items, food, razors, medications, and electronics. Bookmark this page as your definitive reference before every trip, and check <a href="/">FlightQueue</a> for real-time security wait times at your airport.

The 3-1-1 Liquid Rule Explained

The TSA 3-1-1 rule is the foundation of carry-on packing for liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes. Despite periodic rumors of its retirement, the 3-1-1 rule remains the federal standard at all U.S. airports in 2026.

<strong>3</strong> — Each container must be <strong>3.4 ounces (100 mL) or less</strong>. This applies to the container size, not the amount of liquid inside. A half-empty 6-ounce bottle will be confiscated.

<strong>1</strong> — All containers must fit inside <strong>one clear, quart-sized, resealable plastic bag</strong>.

<strong>1</strong> — Each passenger is allowed <strong>one bag</strong>.

Common items that count as liquids and must follow 3-1-1: shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, lotion, perfume, contact lens solution, lip gloss, mascara, liquid foundation, and aerosol deodorant.

<strong>Pro tip:</strong> At airports equipped with new CT scanners, you may no longer need to remove your liquids bag from your carry-on. However, the 3.4-ounce container limit still applies regardless of scanner type.

Exceptions to the Liquid Rule

Certain liquids are exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit and may be carried in reasonable quantities:

Exempt Item	Notes
Prescription liquid medication	Declare at checkpoint; may undergo additional screening
Over-the-counter liquid medication	Includes saline solution, eye drops, cough syrup
Breast milk and formula	Allowed in reasonable quantities for infant feeding
Baby food and juice	For infants and toddlers; inform TSA officer
Medically necessary gel ice packs	Must be declared; may be screened separately

For all exempt liquids, remove them from your carry-on bag and inform the TSA officer at the start of screening. They may undergo X-ray inspection or additional testing.

TSA Prohibited Items: What You Cannot Bring in a Carry-On

The following items are <strong>never allowed in carry-on luggage</strong>. Some may be packed in checked bags instead. When in doubt, check the official <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TSA "What Can I Bring?" tool</a>.

<strong>Sharp Objects:</strong>

Item	Carry-On	Checked Bag
Box cutters, utility knives	No	Yes
Scissors (blades over 4 inches)	No	Yes
Knives (all types)	No	Yes
Straight razors, razor blades	No	Yes
Swords, sabers, martial arts weapons	No	Yes
Ice picks, ice axes	No	Yes

<strong>Tools:</strong>

Item	Carry-On	Checked Bag
Screwdrivers (over 7 inches)	No	Yes
Wrenches, pliers (over 7 inches)	No	Yes
Hammers, crowbars	No	Yes
Drills, saws	No	Yes
Multi-tools with blades	No	Yes

<strong>Sporting Goods:</strong> Baseball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, ski poles, pool cues, and bows and arrows are all banned from carry-on but allowed in checked luggage.

<strong>Firearms and Weapons:</strong> Firearms, ammunition, firearm parts, stun guns, tasers, pepper spray (one 4-ounce container with safety mechanism allowed in checked bags only), and martial arts weapons are prohibited in carry-on luggage. Firearms may be transported in checked bags if they are unloaded, in a hard-sided locked case, and declared at check-in.

<strong>Explosives and Flammable Items:</strong> Fireworks, flares, gasoline, lighter fluid, spray paint, propane tanks, and strike-anywhere matches are banned from both carry-on and checked bags. Standard lighters (disposable and Zippo) are allowed in carry-on but not checked luggage. Torch lighters are banned everywhere.

What Food Can You Bring on a Plane?

Good news: TSA allows most solid foods in your carry-on. You can bring sandwiches, chips, fruit, nuts, granola bars, candy, baked goods, and most other snacks through security without issue.

<strong>The key rule:</strong> solid foods are fine, but anything liquid, spreadable, or gel-like must follow the 3-1-1 rule. This catches more travelers than you might expect.

Allowed (Solid)	Must Follow 3-1-1 (Liquid/Gel)
Sandwiches, wraps, burgers	Soup, chili, salsa
Whole fruits and vegetables	Yogurt, pudding
Chips, crackers, pretzels	Hummus, dips, spreads
Cookies, brownies, cake	Jam, jelly, honey, syrup
Nuts, trail mix, granola bars	Peanut butter, Nutella
Cheese (hard blocks)	Cream cheese, soft cheeses
Cooked meat and seafood	Gravy, sauces, oils
Bread, bagels, muffins	Beverages (buy after security)

<strong>Tip:</strong> Bring an empty reusable water bottle and fill it at a water fountain after clearing security. Most airports have filtered bottle-fill stations near the gates.

For international flights, be aware that customs at your destination may restrict bringing fresh produce, meats, and dairy products into the country. Check destination rules before packing perishable food.

Can You Bring a Razor on a Plane?

This is one of the most searched TSA questions, and the answer depends entirely on the type of razor.

Razor Type	Carry-On	Checked Bag
Disposable razors (e.g., Bic)	Yes	Yes
Cartridge razors (e.g., Gillette Mach3)	Yes	Yes
Electric razors	Yes	Yes
Safety razor (handle only, no blade)	Yes	Yes
Safety razor blades	No	Yes
Straight razors	No	Yes

<strong>Key point:</strong> If you use a safety razor, remove the blade before going through security. The handle is fine in your carry-on, but the blade must go in your checked bag or be purchased at your destination. TSA officers will not remove the blade for you.

Electronics Rules

All personal electronics are allowed in carry-on luggage. In standard screening lanes, you must remove laptops, tablets, and large electronics from your bag and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening.

<strong>Lithium battery rules (critical for 2026):</strong>

Item	Carry-On	Checked Bag
Phones, tablets, laptops	Yes	Yes (with battery installed)
Spare lithium batteries	Yes (required)	No
Power banks / portable chargers	Yes (required)	No
E-cigarettes, vape devices	Yes (required)	No
Smart luggage with non-removable battery	No	No

Power banks and spare lithium batteries <strong>must</strong> be carried in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. This is an FAA safety rule to prevent cargo hold fires. Smart luggage with a non-removable lithium battery is banned from all U.S. airlines.

At airports with newer CT scanners, you may not need to remove laptops or electronics from your bag. Look for signage at your checkpoint or ask a TSA officer.

Medication Rules

TSA allows all medications in carry-on luggage. There is no limit on the amount of pills (prescription or over-the-counter) you can bring.

<strong>Liquid medications</strong> are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. You may bring medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces. Declare them to the TSA officer and remove them from your bag for separate screening.

TSA does not require medications to be in prescription bottles, though keeping the original packaging with your name on it can prevent issues. TSA also does not require a doctor's letter, but having one is recommended for injectable medications, controlled substances, or large quantities of liquid medication.

<strong>Medical devices</strong> such as insulin pumps, CPAP machines, nebulizers, and syringes are all allowed through security. Inform the TSA officer before screening begins. Passengers may request a visual inspection of medications and medical devices instead of X-ray screening.

Items That Surprise Most Travelers

Some items that <strong>are</strong> allowed in carry-on surprise many travelers:

Allowed in Carry-On	Notes
Scissors (blades under 4 inches)	Measured from the pivot point
Screwdrivers (under 7 inches)	Small repair tools are fine
Disposable razors	Blade is enclosed and non-removable
Knitting needles	All types allowed
Crochet hooks	All types allowed
Corkscrews (no blade)	Wine openers without a knife
Lighters (disposable, Zippo)	One per passenger; no torch lighters
Safety matches	One book of matches per passenger
Umbrellas	All sizes allowed

Some items that are <strong>not</strong> allowed catch people off guard: snow globes over 3.4 ounces (they contain liquid), full-size bottles of wine or liquor, certain gel candles, and multi-tools with any blade component.

TSA PreCheck: What You Can Keep in Your Bag

<a href="/blog/is-tsa-precheck-worth-it">TSA PreCheck</a> does not change what items are allowed or prohibited. It changes <strong>how you go through screening</strong>, making the process faster and less disruptive.

<strong>With TSA PreCheck, you can keep:</strong> shoes on, belt on, light jacket on, laptop in your bag, 3-1-1 liquids bag in your carry-on.

<strong>2025-2026 updates:</strong> TSA ended its long-standing "shoes-off" policy in mid-2025. As of July 2025, most passengers in standard lanes can also keep their shoes on, though additional screening may still require removal. At airports with CT scanners, standard lane passengers may also keep electronics and liquids in their bags.

PreCheck still offers significant advantages: dedicated shorter lines (average wait under 5 minutes), no need to remove anything from your bag, and a generally smoother experience. It costs $78 for five years, and <a href="/blog/is-tsa-precheck-worth-it">we think it is well worth it</a>.

What Happens If You Bring a Prohibited Item?

If TSA finds a prohibited item in your carry-on, the outcome depends on the item and the situation.

<strong>For common items</strong> like oversized liquids, a forgotten pocket knife, or a multi-tool with a blade, you typically have three options: voluntarily surrender the item (it will be disposed of), take it back to your car or give it to a non-traveling companion, or check it in your luggage if you have time to go back to the airline counter.

<strong>For serious violations</strong> involving weapons, firearms, or dangerous items, TSA may issue a <strong>Notice of Violation</strong> with civil penalties of up to $17,062 per violation. Repeat offenders face higher fines. Firearms discovered at checkpoints will result in law enforcement being called, and you may face criminal charges depending on state and local laws.

Even accidental violations can result in loss of TSA PreCheck eligibility. Always double-check your bags before heading to the airport, especially if you use the same bag for work, camping, or other activities where prohibited items might be stowed.

REAL ID Requirement for 2026

Starting May 7, 2025, a <strong>REAL ID-compliant driver's license</strong> (marked with a star) or another acceptable form of ID (passport, passport card, military ID) is required to board domestic flights. Standard driver's licenses without the REAL ID star are no longer accepted at TSA checkpoints.

If you arrive at the airport without an acceptable ID, TSA offers a <strong>Confirm.ID identity verification process</strong> for a $45 non-refundable fee. This is not guaranteed to get you through security, so always bring proper identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

<strong>Can I bring a water bottle through TSA?</strong> Yes, but it must be empty. Fill it at a water fountain after you clear security. Frozen water bottles are also allowed as long as the ice is fully solid at the time of screening.

<strong>Can I bring food through TSA?</strong> Yes. Solid foods like sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and baked goods are allowed in unlimited quantities. Liquid or spreadable foods (soup, hummus, yogurt) must follow the 3-1-1 rule or be packed in checked luggage.

<strong>Can I bring a razor on a plane?</strong> Disposable and cartridge razors are allowed in carry-on. Straight razors and loose safety razor blades must go in checked luggage.

<strong>Can I bring scissors on a plane?</strong> Yes, if the blades are under 4 inches from the pivot point. Larger scissors must go in checked bags.

<strong>Can I bring a lighter on a plane?</strong> One disposable lighter or Zippo lighter is allowed in your carry-on. Torch lighters and lighter fluid are not allowed in carry-on or checked bags.

<strong>Can I bring alcohol on a plane?</strong> Mini bottles (3.4 oz or less) are allowed in your carry-on liquids bag. Larger bottles must go in checked luggage. Alcohol over 140 proof (70% ABV) is banned from both carry-on and checked bags. Note: airlines prohibit consuming your own alcohol on board.

<strong>Can I bring a laptop charger on a plane?</strong> Yes. Standard chargers and cables are allowed in carry-on and checked bags with no restrictions.

<strong>Can I bring a curling iron or hair straightener?</strong> Corded models are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Cordless butane-powered styling tools are allowed in carry-on only (one per passenger) with the safety cover in place.

<strong>Can I bring deodorant on a plane?</strong> Solid stick deodorant is allowed with no restrictions. Spray or gel deodorant must be 3.4 ounces or less and go in your liquids bag.

<strong>Can I bring a CPAP machine on a plane?</strong> Yes. CPAP machines are allowed as an additional carry-on item and do not count toward your bag limit. Remove it from its case for X-ray screening unless you are in a PreCheck or CT scanner lane.

<strong>Can I bring baby formula on a plane?</strong> Yes. Formula, breast milk, and juice for infants are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule and may be carried in reasonable quantities. Declare them to the TSA officer for separate screening.

<strong>Can I bring pepper spray on a plane?</strong> No, not in carry-on. One 4-ounce container with a safety mechanism is allowed in checked baggage only.

Quick Reference: Carry-On Packing Checklist

Before you head to the airport, run through this quick checklist to avoid delays and lost items at security:

<strong>Liquids:</strong> All containers 3.4 oz or less, packed in one clear quart-sized bag. Medications and baby formula declared separately.

<strong>Electronics:</strong> Laptops and tablets accessible for removal (unless at a CT scanner checkpoint). Power banks and spare batteries in carry-on only, never checked.

<strong>Sharp items:</strong> No knives, box cutters, or loose razor blades. Scissors under 4 inches and disposable razors are fine.

<strong>ID:</strong> REAL ID-compliant license, passport, or other accepted ID ready for the document checker.

<strong>Pockets:</strong> Empty your pockets of keys, coins, phone, and wallet before reaching the scanner to avoid setting off the alarm and requiring a pat-down.

For real-time security wait times so you know exactly when to arrive, check <a href="/">FlightQueue</a> before every flight.